Watch Out Michael Phelps: These Pups Are Making a Splash in Synchronized Swimming + 6 Breeds that Love to Swim
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games have been a tail-wagging thrill to watch, and it seems even our four-legged friends are caught up in the excitement! Inspired by the paw-some athletes competing from around the globe, a group of service dogs from Canine Companions decided to dip their paws into the world of artistic swimming—or should we say synchronized doggy paddling! Aiming for a spot in the 2028 Olympics, these pups are making quite a splash. While they may not be gold medal contenders just yet, their sheer joy and enthusiasm are absolutely podium-worthy!
Even the most dedicated service dogs need a break from their important work to unleash their inner puppy and have some fun. These canine athletes spend their days supporting their humans, making daily life smoother and brighter, but when it’s time to play, they dive right in! Canine Companions, a heartwarming non-profit organization, provides highly trained service dogs and continuous support to individuals with physical, cognitive, and auditory disabilities, veterans, and professional handlers. Watching these Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers make waves in kiddie pools is a reminder that sometimes, even the hardest workers need a splash of fun.
Source: Youtube
6 Dog Breeds That Like To Swim
Why do some dog breeds like to swim more than others? Selective breeding is very powerful, and human intervention has helped to shape dogs with highly specific likes, dislikes, skills, and weaknesses. Dogs originally bred to retrieve game, work alongside fishermen, or perform water rescues are usually the breeds that like to swim the most—they are built to swim!
Here are six dog breeds who love the water and are excellent swimmers.
1. American Water Spaniel
Quick Facts:
- Height: 15–18 inches
- Weight: 25–45 pounds
- Lifespan: 10–14 years
A unique and rare breed developed in the Midwest United States, only around 3,000 American Water Spaniels exist today. Once a highly coveted all-in-one hunting companion, the American Water Spaniel is especially proficient in the water and has even been described as being able to “swim like a seal.”
2. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Quick Facts:
- Height: 21–26 inches
- Weight: 55–80 pounds
- Lifespan: 10–13 years
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have unique, almost waterproof coats that help them stay warm in the water and dry off quickly. Sometimes mistaken for chocolate Labs, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers were bred specifically for the frigid winter climate of the East Coast.
3. Irish Water Spaniel
Quick Facts:
- Height: 21–24 inches
- Weight: 45–68 pounds
- Lifespan: 12–13 years
If the name didn’t give it away, Irish Water Spaniels are amazing swimmers who love to be in the water. One of the most distinctive features of the Irish Water Spaniel is their super-curly double coat that comes in just one color: liver.
4. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Quick Facts:
- Height: 17–21 inches
- Weight: 35–50 pounds
- Lifespan: 12–14 years
Bred to look like a fox to scare game birds into flight for their hunter companions, and then to retrieve them in the water, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are amazing swimmers with thick water-repellent coats.
5. Standard Poodle
Quick Facts:
- Height: 15+ inches
- Weight: 40–70 pounds
- Lifespan: 10–18 years
Did you know Poodles were originally bred to be duck hunters and are amazing swimmers? In France, Poodles are called “Caniche” which literally translates to “duck dog.”
6. Portuguese Water Dog
Quick Facts:
- Height: 17–23 inches
- Weight: 35–60 pounds
- Lifespan: 11–13 years
Portuguese Water Dogs are extremely strong swimmers bred to herd fish into nets along Portugal’s ocean coast and retrieve items from the water. Muscular and agile, these dogs are almost more powerful in the water than on land.
Where To Take Your Dog Swimming
Taking your dog swimming can be a ton of fun, but it’s important to choose a safe location. Natural bodies of water like lakes can hold unseen threats like dangerous algae and bacteria and may not be suitable for dogs to swim in. Checking with local parks and recreation authorities can give you an idea of the water quality in your area, but you may still want to avoid taking your dog to swim in untreated water which they can easily drink.
The best and safest place to take your dog swimming is a dog-specific swimming pool! A search online for “dog swimming pool near me” or “swimming pool for dogs near me” will show you your local options for taking your dog for a dip. Dog swimming pools may offer open swimming time where anyone can come and/or private swim sessions for reactive or nervous dogs who prefer to swim alone.
If “dog swimming near me” doesn’t get you any results, I encourage you to search for local Facebook or social media groups of dog owners who can offer advice for where they bring their dogs to swim.
How To Teach Your Dog To Swim
Can all dogs swim? While most dogs in the water will at least paddle, many dogs are not natural swimmers and can struggle or even be in danger in a swimming pool. Some breeds—like Golden Retrievers—were bred to love swimming and to do it naturally. Other dog breeds need swimming lessons and additional safety measures to teach them how to enjoy the water.
Never leave your dog unattended in a pool, even if you are confident they can swim well.
Setting Up A Home Swimming Pool for a Dog
If your dog has never been swimming, a good way to start is by setting up a miniature dog swimming pool in your yard. But wait, can dogs use inflatable swimming pools? What if they bite or scratch them? You will want to choose a high-quality, durable swimming pool for a dog, but if you are just using it as a training tool with your supervision you don’t need to worry about it holding up for years.
Start by filling the pool just enough for your furry friend to be fully submerged to the neck while still being able to touch the bottom and work your way up from there. I also recommend using tools like a life jacket to help your dog feel more stable and confident in the water.
Professional Swim Lessons
If you want professional help teaching your dog to swim, some people have made it their careers! A quick search for “dog swimming pools near me” or “swimming for dogs near me” can help you locate your nearest dog-specific swimming pool. Most pools designed for dogs also have staff that offer lessons and coaching to help your dog be safe in the water.
Read This Next
