- The French Bulldog’s Love for Water?
- Do French Bulldogs Float?
- Why Can’t French Bulldogs Swim?
- What Can You Do To Help Your French Bulldog Enjoy Swimming?
- Swimming Aids for Teaching Frenchies to Swim
- Teaching Your Frenchie to Swim Safely
- Can French Bulldogs Swim? Final Word
French Bulldogs can love the water but will have trouble swimming due to the shape of their bodies, and their little legs.
I learned this the hard way.
Having had swimmer dog breeds like Labradors most of my life, I was used to dogs who were okay to be off the leash by the water. I learned pretty quickly that this isn’t the case with Frenchies when Pinto jumped straight into a friend’s pool and promptly sank like a brick, trying to swim, flailing his little legs but without much success. I ended up jumping in to save him fully clothed. A really important lesson was learned that day.
Since then I have some precautions in place for when we are near water which I would advise of any French Bulldog owner:
- always have a life jacket when going near water and don’t let your dog swim without it.
- Never leave your dog unattended near the water. I have heard of several stories of
Frenchies drowning when left alone only for a minute. - If you have a pool a pool ramp might be a good idea.
- Have them on the lead around water.
- Anybody who minds your pet should be thoroughly briefed to the point of being afraid
of you about not taking your dog near the water without a lead.
As most Frenchies I know, do actually like the water, I’m providing some further advice below on how to help your Frenchie safely enjoy some water time with you.
The French Bulldog’s Love for Water
Ask any owner and most of them will tell you that their dog loves the water. They like going for boat rides, lounging by the pool (with appropriate Frenchie treats, of course), and even splashing about in kiddie pools. These are all activities they enjoy with their owners nearby.
Some don’t however, and that’s ok. Just as with us humans, French Bulldogs are individuals. Some dogs would be mermaids if they could be; while others would prefer to curl up by a warm fireplace and never put a paw in the water.
Get to know your Frenchie and how they feel about water.
Signs that your dog likes the water would be if he is curious when he sees you in the swimming pool. You might fill a small kiddie pool with a shallow amount of water to see if he is interested in getting his paws wet. Some Frenchies have even been known to hop in the shower with someone if they really like water; or play in the sprinklers when you are watering the lawn.
Do French Bulldogs Float?
No. French Bulldogs do not float, the reverse actually.
Most will sink like a brick if they fall in the water without a life vest on. It is absolutely essential that a Frenchie is not left around water without a life jacket on. It’s just not worth it. Rock the Dwain and his 2 French Bulldog puppies learned this the hard way when they both fell in the water at the same time and he jumped in to save them.
Why Can’t French Bulldogs Swim?
French Bulldogs have some breed characteristics that affect their ability to swim. They are a brachycephalic breed and they are heavily weighted in front which also makes it hard to stay above the water. With short legs, it’s difficult for them to paddle as well as breeds with longer legs.
None of this means they don’t have the same desire to swim that other dogs have but it does mean that French Bulldogs cannot swim as easily as other breeds of dogs and may need some assistance if he wants to swim
What’s a brachycephalic breed and why can’t they swim?
Dogs, like the Frenchie, that have a small pushed in flat snout are referred to as brachycephalic breeds.
These sorts of dogs have difficulty swimming for the simple reason that it is hard to breathe for them generally, so the structure of their snout makes it difficult when swimming as too much water ends up getting into their nasal canals.
This increases the risk of them drowning so they should never be left along near water. Period.
Swimming Safely With Your Frenchie
Like I mentioned earlier with Pinto, Swimming can be dangerous for French Bulldogs in some circumstances.
Even if you have a swimming pool and you believe your dog is savvy about swimming, it’s important to take safety precautions. There are too many tales of Frenchies drowning to not take this seriously.
If you have a pool, make sure the pool has shallow steps. If you teach your dog to swim, be sure to teach your dog to use the steps so he or she can find them and get out of the water if necessary. Or get a doggie pool ramp like this one.
If your dog is at the beach, don’t assume that ocean water is enough to keep him cool and quench his thirst. In fact, some dogs can consume too much salt water while playing. This can lead to a high concentration of sodium in the blood which can be fatal. Symptoms of salt water poisoning (hypernatremia) can include dehydration, diarrhea, and vomiting. Your dog may also seem confused and lethargic. Limit your dog to about fifteen minutes at a time in ocean water and make sure he has plenty of access to shade along with fresh water to drink.
The temperature of the water is another thing to consider before taking your dog swimming. Don’t let your dog go in the water when it’s too cold. The best temperature for swimming with your dog is about the same as a warm bath.
Any time your French Bulldog is on a boat or playing in the water, a life vest is a necessity. I’ll mention some more about the ones I recommend you try.
What Can You Do To Help Your French Bulldog Enjoy Swimming?
If your dog seems to want to swim, you should first choose a doggie life jacket for him to wear. This is an essential safety item for virtually all dogs but especially for your French Bulldog. We use the Outward Hound Granby Ripstop Dog Life jacket and have been really happy with it. It has 3 points of adjustment, excellent buoyancy and fits the best. This may not be the best for your dog so look for one with adjustable straps and waterproof materials to ensure a snug fit and proper buoyancy. Brands like Ruffwear and EzyDog offer high quality life jacket for dogs. There are also a couple on Amazon that have good reviews such as this one made specifically for French Bulldogs and this one for XS dogs. Make sure the vest fits your dog properly. French Bulldogs are very popular today so it’s not difficult to find vests for dogs their size.
When teaching your French Bulldog to swim you should start in shallow water and a controlled environment. That way, you will be able to provide your dog with reassurance to help build trust and confidence while introducing him to the water.
The Safer Option: Kiddie Pools
You may want to consider using a small, shallow doggie pool for these first water play lessons. Pools designed for dogs usually have slip-resistant bottoms and are made of durable materials. Brands to look for include Kopeks, Jasonwell, or FrontPet. Doggie pools have advantages over plastic kiddie pools which are usually slippery on the bottom without any kind of slip-resistant features.
You can let your dog get used to just an inch or two of water in one of these pools. It’s important for your dog to have fun with the experience. If he is anxious or scared, don’t force him to continue. Always put your dog’s safety and well-being first when trying to teach him to swim – or when doing anything else. Consulting with a professional dog trainer or a veterinarian can also be helpful to ensure a positive swimming experience for your Frenchie.
Swimming Aids for Teaching Frenchies to Swim
As your dog starts to get used to the water in the small pool, you may want to liven things up for him by introducing some other items. You can try some of these products if they appeal to you or if you think your dog might like them. Remember to keep things fun. The swim lessons are educational for your dog but they should still be enjoyable.
Swim Toys:
You can use floating balls or toys with handles for your dog to chase in the water. Many dogs love to chase balls in the water and this can make swimming more fun. It can also help build confidence in the water.
Safety Goggles:
If your French Bulldog doesn’t like to get his face wet, these safety goggles made for dogs can protect their eyes. They can make some dogs more comfortable about being in the water.
Floatation Collar:
Floatation collars provide extra support for a dog’s head while swimming. Some dogs are more comfortable wearing one of these collars or a neck ring. Brands like Swimways and EzyDog offer floatation collars designed for dogs.
Swim Trainer Harness:
A swim trainer harness is made for helping a dog maintain proper body position while swimming. These harnesses can be especially useful for brachycephalic breeds such as French Bulldogs. Brands like Swimways offer swim trainer harnesses.
Floating Ramp:
If you have a pool, consider installing a floating ramp or water exit ramp specifically for dogs. A floating ramp provides an easy and safe way for your dog to exit the pool.
Training Leash:
Some people like to use a long training leash for better control over their dog during swimming lessons. Make sure it’s made of durable materials that can handle water.
Water-Resistant Collar:
Your dogs regular collar will typically get wet during swimming. Many people like to have a water-resistant collar for their dog to wear during swimming. Look for materials such as neoprene that dry quickly.
Teaching Your Frenchie to Swim Safely
When you are ready to leave the doggie pool you will still need an area of water that is shallow and controlled. This could be the shallow end of a swimming pool or some shallow water at a beach. Your dog should be wearing his life vest.
Experienced trainers recommend that it’s best if you encourage your dog to come into the water with you. Bring one of your dog’s toys or a ball to entise him. Keep it fun. He doesn’t need to go out very far into the water.
Once your dog is in the water with you, you can place an arm under his body to hold him up while he gets used to paddling. You can also hold on to the handle on the back of his life jacket to help hold him up in the correct body position, with his head out of the water.
Encourage your dog as he starts to paddle. Many dogs will paddle with their front legs at first, forgetting about their back legs. Offer positive reinforcement and praise. If your dog is frightened, he might try to climb on you, so be prepared. Don’t force your dog to stay in the water if he’s frightened but do help him stay calm. It can take a couple of minutes for a dog to get the hang of paddling with all four legs, even when you are supporting their body.
Remember that swimming is tiring, especially when your dog is just learning. He’s likely excited, too, so don’t keep him in the water too long at first.
Another approach is to do these first swim lessons in shallow water with a friend who has a dog that likes to swim. Your dog should be wearing his life vest. Very often, when a dog sees his doggy friend going in the water (shallow water), he will follow him.
You should stay close to your dog and bring him back if he starts to seem overwhelmed. Long leashes on both dogs can be useful in this situation. Take a break if it seems like your dog is getting tired.
Real-Life Experiences and Success Stories
Look, whilst I and several other Frenchie owners have dogs that can’t swim, even though they want to there are those who can swim successfully! It will depend on your exact dog, and their physical characteristics.
With proper supervision and precautions, there are French Bulldogs who learn to swim.
Here are a some photos and videos of a few dogs enjoying themselves in the water.
Many people are surprised to learn that these dogs are so active. The same is true when people see French Bulldogs running agility or coursing tests.
They are fantastic little athletes. They love to try new things and do things with you. And for many, that includes swimming – as long as you watch them like a hawk!
Can French Bulldogs Swim? Final Word
French Bulldogs have some physical characteristics that can make swimming a challenge such as their brachycephalic features (flat face, short nose), their heavy front, and their shorter legs. However, many seem to enjoy the water.
If you think your dog would like to learn to swim, start by obtaining a good-fitting doggy life vest. Let your dog get used to playing in shallow water. Make swim lessons fun. Go in the water with him to support his body and help lift him above the water by the handle on his vest while he learns to paddle. Consider taking a friend and a dog that is confident in the water with you to show your Frenchie that the water is fun.
Swimming and water sports are inherently dangerous for both humans and dogs so always take precautions when you and your dog are around water. Your dog should wear a life vest when he is near the water. If you have a swimming pool, make sure gates are securely closed when you are not present. Teach your dog how to exit the pool on his own.
Swimming can be fun for you and your Frenchie if your dog likes the water but don’t push him to do anything he doesn’t enjoy. At the end of the day, the most important thing is for both you and your French Bulldog to come home to dry land safely.
Amy Wright
Amy is the one of the authors at the Fab Fun Frenchie and an avid dog lover with over 30 years of experience caring for animals. She has owned and cared for many pets in her life including 2 Samoyeds, 2 black Labradors, 4 tabby cats and most recently a French Bulldog. This site is a collaboration with experts to share the good, the bad and the ugly of the beloved French Bulldog.
