Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds not just in the United States, but all over the world. It’s common to see Poodles swimming.
So you may be wondering if your Poodle can swim too. Yes, they can.
Find out whether Poodles like to swim or not, how to teach them how to swim, and some safety tips when swimming with your Poodle.
Can Poodles Swim?
Yes. Poodles can swim.
Most Poodles are now known as AKC show dogs, but their origins are more interesting.
They used to be hardworking retrievers, working alongside hunters and retrieving fowl from lakes and rivers in Europe and Germany.
The Poodle’s unique coat was developed to dry quickly and be low maintenance when frequently wet.
So yes, Poodles have the natural instinct to swim when they’re in the water.
Check out these Poodle pups taking their very first swim in the pool.
Are Poodles Natural Swimmers?
Yes, Poodles are natural swimmers.
As previously mentioned, they were originally bred to work in the water.
They have a natural ability to swim thanks to their webbed feet, waterproof coats, and their high energy levels.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that you should leave your Poodles to swim on their own.
It’s still important to teach your pups how to swim safely, whether they are natural swimmers or not.
It will not take much to teach your Poodle how to swim safely. All they will need is some encouragement and a little training.
Do Poodles Have Webbed Feet?
Yes, Poodles have webbed feet.
Their large, webbed feet make it easier for them to dog paddle, and their thick coat makes it easy for them to shake off after swimming.
Poodles also have webbed feet which makes them excellent swimmers.
Their webbed feet give them extra stability for swimming.
Poodles have excess hair on their chest, head, and ankles to keep their organs warm while swimming.
Other dog breeds with webbed feet for swimming are:
- Newfoundland
- Otterhound
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Labrador Retriever
- Dachshund
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- Irish Water Spaniel.
Do Poodles Like to Swim?
Yes, Poodles like to swim.
“Poodle” comes from the Low German noun “puddle” (Pudel). It loosely translates to “to splash around.”
Before they were called Poodles, the breed was actually known as Pudelhunds. And “hund” can be translated to “dog.”
In essence, Poodles are “Splashing Dogs.” And this couldn’t be further from the truth.
They will happily splash around in a pool, in the lake, or even on the beachside. With that said, not all Poodles are the same.
Some Poodles may not be too fond of swimming because of a previous traumatic experience in the water.
And some may not be properly trained to keep themselves safe in the water.
We’ll discuss more about that below.
But first, check out Amber’s first swimming lesson here:
What if My Poodle Doesn’t Like to Swim?
It is rare for a Poodle to not like swimming. But if they don’t, there’s no reason to force them.
It’s okay if your Poodle doesn’t like to swim. But it’s still vital to teach them the basics.
This will keep them safe if they fall into the water. Here are some tips for teaching your Poodle to swim:
- Start teaching them early.
- Introduce them to the water gradually.
- Make swimming more fun for them by giving them treats and praises.
- Help them stay safe in the water.
Safety Tips for Swimming with Your Poodle
Poodles may be natural swimmers, but that doesn’t mean that you should leave them on their own in the water.
Here are some tips to keep them safe:
- Have them wear a life jacket or vest.
- Stay by their side at all times, especially if they’re still learning.
- Show them where the exit points are.
- Before and after each swimming session, keep them hydrated.
- Make an effort to keep each swimming session brief.
Here are a few step-by-step tips on how to teach your Poodle how to swim:
- Start in a shallow body of water, such as the edge of the lake or the pool.
- Keep them company as they learn how to swim.
- Have your Poodle walk in the water. Encourage them with treats or toys.
- Once they are in the water, try putting a little bit of distance between the two of you.
- Encourage them to come to you by coaxing them with treats.
Find out the difference between a life jacket and a life vest to see what your Poodle needs.
Don’t Do This When Introducing Your Poodle to Water
Even if your Poodle is naturally adept at swimming, there are some things you should never do.
- Don’t throw or push them in. Pushing them in the water causes anxiety and fear.
- Do not force them to swim if they are not yet comfortable.
- Never let them swim alone.
Using positive reinforcement techniques is the most effective way to teach every dog how to swim.
Your dog adores you. Showing your dog that water is okay will help them succeed in swimming. So get in the water with them.
You should be aware that each step takes a different amount of time for each dog.
Some dogs may need to repeat a step or two before mastering swimming.
Is Swimming Good for Poodles?
Yes. Swimming is good for Poodles.
Swimming is a great way to exercise your dog. Swimming is similar to four minutes of running.
It strengthens the heart and lungs, reduces inflammation, increases metabolism, and improves circulation, which helps keep the skin and coat healthy.
They also improve overall tone and strength by moving their limbs against the resistance of the water.
With less risk of injury, your dog will be happier and healthier.
Find out more benefits of swimming with your dog.
How Old Should Your Poodle Puppy Be Before They Start Swimming?
You can start teaching your Poodle pup how to swim as early as 8 weeks old.
Introducing them to swimming as early as 8 weeks old means they will get used to the water earlier.
In turn, it will help them get better at swimming as they grow older.
Teaching them how to swim at a young age also means you’re taking advantage of their curiosity and their high energy level.
Find out how old puppies should be before they start swimming.
How Long Can Poodles Swim For?
Poodles can swim for up to 30 minutes once they are capable swimmers.
However, if your Poodle is still in the learning phase, it is better to keep swimming sessions shorter.
Making them swim for too long during their training will make them feel exhausted, and they will associate the water with negative experiences.
Once they are capable swimmers, you can let them play in the water for up to 30 minutes.
If you swim with your dog for 30 minutes or more, make sure to clean their ears immediately. This will help them avoid ear infections.
Excess water in the ear from water activities can cause problems in Poodles.
Find out how long dogs can stay in the pool.
Can My Poodles Swim in My Pool?
Yes. Your Poodle can swim in your pool.
However, the best place for them to learn how to swim are lakes with shallow areas.
Or, you can also teach them in slow-moving, shallow rivers.
They will be more trusting and able to commit to wading deeper and deeper if they cannot see the ground.
However, once they know how to swim, it is perfectly okay for Poodles to swim in your pool.
They do not shed a lot, and will not damage your pool filter. They will not damage your pool filter,
Maintain proper chlorine levels by cleaning your pool and filter on a regular basis.
Find out the tools you need for pool maintenance when you have a dog.
Poodles Are Splash Dogs
So yes, Poodles are natural swimmers, and they can swim.
They are called Splashing Dogs for a reason. This dog breed typically enjoys the water and other water sports.
Just be sure to keep them safe, and keep an eye on them while they’re in the water.
Check out these tips on how to get a dog out of an above-ground pool.