![\"french](\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Frenchie-LJ-1024x553.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nBrachycephalic breeds are not biologically built to swim. These breeds are top-heavy, barrel-chested dogs with squished or flat faces that limit their ability to breathe properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Examples of brachycephalic dog breeds that cannot swim include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- English bulldogs<\/li>
- French bulldogs<\/li>
- Pugs<\/li>
- Boxers<\/li>
- Chow chows<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The short muzzles of the above breeds restrict the airway, causing the pooch to exert a lot of effort just to inhale. In addition, the uneven weight distribution they are built with \u2014 like large heads or chests \u2014 does not make for good flotation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nRelated reading: Swimming Safety Tips for French Bulldogs<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn addition to flat-faced dogs, dogs with very short legs are not strong swimmers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short-legged dogs that cannot swim include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Corgis<\/li>
- Dachshunds<\/li>
- Basset hounds<\/li>
- Bull terrier<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Dog Breeds That Excel at Swimming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"dog](\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/B__7334-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, some dog breeds have natural instincts that make them good swimmers. They include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Labrador retrievers<\/li>
- Portuguese water dogs<\/li>
- Golden retriever<\/li>
- Irish water spaniel<\/li>
- Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever<\/li>
- American water spaniel<\/li>
- Poodles<\/li>
- Irish setters<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Many of the above breeds include \u201cwater\u201d in the title. Dead giveaway, right? Many of those breeds are down to swim in any body of water when they get the chance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Safety Tips for Swimming with Flat-Faced or Short-Legged Dog Breeds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"dog](\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/lifejacketgranby.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s good news for pet parents who have a dog breed that cannot or does not know how to swim!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, it is true that the aforementioned breeds can\u2019t swim, but they CAN enjoy the water as long as they are wearing a life vest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dogs with physical limitations prevent them from keeping themselves above water cannot go into a swimming pool or lake without one. It\u2019s important to never let them near water without one, even shallow water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Dog Life Jacket Is Essential<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"dog](\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Dawson_Lifestyle_Pink_-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nDog training and having a life vest available before going to the beach or pool for the first time should come first, according to the Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dog owners can take their pup to swimming lessons as well. A Google search for dog swimming lessons in your area should come up with a handful of results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The instructor will have them wear a flotation device, teach them the dog paddle, and get them used to the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When shopping for a dog life jacket for your non-swimming breed, make sure you get one that has the following key safety features:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Adjustable straps<\/li>
- Grab handle<\/li>
- D-ring to clip a leash onto<\/li>
- Reflective accents<\/li>
- Bright colors for visibility<\/li>
- Belly band for chest support<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Another safety device you can have your pup wear in addition to the left vest is a neck donut. These will keep your dog\u2019s head above water and give them extra support. (It makes your dog look silly but so<\/em> adorable.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just keep swimming …<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"dog](\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/dogswimming.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nNot all dogs like the water whether or not they were bred to, and that\u2019s ok!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you do end up taking your dog to the pool or beach, just remember to never leave them unattended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even if they don\u2019t go in the water, t\u2019s also a good idea to have them wear a life jacket in these environments anyway \u2014 especially on a boat. You never know what could happen!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dog Life Jackets for Your Next Aquatic Adventure<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t![\"Product](\"https:\/\/cdn11.bigcommerce.com\/s-asivtkjxr8\/product_images\/attribute_rule_images\/810_source_1651003911.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\tGranby Splash Dog Life Jacket<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t
$38.49<\/h4>\n\t\t\t
The Outward Hound Granby Dog Life Jacket is a high-performance dog flotation device for boating, water sports, the beach, the pool, and other water adventures with dogs. A front neck float adds extra support to help them keep their head above water. Top grab handles provide an easy way to retrieve your dog in an emergency. Adjustable straps keep them secure both in and out of water. For small dogs, sizes…<\/p>\n\t\t\t
View Details<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t![\"Product](\"https:\/\/cdn11.bigcommerce.com\/s-asivtkjxr8\/product_images\/attribute_rule_images\/790_source_1650997525.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\tDawson Swim Dog Life Jacket<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t
$65.99<\/strike> $30.00<\/h4>\n\t\t\tThe Outward Hound Dawson Dog Life Jacket is a high-performance dog flotation device for boating, water sports, the beach, the pool, and other water adventures with dogs. Designed with novice swimmers in mind, the neoprene side panels of this dog life vest will keep your dog safe by providing them with comfortable buoyancy and thermal insulation for chilly days on the water. A front neck float adds extra…<\/p>\n\t\t\t
View Details<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t![\"Product](\"https:\/\/cdn11.bigcommerce.com\/s-asivtkjxr8\/product_images\/attribute_rule_images\/371_source_1642697202.jpg\")
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