Wondering Can Dobermans Swim? Do they like to Swim? Is it possible for Dobermans to Swim?
If you ask for a one-word answer, Yes, Dobermans can swim. However, there come a lot of situational and safety concerns/ conditions with that.
If you own a Doberman, your fighter dog might bring you some challenges while swimming.
Because of their heavily muscled body, Dobermans, at times, can find it difficult to swim.
Also, as their body carries low-fat levels, they won’t float naturally.
Perhaps Doberman is born athletes; they too love Swimming and enjoy their time in the water.
However, because Doberman does not respond well to coercion and is quite sensitive in nature, one should never force them to swim.
With that said, let’s move towards knowing more about Dobermans, their swimming interest, abilities, and more.
Are Dobermans Swimmers?
Like any other dog breed, Dobermans take to water naturally. They are strong swimmers who enjoy their water time.
Despite they are not natural swimmers, they will love to swim when provided.
One of the only things that makes them naturally comfortable in swimming pools is their strong athletic build and spirit.
However, there come several challenges and disadvantages along. Let’s put some light upon it.
Doberman Swimming Challenges
Dobermans are unarguably one of the strongest dogs in the world.
They have long muscled bodies with a deep and broad chest and a thinner rear end.
If looked at from a certain point of view, they are not naturally built for Swimming or floating.
Despite they will enjoy the entire pool session, there can come several challenges while letting your Dobie swim.
- Muscular bodies with low-fat proportions
Fat floats, and muscles sink. Dobermans are lean dogs, and most of their body mass consists of muscles with little fat.
This fat is not enough to make them float naturally; thus, they won’t swim until Dobies struggle.
- Long Bodies (Broad front and Narrow end)
Dobies have a really long body that normally grows over 2 feet (26 to 28 inches).
Along with that, while they possess a broader front, their rear end is narrower.
It results in sinking their rear end more. Also, with effect, if the rear end sinks more, it will further result in sinking them straight deep down.
Another added challenge comes with Dobie’s docked tail. While a thick power dog tail allows you dogs to propel, Dobie’s find it challenging to do so.
- Deep Chest
Dobermans have a deep chest, ranging from 29 to 40 inches depending on their age/ growth.
Any dog with a deeper chest will find it difficult to swim as its chest gets elevated due to its size.
It further again results in their rear end sinking.
- Unwebbed paws
Unlike many other dog breeds, Dobermans have unwebbed paws, just like cats.
While dogs with webbed paws find swimming easy, in contrast, dogs and cats with unwebbed paws find swimming a struggle.
With all that said, Dobermans have both drive and desire to swim, but their physical build makes Swimming slightly difficult for them.
Despite not being built for Swimming, Dobermans can be classified as Good swimmers (not great but).
Do Dobermans like water and Swimming?
Dobermans absolutely love stepping in water and splashing it around. They are fun-loving and love to make the Swimming pool their play and relaxing ground.
Also, because Dobermans sometimes get overheated, Swimming is one fine way to cool down naturally.
Despite Swimming is not natural for Dobermans, you can train them in the field.
Also, considering Dobermans require plenty of daily exercises to burn their energy and maintain their athletic build, Swimming comes as a great form of playful exercise. Not just that, it also strengthens their muscles.
Big swimming bool or beaches can intimidate Dobies, though that doesn’t mean they cannot enjoy their time.
You can take those who have Dobies to nearby rivers, ponds, lakes, and small swimming pools.
Water bodies that have gentle slopes will help them initially build confidence. However, be cautious of water currents in rivers.
Or splash pools or portable outdoor pools are another great media to introduce your Dog to water.
In a very short time, they will naturally build swimming confidence.
How likely would Dobermans like to swim?
On a hot summer day, Dobermans will absolutely love Swimming.
However, loving the idea of Swimming may vary from individual dog to dog.
While some Dobies can confidently go deep underwater retrieving their toys and stuff, others may find it terrifying.
As an alert and carrying individual, it is your job to make your dog feel comfortable and not forcefully send them to swim.
Can Dobermans learn Swimming?
Introducing dogs to water isn’t a great deal, even if the dog is a Doberman.
They might not prove the most comfortable in the beginning but will eventually learn the art.
If you are looking forward to introducing your Dobies to Swimming, here are some tips:
Can a Doberman Pinscher Swim?
Doberman Pinschers are usually trained as police or guard dogs, So they have a bad reputation for strangers for being intimidating and aggressive.
Nevertheless, Dobermans Pinschers are strong and natural swimmers and take to water naturally.
Getting Your Doberman to Love Swimming
- To begin with, learn patience, softness and consideration before you take your Dobie for Swimming.
- Introduce them to life jackets outside water within their daily routine. It may take time, but they will eventually associate life jackets with positive results.
- Further, introduce them to splash pool or portable home swimming pools which does not have much depth. If there are no possibilities of drowning, you can leave them without a life jacket as well.
- Once your Dobie feels home and comfortable with water, take them for river walks where water is no more than half to one foot and absent current. Don’t force them but encourage them by walking like yourself as well.
- Eventually, in a few days, you can land your Doberman in the swimming pool. However, make sure it isn’t deep or overpopulated. Despite how comfortable they are with a splash pool or river walks, do make them wear a life jacket.
- Start gradually, and to boost their confidence, you too consider stepping down into the pool. Seeing their masters getting into the water and enjoying it will make them feel safe.
- Once your Dobie starts feeling safe at the swimming pool, start playing some easy games with him. Throw their ball/ toy and ask them to fetch it. Keep increasing the distance and ensure you are verbally encouraging them.
- After everyday swimming pool session, reward them with their favourite treats and tell them you are proud of them.
- Once it’s been a few days of the same training, try to get your Dobie in the swimming pool without a life jacket. Be right beside him and ensure that you are there to protect him.
- If required, you can keep the chain on. Let them swim and if you feel any suspicion, pull their chain towards yourself. If your dog panics, bring him out of the pool right away and try to comfort him.
Teaching or training your Doberman how to swim requires extreme patience. Both dog and owner need to stay calm and do not get over-excited. Learning to swim is a process, and like any other art, it takes time and effort.
Do Doberman Puppies Like to Swim?
When provided with a safe environment, Doberman puppies enjoy Swimming thoroughly.
Also, instead of when they have grown tall and strong, it is ideal to teach them swimming when they are a pup.
Dobie puppies have smaller bodies. The physical challenges that make it difficult for a grown-up Dobbie to swim might not necessarily show up during the early phase.
You can begin giving them swimming lessons once they are two to 5 months old.
Training them early will make your Dobbie expert in further, despite their physical (built) challenges.
Which dogs are good swimmers?
Your pet dog will absolutely love joining you for a swimming pool session.
Not all but most of the dog breeds are naturally good swimmers.
You don’t even have to teach them the basics. Once their feet touch water, they will naturally begin swimming.
Here is a list Dog breeds that are good swimmers:
- American Water Spaniel
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- Flat-Coated Retriever
- English Setter
- Newfoundland.
- Portuguese Water Dog.
- Poodle.
- Boykin Spaniel
- Barbet
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
- Irish Setter.
- Lhasa Apso
- Curly-Coated Retriever
Tips to ensure safe swimming session for Doberman
While a life jacket will keep your Dobie from drowning, there are several other potential risks you will have to look upon. Here are a few listed:
- Swallowing too much Chlorinated water is unhealthy for your Dobie.
- It can result in hyponatremia resulting in a swollen body. If your dog has swallowed a lot of water, consult your vet immediately.
- Chlorinated water in swimming pools can also lead to skin irritation and infection.
- Though not all dogs will get affected, but make sure you monitor yours for a few days.
- Clean your dog’s ear after every swimming session. Make sure no water is clogged, or it can lead to an ear infection.
Summary
Despite Swimming is not a natural talent for Dobies, safe training can expert them. While providing them safety assurance, you can introduce swimming pools, lakes, rivers, or even oceans (beaches) to your pet.
Swimming also works as a great exercise routine for Dobermans. Once they are well-versed with the sport, you can often use it to burn their energy. While they are back, give them a clean water bath and pat dry well to avoid infections.
