Other breeds that have the squished in nose, such as the Pug, have similar tendencies with trying to swim. Frenchie pups are very sensitive. She despises getting wet.”, 5. Or at the least, not freezing cold. 6 Dog Breeds That Don’t Do Well in the Water – SheKnows Can French bulldogs swim? The best way to do this is to go into the water yourself. But they aren’t the only ones. She managed to swim until i could wade in to rescue her in waist deep water. As such, this leads to changes in the anatomy of the soft tissue structures. Read on to learn why most Frenchies aren’t good swimmers. When the sun starts to go down, you’ll be able to spot your dog easily. From now on, your Frenchie will be able to float like a swan and become a master of swimming by using our French Bulldog Life Swimming Vest. Comparatively, Frenchies are small dogs. Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket, dog can still enjoy pool days with the family, What is the Average Lifespan of a French Bulldog? Why Frenchies Aren’t Meant for Water On a serious note, they will sink like stones in a pond. French Bulldogs believe they can swim wholeheartedly, yet their body’s buoyancy is something which begs to differ. Frenchies can’t float due to their body shape and muscle density. Having said that, your little dog can still enjoy pool days with the family through the use of special life jackets and proper training. Why Frenchies Can’t Swim. He's always working with animal shelters and dog rescues because of his passion for all dogs. Even so, you’ll want to start with small bodies of water and slowly move up to bigger bodies of water. Copyright 2018 Sidekick Digital. He hates baths and will escape any chance he gets! Carrot hates the water!“, 4. The French Bulldog is undeniably a muscular dog breed. French bulldogs absolutely cannot swim, and should never be allowed in the water unaided and unsupervised. While it’s manageable for some Brachycephalic dogs, the Frenchie has an especially flat face. French bulldogs have to spend a lot of energy and force just to float and keep their head above the water. If you do a simple YouTube search, you’ll see plenty of videos of French Bulldogs enjoying themselves in a pool or lake. But the truth is like most Bulldog breeds they may be able to sustain brief periods of swimming but they will eventually make their way to the bottom of the pool or lake. I have 2 frenchies, they both love the water and seeing as we live on a lake I do not let them outside alone without their life jackets on, they do sink like a stone! French Bulldogs can’t swim and here’s why. That said, if your Frenchie sees other dogs enjoying their time in the pool, they’re more likely to join. Can any French bulldogs swim? A swimming life vest prevents that. It’s easy to see why someone might think Frenchies can swim. Like humans, they each have their own personalities and quirks. It’s why they’ve become one of the most popular dogs in America. You can even get them a little pool of their own where they can safely splash around and stay cool. They are able to burn a lot of calories without much risk of injury! Plus, rescue handles are perfect in case you need to pull them up quickly. Quite the safer option compared to lakes, ponds or pools. French bulldogs cannot swim without a life vest and constant supervision! one minute of swimming equates to four minutes of running. Registration confirmation will be emailed to you. It’s already filled and she’s splashing away!! If you will throw a French Bulldog in the pool, put a life vest on it. Wiley, our French bulldog LOVES pool time. Required fields are marked *. This is what Frenchies have, and it can be a huge disadvantage for swimming. Haha they don’t take … However, I bet you've never allowed your dog to swim in the sea, lake or river. Mavis says No: “We have a pool for the first time this year. Shasta is the exact opposite and almost won’t go potty if the grass is wet.“, 7. Shortstuff says Mixed: “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say Bisou was a retriever or something with how much she loves water. A French Bulldog definitely loves water, but most bulldogs can’t actually swim. In this early stage, you just want to get their feet wet – literally. French bulldogs cannot swim for any length of time and must be carefully supervised near water. .hide-if-no-js { Bulldogs don't swim and will die fast, in a matter of seconds. This is when you should rinse and dry your dog off ensuring they know the proper way to exit the pool on their own. (2020 Update), 11 Must-Have French Bulldog Gifts For a Frenchie Lover, Are Frenchies Destructive? Naturally, more time swimming leads to various health benefits, such as better heart and lungs, increasing metabolism and reducing inflammation. Trying to find alternative exercise methods when it’s too hot outside. Just like Frenchies. English bulldogs can't swim but some french bulldogs can- it really depends on how fit your dog is and the way it is built. Most will sink like a rock if left unattended. When put into water, all dogs will naturally start dog-paddling. We’re not saying that it’s impossible for Frenchies to become capable swimmers – they obviously can! And Frenchies do love water, especially on a hot day and they are looking at cooling down. Can French Bulldogs Swim? Thus making it even more difficult to breath and stay afloat simultaneously. How Can They Have Fun in Water? If you want to let your Frenchie frolic and play with the family in the pool during those hot summer months, you’re in luck! If you want to take a French Bulldog swimming invest in a dog life jacket. You want to gradually introduce them to water. But fortunately, swimming is the best exercise for obese dogs. Plus, they’re typically heavy-bone dogs that’s built with a compact frame. Once they swim they will want to continue swimming whenever possible and perhaps even when you’re not around. Read on to learn more about why French Bulldogs aren’t the best water dogs if you’re into water-based activities and why they’re absolutely great dogs if you’re interested in land-based activities. Swimming can be very energy-draining. Bullymama says No: “It’s not possible for me to tell you how much Cheli hates water. If you were counting on swimming with your French Bulldog this summer, it’s still possible. If the only or major reason you need your dog to swim is to cool off when overheated and in hot summer months. And finally, never force your Frenchie into the water. But when you combine all the other limitations, it’s can be quite difficult. Getting your dog comfortable around water. Well, now some of you will probably say that your Frenchie knows to swim, right? Most Bulldogs can swim, but not well. It can be overwhelming for most dogs. Because of how they were developed, their physical features aren’t the most ideal for swimming. 1. This is perhaps the biggest obstacle in getting your French Bulldog to safely swim. French bulldogs CAN'T swim and no matter how hard you try, you'll not be able to make them become good swimmers. Note well: this requires 100% constant supervision. First, it’s made from high quality ripstop material that’s both comfortable and flexible. It’s best to train for short periods at a time. French bulldogs that have very moderate faces for the breed; reasonably long noses (in contrast to the modern norm and fashion for very flat-faced dogs, even given the associated health problems very flat faces cause) may potentially be able to keep their noses out of the water just enough to swim for a few minutes It is available in 3 patterns and the mesh fabric on the belly serves to provide extra ventilation for your batpig. I got a vest for Bambi and put her in the pool one time. This is especially when you talk to French Bulldog owners living close to the sea. Make sure to bring the dog’s favorite treats and toys to incentivize them into going in the water. This advice is something even the American Kennel Club recommends. Your Questions Answered. However, they weigh anywhere between 16 to 28 lbs, depending on factors like gender and genetics. Try to throw their favorite toys into the water. Your email address will not be published. Even with a life jacket, a French bulldog’s nose is still barely above the waterline due to the compact nature of their faces. The most important thing is that they feel comfortable and secure. So let us know in the comments section below, does your Frenchie like to swim? French Bulldogs do have a natural instinct to swim, and often enjoy the water just as much as the next dog. To better understand whether French Bulldogs will enjoy swimming or not, we surveyed the popular Frenchie Subreddit and other dog forums to ask this question. If you’re buying a life jacket for your Frenchie, be sure to get one that is tight-fitting to avoid the risk of it slipping off or not keeping your dog afloat. Yes, most definitely being a brachycephalic breed Frenchies find it hard to cool down due to the restriction on painting and using a kids paddling pool is a great option for your Frenchie I have one for buster in the garden and it’s … But make sure some parts of the body are submerged. And if you already know where the dog will be swimming, it’s a good idea to take him to the exact spot. French bulldogs have different body shapes, and it is in these differences that some few can swim while others cannot. Alice Kabel says Yes: “Buster loves getting in lakes, rivers and creeks, and his little pool but he HATES taking a bath!“, 2. There are even collapsible kiddie pools for traveling! So, despite being unable to swim unattended, if given the opportunity, Frenchies will want to go into a pool. The French Bulldogs cannot swim. Can German shepherds swim? Canine life vests are easy to find in most pet stores during the summer, or are available online the rest of the year. The slim and young French bulldogs can swim in water but only for a few minutes. Can french bulldogs swim in a paddling pool? It doesn’t matter how hard frankie paddles, the short legs don’t do much and he will sink within seconds. The tub or pool doesn’t have to be filled all the way up. It’s important that you start with the shallow end. This is the bare minimum. While some Frenchie owners claim that their dogs actually know to swim, we must admit there are exceptions. Yes. Dogs learn best by modeling the behaviors of other dogs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Basically, they have more muscle than fat and are typically top-heavy which makes it physically impossible for them to float. You can see an example of that in the photo below. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. There still are ways you can safely swim with your Frenchie. We would highly recommend that Frenchie owners don’t let their pups swim. And while they’re active and energetic dogs, you may be wondering if swimming is a good activity for them. In other words, Frenchies have a high muscle to fat ratio, which isn’t ideal for swimming. Claude loves the water in our kid’s paddling pool, but cannot swim. Not every puppy knows how to swim, and heavy-built breeds, even small ones like French Bulldogs, can sink quickly. After days and possibly weeks of preparation, it’s finally time for your Frenchie to swim. Brittany Ernst says No: “Rootbeer dislikes water. A bulldog can bathe well and even going a little further into the water can go well, as long as he can stand on the bottom with his feet. French Bulldog Life Swimming Vest. French Bulldogs have a short body, flat face and thick neck structure. We even have trouble getting him out for potty when it is raining.”, 8. Being overweight leads to all kinds of other health issues. We have a kiddie pool for him and he won’t go in it. Though a French Bulldog will manage to swim a short distance it will quickly lose buoyancy and easily drown. No, French Bulldogs cannot swim well. Thanks to their brachycephaly skull, a Frenchie’s facial structure will have a short nasal passage and flat skull. The result from Achondroplasia can be abnormally short limbs, which is called Dwarfism. The best time to introduce your Frenchie to swimming is after you’ve taught the dog basic obedience commands and skill. Will is the proud co-owner of Frankie, a Female Brindle French Bulldog, with his wife Michelle. After witnessing my frenchie fall into the pool, and sink straight to the bottom, without so much an attempt at a doggie paddle, we keep him far away from any bodies of water! Thanks for the advice, Will. The Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket comes in a range of sizes and is made with a comfortable but secure fit. Thanks to their brachycephalic skulls and heavy and short bodies, French bulldogs can’t swim. ALL Frenchies will eventually GO UNDER. According to the AKC, Frenchies are prone to obesity. However, Achondroplasia is a variation in which the bones don’t grow to their full potential size. In many ways, these life jackets serve as inflatable flotation sleeves do for small children. In short, the answer is No. So while it might be tempting to let your Frenchie cool off in the pool it’s important to know that they absolutely cannot swim. While it may be tempting to throw your dog into the shallow end and start, it’s not the best idea. Also, you should be very strict when ensuring your Frenchie only ever enters the water with their life jacket on. You can start with the bath tub or a small kiddie pool. As a result of their squat frame and bulbous head, French bulldogs can’t … French bulldogs absolutely cannot swim, and should never be allowed in the water unaided and unsupervised. Based on the description, it’s easy to see that French Bulldogs are brachycephalic dogs. Along with basset hounds, dachshunds, pugs, corgis, and Maltese dog breeds (just to name a few), bulldogs cannot swim well in water above their head. +  His new favorite activity is surprise bursting into the shower with me any chance he gets. However, they’ll not be able to endure to swim for more than a few minutes. And by equipment, I only mean a dog life vest. French Bulldogs are excellent companions for millions of households around the world. However, it’s important to fully understand why they aren’t good swimmers. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If this little trick works, try throwing the toy deeper into the body of water. Carrotthefrenchie says No: “Carrot went into the pool for the first time. A full adult-sized dog will stand between 11 to 12 inches at the shoulder. And if possible, try to go somewhere with warm water. They don’t mind getting their feet wet at the beach though.“, 6. The simple answer is NO. It’s not time to bring them in yet, though. He seems ok in the water really and does come back when he’s had enough. With proper equipment and training, it’s not only possible but also safe for them. Because dogs have trust can french bulldogs swim their owners see why someone might think Frenchies can swim for more a. Does it provide extra buoyancy in the water with strict visits to the beach though. “, 6 to and. Like we mentioned, they ’ ll be more familiar with the sprinklers toys to incentivize into! 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