Chihuahuas are feisty tiny canines with huge hearts and a kind attitude. Families all over the world love them.
As famous family pets, you want to include your Chihuahuas in family activities like swimming. They can swim, but not all enjoy it.
Read on to find out if Chihuahuas are natural swimmers, how to teach them how to swim safely, and more.
Can Chihuahuas Swim?
Yes, Chihuahuas can swim.
But they are not natural at it either. This is because Chihuahuas were bred for companionship.
With the right amount of training, your Chihuahuas can learn to love swimming as an activity.
There are many traits that make Chihuahuas good swimmers, and here are some of them:
- They’re very active dogs.
- They enjoy being occupied.
- They have high energy levels.
Chihuahuas are also light, so they won’t have a hard time staying afloat in water. After all, they are the smallest purebred dogs.
Chihuahuas can be good swimmers if properly trained.
Are Chihuahuas Natural Swimmers?
No, Chihuahuas are not natural swimmers.
Most Chihuahua owners know that they don’t like to get wet. Their tiny bodies were not built for swimming.
However, they do have a natural instinct when it comes to paddling.
Almost all four-legged animals have some natural instinct to paddle when their bodies hit the water.
But that doesn’t mean it’s safe to let them swim on their own.
And even dogs that are not naturally bred for swimming can learn to swim.
Do Chihuahuas Have Webbed Feet?
Although Chihuahuas have webbed feet, they are not designed for swimming.
All dogs have some webbing between their toes, but they are not all the same. Some of this webbing is more prominent and well developed.
Chihuahuas have a thin webbing that does not help much with underwater propulsion.
Do Chihuahuas Like to Swim?
The answer to this question depends on each individual dog.
Some Chihuahuas would rather stay indoors and be your lapdog, while some would rather run around the yard.
There are some, however, that enjoy swimming. This is especially true if they grow up enjoying water activities.
Each dog is different, but the more they are exposed to swimming, the more they like it.
Check out this adorable Chihuahua’s first swim ever.
Do Chihuahuas Like Water?
No, Chihuahuas do not like water.
As a fur mom or fur dad to a Chihuahua, you may notice that your Chi sometimes doesn’t even like taking baths.
This is because they get cold easily. Some even tremble at the sight of water.
However, this still depends on each individual dog and the situation. Your Chihuahua may enjoy baths and the water more during hot weather.
If they’re not ready to swim yet, you can start them off with a sprinkler or a hose to help them get used to the water.
Can You Teach a Chihuahua to Swim?
Yes. You can teach your Chihuahua to swim.
Chihuahuas are smart, it can be easy to train them.
When teaching your Chihuahua to swim, you need to have a lot of patience. They require slow and careful training.
As with all dogs, positive reinforcement is the key when teaching your Chihuahua. So use this when training them to swim.
If they do not like the water, or they cannot swim, do not force them.
Chihuahuas get overwhelmed easily. When they’re in a body of water that’s larger than them, they tend to panic.
So be sure to stay by their side even when they already know how to swim.
To make things easier for them, provide them with a life jacket.
Watch this adorable Chihuahua enjoy the water.
How to Teach a Chihuahua to Swim
Chihuahuas are quick learners, but teaching them to swim requires a lot of patience.
Wearing a life jacket or vest is strongly recommended, especially at first. Your Chihuahua will grow confidence in the water with a life jacket or vest.
A life jacket or life vest adds to their safety and helps them stay afloat in the water.
If you want to train a reluctant Chihuahua to swim, start by exposing them to water. You can do it either in a bathtub or a kiddie pool.
Treats and compliments, as well as positive reinforcement, can help your Chihuahua learn to swim.
Keep a close eye on them while they swim and be calm so you don’t startle them.
Safety Tips for Swimming with Your Chihuahua
When swimming with your Chihuahua, take the following precautions:
- Make sure they’re wearing a life jacket or vest whenever they’re near or in water.
- Bring your Chihuahua out of the water as soon as they show indications of weariness or panic.
- Stay at their side when they’re in the water, even if they know how to swim.
- To make it easy for them to get out when they’re tired, show them where the entry and exit points are.
- Before and after swimming, make sure they’re well hydrated.
When swimming, make sure your Chihuahua is wearing a life jacket. If they don’t have one, they’ll struggle to stay afloat and paddle.
Find out the best life jacket and other swimming gear for your Chihuahua.
Don’t Do This When Introducing Your Chihuahua to Water
In addition to the safety precautions, there are a few things you should never do while exposing your Chihuahua to water.
- If your dogs aren’t ready to swim, don’t force them to.
- Try and prevent them from swallowing pool water as it may lead to water intoxication.
- Do not let them in the water without a life jacket or a life vest.
- Do not introduce them to water by pushing or shoving them in.
- Do not wait until their first swim lesson is an emergency.
- Do not let them unattended, especially in deep and uncharted waters.
Learn the best way to teach your dog how to swim so they can stay safe.
Is Swimming Good for Chihuahuas?
Yes, swimming is good for Chihuahuas.
It can also be a great bonding experience for both of you. Here are some of the benefits of swimming for your Chihuahua:
- Compared to just walking or running, this is a terrific type of exercise that engages multiple muscle groups.
- Because obesity is one of the most common health problems in Chihuahuas, swimming can be a terrific way to burn calories.
- Chihuahuas are very anxious, so swimming can be a great way to build their confidence.
- Swimming is more gentle on their joints than running or walking.
Find out the pros and cons of swimming for dogs.
How Old Should Your Chihuahua Puppy Be Before They Start Swimming?
You should train your Chihuahua puppy to swim when they are around three months old and above.
It’s best to start training them as early as three months old while they are still curious and full of energy.
Make sure their immune system is healthy and well-protected before taking them swimming. This entails vaccinating them completely.
They’ll be safe from any toxins in the water this way.
Any pollutant or pathogen found in chlorine or natural water could impair your dog’s health.
You can start by putting them in the tub or a kiddie pool to see how they react to the water.
Once they’re comfortable swimming, move them to the shallow end of the pool, then the deeper end.
Learn the right age to let your puppy swim.
How Long Can Chihuahuas Swim For?
When learning to swim, Chihuahuas can only swim for 10 minutes at a time.
To prevent overwhelming your Chihuahua, keep your swimming sessions short.
Chihuahuas get cold easily, so swimming for a long time can make them feel cold and fatigued.
It’s important to remember that Chihuahuas aren’t bred to swim. As a result, swimming lessons lasting fewer than ten minutes are sufficient.
On the other hand, water breeds can swim for up to 30 minutes before growing fatigued.
Check out a good amount of time for swimming with your dog.
Can My Chihuahua Swim in My Pool?
Yes. This is a wonderful alternative if you have access to a pool or have one at home.
Because there are no unpredictable waves or high tides, it is the safest place for them to swim.
They’ll also be far safer in a pool than they would be in a lake, which could contain harmful blue algae and other toxins.
Just make sure that the chlorine tablets are out of their reach.
Also, keep an eye on your dog’s behavior when they’re around or in the pool. Make sure they don’t lick or drink chlorinated water because it can cause health problems.
Another drawback is your pool’s chlorine levels. The fur coat of your fur baby might be damaged by chlorine water.
After a pool swim, give them a quick rinse with fresh water to eliminate any pool chemicals.
Find out the right way to let your dog swim in your pool.
Chihuahuas Can Enjoy Swimming
Chihuahuas may not be the best swimmers, but they are capable of being good in the water.
Be patient, and make sure to stay by their side so they don’t get overwhelmed when swimming.
Make sure they’re wearing a life jacket or a life vest when they swim.
Find out here if you should wash your dog after a swimming session.