Some dogs can’t wait to get wet—just look at all those Labradors and Golden Retrievers that crash kiddie pools, swim in lakes, and dive into the sea. However, other dog breeds are perfectly content to stay on dry land. It should come as no surprise that many of these water-shy dogs belong to the Toy group, but there are also quite a few medium and large breeds that definitely can’t be described as water dogs.
These dogs would rather sunbathe than swim, but that doesn’t mean you can’t teach them to become more comfortable around water. (Or just lie back and cuddle on the beach towel. That’s good, too.)
Toy Dog Breeds That Don’t Like Water
Pug
Pugs are generally happier hanging out at home than spending the day at the beach. They can swim (if they have to!), but because of their flat faces, they can find it difficult to breathe easily while in the water. Their stocky bodies also make it harder for them to swim comfortably. Pugs can also overheat easily, so they should always be closely monitored during warmer weather.
- Size: 25-33 centimetres (cm) tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing 6-8 kilograms (kg)
- Personality: Affectionate, playful, and easy-going
- Grooming needs: Weekly
- Activity: 30-60 minutes per day
- Trainability ease: High
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies tend to have high-maintenance fur and, sometimes, high-maintenance personalities. Just try to get one in the water of its own free will—you might find it more challenging than you bargained for! Their tiny size also means they’re not great at regulating their body temperature, so they quickly get cold if they take a dip.
- Size: 17-20 cm tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing 3-5 kg
- Personality: Affectionate, energetic, and feisty
- Grooming needs: Daily (if their coat is kept long) or weekly (if trimmed)
- Activity: Up to an hour per day
- Trainability ease: Average
Shih Tzu
Even though sometimes they look like seals when wet, Shih Tzus are not fans of being in the water. With a long coat, Shih Tzus have so much fur that it could take days to dry again! And even if you keep your dog’s coat trimmed into a puppy cut, jumping into lakes, rivers, and seas probably won’t be their favourite activity. They’d rather be chilling out at home!
- Size: 23-27 cm tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing 4-7 kg
- Personality: Outgoing, observant, and affectionate
- Grooming needs: Daily (if their coat is kept long) or weekly (if trimmed)
- Activity: Up to an hour per day
- Trainability ease: Hard
Pekingese
Like many of its other companions in the Toy group, the Pekingese is built to be more adorable than durable. These dignified little dogs aren’t fans of swimming, especially as their thick double coat isn’t designed for getting wet! Pekingese dogs can also be opinionated, so they will soon let you know if a quick swim isn’t their idea of a fun time.
- Size: 15-23 cm tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing up to 6.5 kg
- Personality: Loyal, regal, and confident
- Grooming needs: Daily
- Activity: Up to 30 minutes per day
- Trainability ease: Average
Maltese
The Maltese is the princess of the land—not so much the sea. They’re built for cuddling and looking fly, so baths are the only way they’ll get near water. When their coat is kept long, it can be high-maintenance in terms of grooming. But even with a cute puppy cut, Maltese dogs would likely prefer to look at the water than swim in it.
- Size: 18-23 cm (at the shoulder), weighing up to 3 kg
- Personality: Playful, affectionate, and devoted
- Grooming needs: Daily (if their coat is kept long) or weekly (if trimmed)
- Activity: Up to 30 minutes per day
- Trainability ease: Average
Pomeranian
These spunky little fluffballs would rather be racing about or excelling in agility trials on land than paddling through the water. Pomeranians choose their battles carefully and would rarely be found in situations they didn’t know they could ace. Their thick double coats are high-maintenance and need brushing once a day, which means they aren’t really designed for swimming!
- Size: 15-18 cm tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing 1.5-3 kg
- Personality: Outgoing, bold, and lively
- Grooming needs: Daily
- Activity: Up to one hour per day
- Trainability ease: Average to hard
Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Like Water
Bichon Frise
Like other small dogs, the Bichon Frise is built for companionship. And how is this big ball of fluff supposed to provide companionship if you’re floating down the river without them? Plus, isn’t the first cardinal rule of perm maintenance that you’re forbidden to wet your hair for at least 24 hours after getting one?
- Size: 24-29 cm tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing 5.5-8 kg
- Personality: Energetic, playful, and outgoing
- Grooming needs: Daily
- Activity: One hour per day
- Trainability ease: Easy
Dachshund
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Because of their short legs and long bodies, the Dachshund isn’t a natural swimmer. It doesn’t mean they can’t swim, but they will likely be more hesitant than many other breeds. Some Dachshunds enjoy splashing about in the shallows, but you should always closely supervise them when in or around water.
- Size for standard Dachshunds: 20-22 cm tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing 7-14.5 kg
- Size for miniature Dachshunds: 12-15 cm tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing up to 5 kg
- Personality: Outgoing, courageous, and alert
- Grooming needs: Weekly
- Activity: Up to an hour per day
- Trainability ease: Average
Corgi
Depending on their personality, some Corgis enjoy splashing around in shallow water, but they’re not strong swimmers. Like Daschunds, the combination of short legs and a long body makes swimming more challenging for Corgis. Their short stature also means care needs to be taken when around water because an unexpected wave at the beach or a sudden drop on a riverbank can sweep them off their paws.
- Size for Pembroke Welsh Corgi: 25.5 to 30.5 cm tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing up to 14 kg
- Size for Cardigan Welsh Corgi: 26 to 32 cm tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing 11 to 17 kg
- Personality: Smart, affectionate, and loyal
- Grooming needs: Weekly
- Activity: Up to one hour per day
- Trainability ease: High
Medium Dog Breeds That Don’t Like Water
Basset Hound
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Another short-legged, long-bodied breed that just isn’t built for swimming. A Basset Hound would rather watch the activity from afar than be caught up in the middle of it! The large, floppy ears of this breed also make them highly susceptible to ear infections—a risk that becomes even more likely when water enters their ear canals.
- Size: Up to 38 cm tall (at the shoulder), weighing 20-29 kg
- Personality: Sociable, loyal, and a little stubborn at times
- Grooming needs: Weekly
- Activity: One hour per day
- Trainability ease: Average
Bulldog
There’s not much that phases a Bulldog—except, perhaps, the prospect of going for a long swim! Their wide bodies, short legs, and flat faces make this activity quite a challenge for them. For this reason, Bulldogs should always be carefully supervised when around water bodies of any kind.
- Size: 35.5-38 cm tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing up to 18 kg (female) or up to 23 kg (male)
- Personality: Brave, calm, and adaptable
- Grooming needs: Weekly
- Activity: Up to an hour per day
- Trainability ease: Easy
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow’s thick, double coat basically acts like a sponge when it hits the water, making it difficult for them to swim easily. Their short legs also mean even a brief dip can make a Chow Chow tired. While most Chow Chows don’t mind the occasional bath (plus plenty of blow-drying afterwards), they won’t be lining up to jump into the nearest pond.
- Size: 43-58 cm tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing 20-32 kg
- Personality: Serious, dignified, and laid-back
- Grooming needs: Daily
- Activity: One hour per day
- Trainability ease: Easy
Large Dog Breeds That Don’t Like Water
Greyhound
Greyhounds might love the opportunity to stretch their legs along a flat, sandy beach, but they’re not likely to try and jump in the water. Their low body-fat ratio means Greyhounds also don’t tolerate the cold as much as some other breeds. Instead of a swim, most Greyhounds would rather go for a quick run (with a cosy coat if it’s cold) and then snuggle up at home.
- Size: 68.5-76 cm tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing 27-29 kg (female) or 29-31.5 kg (male)
- Personality: Gentle, sensitive, and calm
- Grooming needs: Weekly
- Activity: One hour per day
- Trainability ease: Average
Boxer
Boxers are an athletic breed when on land, but they’re not natural swimmers. Because they have a deep-chested build, a pretty small tail, and flat faces, swimming doesn’t come as easily to Boxers as to other dogs. But with patience and the right training, plenty of Boxers can learn to enjoy the occasional swim.
- Size: 55-63.5 cm tall (at shoulder, depending on sex), weighing 22-36 kg
- Personality: Energetic, fun-loving, and sociable
- Grooming needs: Weekly
- Activity: Up to two hours per day
- Trainability ease: Easy
Frequently Asked Questions About Dogs That Don’t Like Water
Why Do Some Dogs Like Water And Others Don’t?
Some breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, Newfoundlands, and Portuguese Water Dogs, were cultivated as strong, enthusiastic swimmers. Others, like the ones mentioned above, have been bred for other purposes (like companionship or speed). In the case of flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers, their anatomy simply makes swimming a little harder.
Like humans, dogs are individuals. Some may love or hate swimming despite their breed.
How Can I Keep My Dog Safe If They Don’t Like Water?
If you’ve noticed your dog doesn’t seem to like water, there are a few things you can do to keep them as safe as possible.
If you’re going to be spending time near water, train your dog to accept wearing a doggie life jacket. This can help keep your pup safe if they do accidentally fall into water that’s out of their depth. It’s also a good idea to stick to shallow waters and avoid expecting your dog to enjoy paddling.
At home, ensure your dog is always supervised around any water, including paddling pools.
How Do I Train My Dog To Like Water?
Some dogs will never love water, but you can train them to accept it. It’s a good idea to start small, filling a paddling pool in the garden with a few inches of water. Give your dog plenty of treats and positive reinforcement when they enter the pool and get their paws wet.
If your dog is okay with this step, try taking them to a safe river or beach, Bringing along a friend’s dog who loves water can help show them there’s nothing to worry about. Going for a paddle yourself and encouraging your dog to come along means they may be less hesitant. Repeat this process over a few weeks or months to help your dog become accustomed to spending time in the water and even starting to doggy paddle.
Even with these steps, some dogs may prefer to keep their paws firmly on dry land! It’s a good idea to check that your dog can swim if they have to, but it’s never a good idea to force them to swim when it’s an activity they don’t enjoy.