Can Chihuahuas Swim?

Can Chihuahuas Swim? What You Need To Know!

The Chihuahua, a small dog breed originating in Mexico, is known for being loved by celebrities and royalty alike. But how do they fare when faced with the water?

Chihuahuas have the natural ability to swim, but they aren’t necessarily safe in the water. Their small size can cause them great fear and stress when swimming which will lead to exhaustion quickly. While some Chihuahuas enjoy swimming others despise it immensely.

In this blog post, we will be discussing whether or not Chihuahuas can swim and what you need to know about their swimming capabilities.

Chihuahua: The Basics

chihuahua in beach

Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed in the world. They were named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico where they were discovered by American tourists circa 1890.

The personality and behavior of a Chihuahua depend on their upbringing just like any other dog. However, it is important to note that, since there is such a small breed of Chihuahuas, there is less diversity in behavior than with other dogs. The average height of an adult male Chihuahua is between 6 to 10 inches tall while the females are generally shorter at 4 to 9 inches tall.

Chihuahuas can be one of three colors: black, fawn, or tan. These colors are often combined with a lighter version of the same color to give the dog’s coat a spotted look.

Dogs in Swimming

Chihuahua swimming

While it is true that most dogs have the ability to swim, this does not mean that all dog breeds are created equal when it comes to swimming. There are some dog breeds that simply cannot swim due to their physical makeup, notably the Bull Terrier and French Bulldogs.

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These breeds cannot swim because of their extremely short snouts and tiny noses. This makes it difficult for them to get any air while in the water. Other dog breeds with short faces, such as Pugs and Pekingese, would also have a difficult time swimming.

What Makes Them Able to Swim?

Chihuahuas are small enough to walk along the river bottom while keeping their head above the surface of the water. They will also instinctively know how to swim if they are in deep enough water.

Chihuahuas have a natural instinct to paddle with their front legs while keeping the back legs pointed straight down toward the floor. This paddling motion is what allows them to swim.

What To Do If Your Chihuahua Can’t Swim

Take Precaution

There are some things to keep in mind if your Chihuahua cannot swim. First of all, never leave your Chihuahua unattended near any body of water regardless if they can swim or not. Even if your Chihuahua can swim, accidents may happen.

Keep an Eye Out

Another important thing to remember is that Chihuahuas are very bold dogs despite their size. Because of this tendency, they will not hesitate to jump into the water even if they cannot swim.

Put a Life Vest

Ensure that you keep a close eye on your Chihuahua whenever they are near water to prevent any drowning accidents from happening. Also, try placing a life vest on your dog while in the water so that they can float if their legs become tired.

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Backup Plan

If this is not an option, ensure that you have a way of quickly rescuing your Chihuahua if needed. Teach them to come to you whenever you say the word “come.” This way, you can have your Chihuahua step onto a raft or into a boat before they become too tired.

Chihuahuas are unique dogs that often prefer not to be involved in activities that other breeds may enjoy. This is especially true with water-related activities since many Chihuahuas just don’t like being in the water. However, if your Chihuahua does enjoy swimming then all you need to do is look for a life vest and be ready to rescue them after they get tired.

Conclusion

The Chihuahua is one of many dog breeds that can swim. However, they aren’t the best swimmers and they should only be in the water for a short period of time. It’s important to know how to rescue your Chihuahua if needed, but also keep an eye on them so you don’t have any accidents.

It’s best to teach your Chihuahua how to swim by getting them used to the water without any expectations. Always make sure your Chihuahua can get out of the pool quickly if they become tired. If you take these precautions, then your Chihuahua should be able to enjoy swimming with you for a little while.

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