Can French Bulldogs Swim? Here’s Why Frenchies Are Not Good Swimmers

As the name suggests, French bulldogs originally came from France.

The breed of French bulldog was a result of the cross-breeding of local Parisian dogs, also known as ratters and small bulldogs that originally came from England.

French bulldogs are one of the most popular breeds among dog lovers all around the world. Their popularity has risen so much that Frenchies rank among the fourth spot of most popular breeds in the United States of America. In the United Kingdom, they have taken the second spot, and in Australia, they rank in the third spot.

If we go through the French bulldog's historical narrative we can find some distressing facts about how these innocent animals were used for blood sports. However, when these fights were banned, people started to import French bulldogs.

When the wave of the industrial revolution hit Nottingham (East Midlands, England), workers of lace (designed fabric using delicate thread patterns) were displaced among many.

They moved to France and settled in Normandy. When they left England, they brought their dogs with them. The toy bulldogs became so popular and that they started being exported to other countries as well.

They were crossbred as well and people from all walks of life started owning them. The French word for a bulldog is 'bouledogue.' French bulldogs have been illustrated in their paintings by some famous French painters as well.

Frenchies are quite sensitive and possessive when it comes to their owners and may not like it when they leave for long hours. This is one of the many reasons why Frenchies can often suffer from disorders such as anxiety and separation. Frenchies are kind-hearted, easy-going, and amicable dogs. Frenchie owners face fewer problems when it comes to training.

Why can French bulldogs not swim?

There are a lot of reasons why French bulldogs cannot swim. French bulldogs have different characteristics and physical traits which makes it almost impossible for this breed to swim. So, when it is scorching hot during summer, you can't expect French bulldogs to go swimming.

One of the main reasons why French bulldogs cannot swim is because Frenchies are flat-faced and they often suffer from BAOS (brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome). Frenchies do not have athletic bodies, so they often get tired just by walking. Their short snout poses as a hindrance to their breathing.

When French bulldogs swim or try to swim, they have to tilt their head above the water to breathe properly. Due to this shifting movement, their center of gravity gets affected which makes it impossible for them to swim alone.

Frenchies have a bulky frame which is accompanied by short legs. Their disproportionate body (top-heavy and short legs) are another major reason why Frenchies are not good swimmers. Even though Frenchies enjoy the water, it is best to not let them swim on their own. They can easily drown if not overseen by their dog parents.

French bulldogs do not have long limbs like other breeds of dogs such as Labradors or Golden Retrievers. Frenchies are short muscular dogs and their bodily proportions can easily lead them to fatigue.

Do French bulldogs like water?

French bulldogs absolutely enjoy the water; they also love being around water. Even though Frenchies love water, they cannot swim well. So let's find out why Frenchies are partial to water!

French bulldogs find it hard to cool down in warmer months. These puppies with short legs need to regularly regulate their temperature. One of the reasons they like being around water is it can cool them down during summer.

Frenchies have a single coat which makes their skin prone to thermic fever under hot and humid conditions. When it is cold, they may easily catch hypothermia.

French bulldogs love swimming but not every Frenchie likes to swim. French bulldogs can swim if you teach your Frenchie to, as they are curious pets with a short snout and short legs!

When teaching your Frenchie to swim, always make sure that you are standing right next to your dog. Frenchies are able to swim but you need to stay alert and guide them.

You can start teaching your French bulldog in a swimming pool but ensure that it is not too deep or shallow. If you want to start teaching your French bulldogs how to swim in the swimming pool itself, then always remember to put on life jackets for your Frenchies.

Pools with deep water are not recommended at all for your pet. Pools with deep water can pose a risk of drowning. The life jackets should be according to the size of your pet. Inflatable swimming pools are another option where you can let your Frenchie enjoy water sports, albeit safely!

Not every French bulldog loves swimming or is able to swim. Whenever you teach your Frenchie swimming, always take note whether your Frenchie is feeling confident around water.

A Frenchie is a companion dog and many owners are often accompanied by their dogs on trips. So when taking them to lakes, ponds, beaches, or other water bodies, make sure that your dog is wearing a properly fitted life vest.

Can French bulldogs go in saltwater?

The French bulldog is a curious breed - they are friendly and are the perfect companion for any trip. So let's go over some major points that will come in handy when you take your Frenchie near a lake, pond, and beach, where the water has a high salt content.

Whenever we think about saltwater, the first thing that comes to our mind is a beach! Many dog owners have a routine of taking their pets to the beach. Saltwater can be dangerous to your dogs in many ways.

If you are planning to take your Frenchie on a beach trip, you can always prepare in advance by checking the weather forecast because your Frenchie might not like the sun or wind too much!

Always accompany your Frenchie whenever he or she is going near the water. French bulldogs are often thirsty because of their physiology and may drink accidentally drink salt water. The intake of saltwater will lead to diarrhea and dehydration.

You can also make sure that your Frenchie does not go to the lake, pond, or beach whenever there are rip tides. Rips tides at the beach are caused due to water currents, and this is not a safe environment for your dog.

Whenever your Frenchie is going on a trip near a water body you can also make sure that he or she is wearing a life vest. Even if your dog is well-acclimated to water bodies and knows how to swim, it is advisable to keep a check and make them wear a life vest always.

Your French bulldog may be enthusiastic and may love to swim around in the water, but as responsible owners, you must be aware of all the problems your Frenchie can face while enjoying the coolness of the water.

Always be alert and watch your Frenchie, so that he or she does not try to eat or drink anything while swimming in saltwater. There are many sea animals such as starfish, jellyfish, shellfish, and sea urchins.

These sea animals can pose a certain risk to your dog as they can release certain toxins. These sea animals can be dangerous for both humans and dogs alike.

After your trip, always check that your Frenchie is behaving fine both physically and behaviorally. If your Frenchiedisplays unusual symptoms such as scratching, vomiting, or other issues you must take your dog to the vet immediately.

What breeds of dogs cannot swim?

There are several types of dogs that cannot swim. Swimming does not come naturally to many types of dogs including French bulldogs.

To make French bulldogs swimming experts, you need to teach and train them. In addition, you must monitor your Frenchie closely. Mentioned below are some breeds of dogs that find swimming difficult or are sometimes afraid of the water!

The Dachshund, also known as the German badger dog, is a type of dog with a long cylinder-like torso and miniature legs. It is also known as a sausage dog or a wiener dog.

These dogs could face tremendous exertion when they try to swim or when they walk for a long time, so it is advised to make swimming an occasional activity for them.

Corgis are often known as dwarf dogs and share some physical similarities with Dachshunds. These Welsh cuties have a big head which is accompanied by a stout height. Due to their physical proportions, swimming is not something they enjoy.

Terriers are another type of dog breed that cannot swim. There are many different species under the terrier dog breed. Most of these types of dogs do not enjoy the water and have difficulty regulating their breathing because of their short nose.

Swimming is also difficult for Boxers, and they are unable to swim. They cannot swim since they don't have a long tail and have a broad chest. Some even have a short inward nose, which can make breathing and moving in the water difficult. They could easily be at risk of drowning even in swimming pools.

Maltese are another type of dog that should stay away from water. Their physical features make it impossible for them to enjoy water sports. They have long hair, small legs, and a small head. These types of dogs should be groomed regularly and must have trimmed hair so that they can live a comfortable life.

The Northern Chinese dog, Chow Chow, is another beauty that does not like water or swimming. They have a strong build accompanied by a double fur coat and the fur can be pretty thick sometimes. Their heavy build and coat could pose a problem when it comes to swimming.

Another type of dog that cannot swim is the Pekingese. They have an imperial history and were often adopted by Chinese royalty. A Pekingese is a small lap and companion dog, with a long coat.

Their name is derived from Peking city, in Beijing, China. Legend has it that a butterfly and a lion fell deeply in love, but due to their differences in size, they could not move forward. So they went to the Buddha, who fulfilled their wishes and then the Pekingese was created!

The Pomeranian is another type of dog that does not usually like water and might not want to swim either. This breed is also known as Pom-Pom, Deutscher Spitz, Dwarf Spitz, and Pom Dog. With small dogs like Pomeranians, swimming is always a risk, as they have a thick fur coat and short legs.

Greyhounds are lanky S-shaped dogs. They do not like to swim and quite rarely like the water. They have long muscular legs, a long tail, a non-rigid spine, and an athletic physique. Greyhounds have a calm, intelligent, and sensitive demeanor, which makes them one of the best companion dogs.

The Bichon Frise is a small, friendly dog with short physical proportions. They do not like water and their physiology does not make it ideal for them to swim either. They are affectionate, sensitive, and gentle little dogs.

Another type of dog which shares physical similarities to the French bulldog is the pug. The pug originally hails from China, and their physical proportions make it impossible for them to swim.

Just like French bulldogs, they also have a small nose and that can result in problems in breathing. Even though pugs have strong physical features they also tend to suffer from spine issues. They are intuitive, intelligent, and have a sensitive nature.

Other types of dogs that do not like water or those who cannot swim are Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Shar Peis, Basset Hounds, Bull Terrier, and Scottish Terriers. In short, it's a myth that all dogs can swim and love to do so because there are many that cannot and don't enjoy going into the water.