Can Dachshunds Swim? Doxie Tips You NEED to Know

So, can Dachsunds swim? Dachshunds technically can swim but they aren’t very good at it. Their small legs make it difficult to stay afloat while swimming, so extreme caution should be taken when letting your Dachshund swim and you should never let them near water unsupervised.

Do you want your Dachshund to accompany you to swimming and water activities? 

Realistically, these dogs tend to be very cautious when first exploring bodies of water. Knowing if your furry pal can or cannot swim can help keep them safe and accident-free.

Dachshunds can be taught to swim, but they’ll not become very strong swimmers. This has a lot to do with their body structure. They have short legs and long bodies. 

Related Reading: Bark Collars For Dachshunds

Do Dachshunds like water?

Usually, Dachshunds prefer land over water. Dachshunds are playful, intelligent, and courageous dogs. Many Dachshunds love to play in the water. However, when it comes to water, they may show some resistance. 

Just like us, each dog has its own personality. At times, Dachshunds can be stubborn and mischievous too. This makes it even more difficult to get them in the water.

When you bring your Sausage dog into the water, you supervise them the entire time they are in the water. The reason is that they have short legs and can tire quickly.

How do you teach your Dachshund to swim? 

Dachshunds are not natural swimmers. However, with the right training, you can teach your Dachshund to swim. 

Teaching your Dachshund how to swim can be a lot of fun. It’s better to start introducing your Dachshund to the water at a young age. When Doxies are young, they are usually bursting with curiosity and excitement.

To teach your Dachshund how to swim, here’s what you can do:

1. Start with a small amount of water in a shallow pool.
2. Be patient and never rush. Let your Doxie dip their paws in the water and get comfortable.
3. Get in the water with your Dachshund and swim alongside.
4. As your Sausage dog becomes comfortable with the water, try a pool that is a little deeper.
5. Lift your Dachshund’s tummy while they swim to help them float.
6. Take breaks and never overdo it. Keep swimming sessions short for your dog. Allow your Dachshund to swim for a couple of minutes and let them out.
7. It is important to teach your Dachshund how to get out of the pool. Practice exiting the water a few times to show them the way out.
8. Keep the experience positive so that your dog does not become afraid of water.

Never force your Dachshund into the water. It can be more harmful to their temperament and confidence and it may put them off swimming altogether.

Pet parent tip: Don’t let your Dachshund swim right after having their meal. If they swim on a full stomach, this may cause bloating. Give some time to your Sausage dog to digest its meal before swimming.

Water safety tips for your Dachshund 

There are certain steps that you can take to keep your Dachshund safe in and around any body of water.

Life jacket: 

It’s worth investing in a dog life jacket. This will help your furry friend stay afloat if it accidentally ends up in the water and can’t swim.

Watch closely and hang on: 

Stay very close to your Dachshund and watch them closely to avoid accidents. These dogs can sink very quickly. It’s better to swim alongside your Doxie in the water.

Provide fresh drinking water: 

Don’t let your Dachshund drink pool, pond, sea, or lake water. They can get sick. Always bring along fresh water for your Doxie to keep them hydrated and cool.

Avoid currents and waves: 

Don’t let your Sausage dog swim in a river or ocean with currents. These waves and currents are dangerous for your furry friend.

Take breaks: 

Swimming is a great exercise but it is tiring for your Dachshund. Always take breaks to preserve their energy and to keep them safe.

A protective fence around the pool:

No matter what, never leave your Dachshund unattended around a pool. Add a protective fence around your pool. This is a great way to keep your dog away from the dangerous water.

Dachshunds are prone to many skin problems. If your pool is chlorinated, it is recommended to rinse them off after swimming in the pool. Chlorine is a chemical that shouldn’t stay on your Dachshund’s skin.

It can be very drying to your dog’s skin and coat.

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What breeds of dogs can not swim so well? 

The assumption that ‘all dogs can swim’ is not correct. Though all dogs can paddle in the water, certain dog breeds can’t swim well at all. They prefer to stay on the land. This doesn’t mean that you can’t teach them how to swim.

The reason for not being good swimmers is their anatomy and facial structure.

Breeds who find swimming difficult include:

• Dogs with large, heavy chests in relation to their hindquarters
• Dogs with short legs in proportion to their bodies
• Dogs with heavy heads
• Dogs with short muzzles

Here are a few dog breeds that are not good candidates for swimming or they struggle hard to swim:

• Basset Hound
• Pug
• French Bulldog
• Pekingese
• Shih Tzu
• Scottish Terrier
• English Bulldog
• Corgi
• Boxer
• Maltese
• Dachshund
• Chow Chow

A dog’s temperament is also an important factor in its ability to swim. Some canines don’t even like to go out on a rainy day. 

You can still enjoy water fun with a land-loving dog. These breeds would rather love to sunbathe than swim. 

Final Thoughts

Although swimming is not a natural ability of Dachshunds, you can teach them how to swim. Many dachshunds simply love it! 

If your Dachshund is unable to accompany you in pools, you can go for other activities with your furry friend. For a cool binding time, there are a variety of land activities. You can enjoy hunting, burrowing, fetch games, and anything that keeps them on the go.

Remember that all Doxies should always wear a lifejacket during swimming. These dogs should be removed from the water if they become exhausted. Just go slow, control the environment, and make it a positive experience!