Pugs are adorable little dogs who are full of personality. However, they have a short and stocky body which might make it difficult for them to swim.
Yes, Pugs can swim, but do not expect them to be the best swimmers.
Continue reading to find out whether Pugs like to swim or not, how to teach them how to swim, and some safety tips when swimming with your Pug.
Can Pugs Swim?
Yes. Pugs can swim.
But they are not the best swimmers, and it is not ideal for them to swim for a long time.
Their bodies are not built for swimming, nor are they physically capable of staying afloat for a long time.
Here are some of the reasons why:
- Pugs have short snouts that make it difficult for them to breathe while swimming.
- They are not as active as other breeds, so swimming can be too tiring for them.
- Pugs also have short legs and long bodies, which makes it harder for them to propel in water.
Additionally, pugs have a lap dog mentality. They would rather rest at home instead of spending their time outdoors.
With that said, Pugs can learn how to swim if they are taught properly.
Check out Winston enjoying his first swim in this video:
Are Pugs Natural Swimmers?
No, Pugs are not natural swimmers.
They were not bred for swimming. Instead, they were originally bred to be lap dogs for the Chinese elite.
Pugs are not as active as other dog breeds. And they would rather spend their days sleeping instead of being active.
That means they will rather hang out with you inside the house, or by the poolside instead of being in the water.
However, it is still important to teach them basic swimming skills for their own safety.
Do Pugs Have Webbed Feet?
No, Pugs do not have webbed feet.
While it is a common concept that all dogs have webbed feet, they are not all the same.
Some of the webbed feet are more noticeable than the others. Pugs do have a thin webbing in between their toes.
Their webbing only goes about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way between the toes, and it is not as elastic as other breeds’.
Having said that, their webbed feet are not particularly useful for swimming.
Do Pugs Like to Swim?
No, Pugs do not like to swim.
Generally speaking, Pugs don’t have the desire to do a lot of physical activities. Nor do they have a lot of energy to spend.
When compared to other breeds of dogs, they require relatively little physical activity. In fact, it is not uncommon for a Pug to sleep for as long as 14 hours per day!
Swimming is also more tiring compared to walks. And Pugs are only recommended to take one walk per day.
As always though, it does depend on the individual dog. And some Pugs enjoy a quick dip in the pool.
Check out these Pugs who just love swimming.
What if My Pug Doesn’t Like to Swim?
If your Pug doesn’t like to swim, then there’s no reason to force them to.
Compared to other dog breeds, Pugs are not as attracted to the water. This makes sense because it is not what they were bred for.
With that said, you should equip your Pug with a life jacket or a life vest when you’re going near a pool or a body of water.
However, there are several things you can do to help them learn to swim. The following are some examples:
- Teach them when they are still in their development stages.
- Encourage them by giving treats and compliments to them.
- Make swimming enjoyable for them.
- At all times, participate in swimming lessons yourself..
When it comes to teaching your Pug how to swim, patience is required. They are not the easiest dogs to teach, and they require a lot of TLC.
Some Pugs don’t like being in the water. As long as you have a positive attitude and let them go at their own pace, you can help them get over their fear.
Safety Tips for Swimming with Your Pug
If you want to teach your Pug how to swim, you’ll have to go above and beyond.
Here are some things to keep in mind when you teach your Pug to swim:
- Use a life jacket or a life vest. A life vest is very important. Pugs have a hard time staying afloat, so they need one.
- Join them in the water. If you go into the water first, your dog may follow. However, if they don’t want to come, don’t force them.
- Begin at the shallowest end. A shallow pool or lake should be enough for them to swim up to their chests. Then, you can move on to a deeper part when they are ready.
- Finally, show them where the exits are so they know where to go if they get tired of swimming.
As we said before, Pugs will have a hard time keeping their balance and weight in the water.
It’s important to equip them with a life vest or a life jacket even when they already know how to swim.
Also, a life vest or life jacket is vital even if your pug is not swimming and heading to the beach or pool.
Find out the difference between a life jacket and a life vest to see what your Pugs need.
Don’t Do This When Introducing Your Pug to Water
Some Pugs may not be interested in the water. There are some things you should never do when you start taking your Pug to the water, like:
- Do not push or throw them in. When you push them into the water, it makes them nervous and afraid of it.
- You shouldn’t push it. If they are not yet used to swimming, don’t make them do it.
- When they’re in the water, don’t leave them alone.
Positive reinforcement is the best way to teach a dog to swim. Remember that each dog learns at a different speed.
Some dogs may need a few goes at it to get used to the water.
Is Swimming Good for Pugs?
No, swimming is not the best exercise for pugs.
While swimming may be a good form of exercise for most dogs, it is not the same for Pugs.
As previously mentioned, Pugs only require one or two quick walks each day. This is enough exercise for them to keep them healthy.
Swimming can get very tiring easily, and Pugs dislike getting tired.
A quick splash in the water for fun is okay, but keep the sessions short and always be on hand to pull them out at the first sign of fatigue.
Find out more benefits of swimming with your dog.
How Old Should Your Pug Puppy Be Before They Start Swimming?
You can start teaching your Pug pup how to swim as early as 10 weeks old.
Getting them into the water as soon as possible can help them get used to it more quickly,
Dogs like pugs aren’t easy to train, but they’re always interested in new things and enjoy a good challenge.
If they see you swimming in a pool, they might want to join you.
Learn more about how old puppies should be for swimming.
How Long Can Pugs Swim For?
Pugs can swim for up to 10 minutes once they are capable swimmers.
You should keep the time your Pug spends swimming short even if they already know how.
And they should always be equipped with a life jacket or a life vest, no matter how capable they are.
Long swimming sessions will tire them out easily. Worse, they may associate water with negative experiences.
After swimming, clean their ears quickly. This helps them avoid ear infections. Water in the ear from water sports might cause health issues in Pugs.
Find out how long dogs can stay in the pool.
Can My Pug Swim in My Pool?
Yes. Your Pug can swim in your pool.
In fact, it is the best place to let your Pug swim so you can supervise them at all times.
If you are letting your Pug swim in your pool, make sure to equip them with a life vest. And if your pool is chlorinated, you need to be careful.
Chlorinated pools may affect your dog’s coat and result in dry, irritated skin.
Here are some pointers to keep your dog’s coat safe when swimming in a chlorinated pool:
- Before they go for a swim, spray their coat with some canine conditioner.
- After swimming, rinse them off with clean water to get the chlorine out.
Find out the tools you need for pool maintenance when you have a dog.
Keep Your Pugs Out of the Water
As much as possible, it is better to keep your Pugs out of the water. They were not bred for too many physical activities.
And swimming may not be the best form of exercise for them.
However, on hot summer days, it may be a great way to help them cool down. Just be sure to equip them with a life jacket or a life vest.
And remember, clean their ears right after swimming to avoid ear infections.
Check out these tips on how to get a dog out of an above-ground pool.
