Can a French bulldog swim?
When summer comes, all I want to do is lounge in the pool. However, our Frenchie is prone to separation anxiety and we hate leaving him home alone.
That brought me to the question: Can a French bulldog swim?
Most importantly, do these dogs like water or can we get them to start liking water or even teach them how to swim?
Here’s what I found out.
Can a French Bulldog Swim – Reasons Why French Bulldogs Aren’t The Best Swimmers
Whether or not a French bulldog can swim is a ‘grey’ area.
Instinctively, all dogs, when thrown in the water, can paddle and move their little paws. However, Frenchies are not the best swimmers in dogdom.
And while you can still train your pet to swim by providing it with all the safety gear like a life vest or a life jacket; that does not make it an inherently great swimmer.
Here are reasons why a French bulldog may not be the best at swimming:
1. Brachycephalic dogs
Being a brachycephalic breed, French bulldogs have a short snout. This gives rise to several breathing issues in the breed.
You can consider your pet’s short muzzle as the biggest hindrance to swimming. This facial structure also causes several breathing problems in these dogs especially when they are in unnatural positions.
To breathe properly, a Frenchie has to keep tilting its head backward in the water. This position can make it difficult for them to remain afloat.
2. Short stature
Second reason why French bulldog might not be able to take to the water is its short legs.
Frenchies have short legs and this makes it difficult for them to paddle. They are also aware of their small size and might be afraid of not having their paws touch the firm ground.
As a result, they tend to panic in water.
3. They prefer being ‘little lapdogs’
French bulldogs are mostly popular as a lapdog breed. In fact, they were bred to be companion dogs to French aristocrats.
This means that they are genetically more content to sit in your lap rather than swim or splash around in the pool.
And, as a Frenchie owner, you probably know how these dogs love to sleep! Most sleep for nearly 14 hours a day!
So, given the choice between sleeping in and playing in the water, they might prefer the former!
Of course, your pet still needs its exercise but they might prefer short walks over swimming.
Also Read: How Much Do French Bulldogs Sleep
4. Too much sun can be bad for your pet
French bulldogs tend to overheat in summers and that is why you should not keep your pet outdoors in the hot sun for too long.
Overheating can cause symptoms like panting, restlessness, and even serious problems like heatstroke in your delicate dog.
So, even if your pet loves swimming, make sure you watch out for signs of exhaustion, provide it with frequent breaks, and allow it to cool off and rest between swims.
Also Read: Do French Bulldogs Shed
Do French Bulldogs Like Water? 3 Reasons Why Some Frenchies Dislike Water
No two dogs are the same – if one Frenchie takes to the water, the same cannot be said about another one.
Having said that, most French bulldogs are quite ‘neutral’ about water.
This means that when you take your pet to the pool or the beach, it might sniff around a bit and show some curiosity about the water, but might not be too willing to go inside.
Some French bulldogs are also known to get scared of water and might bark loudly at the waves on the beach!
My Frenchie even hates taking baths! I have to literally force him into the bath and although, once he is in, he enjoys it, initially he is always quite resistant. In fact; he hides under the bed the moment I say the word ‘Bath time’!
My pet also barks at my son when he is in the pool or when we all go to the beach. It is his own way of saying: ‘Hey! Be careful – come out, it is more fun outside!’
Here are some reasons why French bulldogs might dislike water:
1. Fear
If your pet falls in the water, it might start its ‘Doggy paddle’ and will instinctively start moving its short legs.
However, what we find cute may actually be panicked movements!
Its small face will also make it difficult to stay afloat and it might panic due to the inability to breathe.
2. The chlorine stings its eyes
Many dogs dislike chlorinated pools as the chlorine stings their eyes.
So, your Frenchie might try and get out of the water as soon as it can. If your pet accidentally swallows chlorinated water, it might even vomit it out. All these experiences can make swimming uncomfortable for your Frenchie.
3. Most Frenchies hate getting water in their ears
Frenchies have perky bat ears which allow water to easily enter in them while swimming. Therefore, your pet might try and get out quickly if the water starts entering its ear canal.
All these issues can make swimming an unwelcome rather than a refreshing experience for some French bulldogs.
How Can You Tell If your French Bulldog Likes to Swim
There is a common misconception that all dogs know how to swim and that most of them love the water.
In reality, there are only a few dog breeds that are bred for swimming and will gladly spend all day at the beach.
These include: Portuguese Water Dog, Newfoundland, Golden Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Poodles, etc.
So how can you tell if your Frenchie is a water-lover?
Like I said earlier, no two dogs of the same breed are the same. Just because my Frenchie dislikes the water, does not mean yours should too.
Here are some factors that could indicate your Frenchie loves swimming:
1. Wagging its tail
If you take your pet to the beach or out to the pool, it wags its tail and even smiles from ear-to-ear, then chances are that it loves the water.
2. Showing curiosity to get on floating devices
If your Frenchie is showing enthusiasm about getting on the float and sniffs and paws at it, then too it may be indicating that it wants to swim.
3. Barking excitedly
Frenchies love being with their humans.
If all its favorite humans are in the pool, chances are that your pet might show an interest in jumping in too.
It might bark excitedly at the kids in the pool, wagging its tail, and trying to jump in the water. It may be trying to say, ‘Hey, I want to join the fun too!’
Please note that, if this is your French bulldog’s first time swimming, then do read the next section of how to get your pet to swim safely.
How To Teach Your French Bulldog to Swim Safely
As stated earlier, there are a few risks involved in a French bulldog swimming. However, that does not mean that you cannot take your pet for this activity.
With a few safety tips, your Frenchie can easily and safely learn how to swim and even enjoy the water:
1. Use flotation vest
Even if you are in a shallow stretch of water always use a flotation vest. This will help your Frenchie stay afloat and prevent drowning.
It can also give your Frenchie more confidence to paddle with ease.
French bulldog life vest comes with special neck foam panels to support your Frenchie’s neck as it swims. They also have a rescue handle so a Frenchie owner can quickly pull out their pet if there is trouble.
2. Gauge your pet’s reaction to water
Make sure your pet is excited about the water. If it is fearful, then do not force him/her. Never plop your pet in the water thinking that it can instinctively begin the dog paddle.
You can add in some floating toys to keep your pet interested.
3. Take baby steps!
Start with the kiddie pool. Make sure to stay in the pool alongside your pet.
Let your Frenchie splash around a little in the kiddie pool in its life jacket. Do ensure it is not panting or having breathing issues. If your pet shows signs of restlessness, stop right away.
After a few days, you can proceed to the deeper pool.
Always stay within a few feet of your Frenchie as it begins its doggy paddle. Keep an eye out for breathing issues. After 10 minutes, take a compulsory break and let your pet rest.
4. Be patient
Some Frenchies instantly take to the water while others might take longer. So, be patient.
Do not force the process. Even if your Frenchie seems to enjoy the water and is wearing a life vest, you must still ensure that it does not overdo things.
5. Teach your Frenchie how to come out of the pool
Preferably, you need to use a pool with steps. You can add some eye-catching plants near the steps so your Frenchie can know where to get out from. Remember, Frenchies can get disoriented while swimming, so keep observing your little buddy.
6. After-care
Once your pet is out, dry its facial folds with a soft towel. Also, clean its ears to remove water.
If needed, bathe your pet using a mild shampoo.
Also read: Best French Bulldog Shampoo
Swimming Pool Safety Tips for French Bulldog Owners
Even if your Frenchie can swim well, you must follow these swimming pool safety tips at all times:
1. Cover the pool when not in use
If your Frenchie has access to the yard with an open pool, make sure it is covered when not in use. Remember all it takes is a blink of an eye for accidents to happen.
So, use a heavy-duty pool cover to prevent mishaps.
2. Use baby gates or fences
If you cannot cover the pool, at least have it fenced or use baby gates to section it off from pets and kids.
If not, crate your Frenchie when you have to leave it home alone.
3. Keep your pet in a life jacket or life vest at all times
Even if your Frenchie does not swim but loves hanging around water bodies, then consider using a French bulldog life jacket or a life vest each time it is near the water.
FAQs on Can a French Bulldog Swim
1. Can a French bulldog not swim?
Technically, a Frenchie cannot swim. If it gets in the water, it might instinctively start the doggy paddle and move its legs but that does not make it a great swimmer.
Being brachycephalic breed, they have short snouts and that can make them tilt their heads backward in the water.
This can cause difficulty for them to stay afloat. That is why you must invest in a French bulldog life jacket or a life vest before teaching your Frenchie how to swim.
2. Can you take a French bulldog to the beach?
You can take your French bulldog to the beach but please avoid doing so on very hot days as your pet could overheat quickly. This can cause panting, respiratory issues, and breathlessness in some dogs.
3. Are French bulldogs scared of water?
Some Frenchies are terrified of the water as their short snouts make it difficult for them to swim and breathe properly in the water. They also hate getting water inside their ears and the chlorinated water could hurt their eyes.
So, a dip in the water becomes a terrifying rather than an enjoyable experience. However, no two dogs are the same. Some Frenchies are known to enjoy swimming and water activities.
4. Which dog breeds cannot swim?
Other than French bulldogs, dogs like Pugs, Boxers, Boston terriers, Dachshunds, and Pekingese cannot swim due to their short statures and squashed-in facial structures.
Conclusion
Can a French bulldog swim?
One thing I have learned after having been a Frenchie owner for several years is that these sweet dogs are willing to do anything that their humans like to do.
So, with the right safety equipment like a French bulldog life jacket or a life vest, combined with supervision and training, your Frenchie will love to swim as well!
