Most people think that smaller dogs are not very good swimmers because they appear more vulnerable than the larger dogs in the water, but this is not the case.
There are some very small dogs under 50 pounds which are extremely good swimmers and are very playful in the water.
This guide will be outlining five of the smallest water dogs which enjoy swimming around and are also the least expected to be this way. Find out more about them here.
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American Water Spaniel
The American Water Spaniel is one of the smallest of the spaniel breeds, and is one of the most handsome.
They can be anywhere between 25-40 pounds, but males tend to be more between the 30-40 pounds mark.
The American Water Spaniel is a medium-sized, sturdy and vigorous breed of dog.
The American Water Spaniel is a large, active, and friendly sporting dog that is known for its excellent water retrieving abilities.
They have some great features which definitely help them in the water and help them become the champs they are.
For example, they have webbed paws, waterproof coats and padded paws.
This makes swimming a much easier task for them in comparison to other dogs.
Brittany
Brittany dog is a high-speed dog sports competition where dogs race in rounds of single-file, with a finish line located at the opposite end of the arena from the start gate.
Brittany dogs are a type of dog that is known for its curly hair.
Its name is derived from the Brittany region in France where its ancestors were originally bred.
The Brittany is a smart, energetic and friendly dog that is also a very good hunter.
It is a medium-sized dog, with a long, muscular body and a deep chest. It has a long, well-muscled neck.
The ears are large and stand up erect.
All of these features help them become great animals in the water and help them win many competitions.
They are a similar size to the spaniel and can grow up to between 30-40 pounds.
Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish water dog is a breed of dog that comes from Spain.
They are characterized by their medium size, thick double coat, and unique physical characteristics.
The Spanish water dog is known for its intelligence and loyalty. Also known as the Puli, they are exceptionally good swimmers.
This particular dog is just a natural in the water and was made to spend a lot of time in the water.
They are natural athletes and are at the higher end of the scale in terms of weight.
They can range anywhere between 30-50 pounds and can differ slightly between males and females.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever is an athletic dog with a thick double coat, a distinctive tail and a distinctive tuft of hair on the head known as a “docking” (pronounced “dooking”).
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a working retriever that was developed in Nova Scotia by the Canadian Stationary Bird Breeding Center.
This dog is well-suited to country, upland, and waterfowl hunting.
They do nearly reach over the 50 pound limit, but they are one of the best swimmers on the list.
They need a huge amount of exercise which is why they love to swim so much, to burn off all of the energy they have!
Boykin Spaniel
The Boykin spaniel is a small, short-haired dog that looks similar to a foxhound, yet has a better temperament.
The Boykin spaniel is a breed of gun dog. It is a small short-coated dog with a tricolor coat.
The breed is a natural pointer and scent hound.
There is a bit of a difference in size between the males and females.
The males can reach up to 30-40 pounds and the females can be 25-40 pounds.
They tend to be naturally attracted to the water which is what makes them complete champs.
Important Features
A larger tail can be quite important because it acts as a rudder which helps they create more power in their swimming.
Another good feature that good swimmers will have is the webbed paws which also lets them flow easier in the water and helps them generate more power in their pushes.
The coat of the dog is also a very important factor and needs to be more water resistant and thicker for the dog to swim easier.
If they have really thin fur, they are more likely to get a lot colder and much faster.
You also need to look at the length of their legs too.
Dogs with shorter legs find it more challenging to create more power in their swimming.
However, dogs with longer legs are able to swim for longer and use their long legs to power through the water.
Any Dogs Which Cannot Swim?
There are a few breeds who really struggle to swim because they do not have any of these features which would improve their swimming technique.
For example, the french bulldog, pugs and English bulldogs because they are not natural thelete dogs.
The way they have been bred is not in the interest and health of the dog and they aren’t able to spend as much time swimming in water. They are more likely to avoid it all together.
Conclusion
Overall, when it comes to different breeds of dogs, some are really good swimmers that have been for a very long time, and some who just do not have the features which make them natural athletes.
There are many dogs who actually enjoy their time in the water because it is the best way to get their exercise, but for some it is not a very happy experience!
Even though some of these dogs are not considered the smallest dogs in the world, they are all under 50 pounds and are amazing swimmers.
There is a long list of dogs that are great in the water but not all can be champs.
Hopefully this guide has outlined clearly five of the best swimmers and some information surrounding what the dogs looks like and how much it weighs. The best swimmers are right here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are All Dogs Natural Swimmers?
Some dogs were almost made to be swimmers with the specific features they have which help them become strong swimmers as they get older.
However, there are some breeds of dogs like pugs which find swimming extremely challenging.
Some dogs also have very sensitive ears as well which makes it difficult to get water inside and can lead to infections.
Why Are Dogs Such Good Swimmers?
They have particular features which help them become very strong swimmers.
It is also about their balanced weight across their bodies.
It also helps if they have a larger tail which can act as a rudder while they are swimming.
Webbed feet is also something which is helpful for the dogs because it allows them to use more power in their paws.