Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Like Water? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Swimming Tips

Some breeds are good at running, and others are good at swimming. Which kind of breed is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and what is it good at? Do these dogs make good pets? Will they get out on the water with you or even in the water with you? Many Cavalier King Charles Spaniels love water, but that’s not all there is to it. Keep reading to find out the answers to a few of your questions. We’ll tell you all there is to know about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, how they feel about water, how well they do with it, and much more.

Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Like Water?

While this differs from dog to dog, many Cavalier King Charles Spaniels love water. Most Cavalier King Charles Spaniels will know how to swim, and due to their desire to please their owners, it’s generally very easy to train them to be better swimmers. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a well-known lapdog; because of this, they feel comfortable around large crowds. So, your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel generally won’t feel scared at the beach or a pool.

It is important to know that preference for water is quite individual and some Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may be perfect swimmers, while others may even be afraid or reluctant around water, depending on their personality and previous experiences. Luckily, it is usually pretty easy to teach a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel new skills.

How to Teach a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to Swim

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be taught to be a better swimmer. The best first step to teaching your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to swim is to choose a nice, non-distracting place to teach them, like a lake.

It's essential to begin teaching your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to swim in shallow water, like a kiddie pool, but if you don’t have a kiddie pool, the shallow end of a lake will do. Your pet’s safety is first and foremost, so you’ll need a lifejacket for them. Make sure you never let your Spaniel into the water without a life jacket; you never know what could happen.

The best way to get your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to enjoy the water is to play with them in it. When your Spaniel plays with you in the water, they will adapt faster and turn the experience into a fun one. You should always use a reward system with positive reinforcement, because punishing your dog for not swimming will only make them avoid the water and develop a lack of trust in you. Hold your dog with your hands under their belly when they try to swim to help them float, and whenever they try to swim or successfully swim, praise them and give them a treat.

Final Thoughts

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a dog perfectly capable of swimming. Some have an affinity for it, and most adore the water. They also enjoy being around large groups of people, making beaches a perfect place for them. On top of all that, it is easy to train a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to be a better swimmer. But not all Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adore the water. Some are afraid of water and panic when near it. If your Spaniel is like that, be patient when teaching them. Whether your Spaniel adores the water or is terrified, they can become an incredible swimmer and find fun in the water with enough training focused on a reward system and positive reinforcement. Related Reads:

• Does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Bark A Lot?

• National Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Day: When It Is & Fun Facts

Featured Image Credit: Duba DP, Shutterstock