Now that summer is over, some of us will be tempted to take a last-minute break before the fall weather sets in.
And if you’re planning a quick poolside getaway with your pup, you might want to check that he or she will be the perfect companion.
Experts at Pet Radar in New York have now revealed the eight different dog breeds that can’t swim and are least likely to accompany you during a relaxing swim in the pool.
The experts told FEMAIL: ‘Several dog breeds have bodies and coats that are simply not designed for swimming.
“These traits make it difficult for them to keep their heads above water when they have to swim.”
Here they reveal the eight dog breeds that aren’t born swimmers…
1. Maltese
When a Maltese dog’s coat gets drenched it becomes quite heavy making it more difficult to move in water ( Stock Image )
The Maltese breed is characterized by its all white silky coat and sweet disposition.
The semi-portable pups are a great companion for almost all events except swimming.
According to animal blog Hepper, “Like most breeds with long coats, Maltese don’t like the way the water feels.
“Plus, when soaked, their fur gets quite heavy, making it harder to move (in water) and taking forever to dry.”
2. Corgi
A royal favourite, the beloved dogs are synonymous with the late Queen Elizabeth and are mostly adored for their good natures and highly trainable minds.
Unfortunately, these qualities don’t get much use at the pool, where the usually athletic Corgis struggle.
Although they are strongly built, they are not the best swimmers due to their long bodies and legs.
But don’t worry, they can be trained to (sort of) swim and paddle in shallow water.
3. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are a cute little breed, known for their short muzzles and round eyes, as well as their big cute ears.
While they retain a natural ability to swim, their sturdy stance deprives them of the stamina needed to swim in water.
As for their ability to swim, Everything Shih Tzu explains, “Shih Tzus are brachycephalic, meaning they have narrowed nostrils and partially obstructed airways, making the simple task of breathing a little more difficult for the breed.”
Brachycephalic animals have skulls that are shorter than typical for their species, making the face and nose look pushed in.
“When a Shih Tzu swims, they have to stretch their head way back to keep the short snout out of the water.
Stretching their head back makes it even more difficult for them to breathe in air.
4. Pug
If you place a pug in a body of water he will likely lick it up, but be careful as he may encounter a struggle ( Stock Image )
Pugs are wonderful dogs known to be full of character and thrive in a variety of environments.
However, according to the experts, there is one place where pugs have a hard time: the water.
Place them in a body of water and they’ll likely lick it up, but watch out as they may encounter a struggle.
Simply put, their stocky body and short legs make it difficult for them to stay afloat.
Meanwhile, their flat faces can also cause them problems breathing underwater.
5. Boxer
Boxers are generally short-haired dogs, distinguished by their smooth coat and large, athletic build.
As with pugs, their flat faces and short muzzles can make swimming quite frightening and in some cases even dangerous.
Their body features are likely to cause breathing problems when they’re in the water, as they struggle to keep their heads afloat – and if they’re left alone for too long, they risk drowning.
6. Bull Terrier
Although playful and courageous, it seems that Bull Terriers are not born swimmers ( Stock Image )
The mighty bull terrier is a muscular breed with large bones and ample strength and agility.
Although playful and courageous, these dogs don’t seem to be born swimmers.
Their bulky frame coupled with short legs makes it an almost impossible task to keep their bodies afloat.
However, sometimes the fearless pups love a splash now and then.
While paddling in the pool, make sure to keep an eye on them in case their little legs stretch to the max.
7. Dachshund
The Dachshund’s elongated body opposes its short legs, making for a disastrous combination when it comes to swimming around the edge of the pool.
In addition to a smooth coat and long ears, they also enjoy a longer snout, which makes them less likely to develop underwater breathing problems like pugs.
But if you’re looking for a beach companion, make sure they don’t paddle in the water for too long, as their little paws are likely to tire quickly.
8. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are prone to ear infections if water gets into their ear canals (stock image)
This dog possesses an uncanny ability to track down objects while being strong enough to hunt.
But when they get near water, they run into a whole host of problems.
Their large heads, short legs and distinctive long floppy ears have reduced their chances of becoming great swimmers.
In addition, basset hounds are also prone to ear infections if water gets into their ear canals.