Can a Corgi Swim? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Tips
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View 2 More +If you’re thinking about getting a Corgi and plan on taking them along on beach or lake trips with you, you might be wondering whether they’ll appreciate the water activities. Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are capable of swimming, but their capabilities and affinity for water will vary.
In this post, we’ll explore how much Corgis enjoy the water and activities like swimming.
How Well Can Corgis Swim?
In general, Corgis aren’t reputed to be the best (or most graceful) swimmers because of their heavy builds and tiny legs, but this doesn’t stop every Corgi from enjoying a dip; it simply means that their level of swimming skills will differ from dog to dog. Moreover, it surprises some when they realize just how agile Corgis can be—don’t underestimate those little legs, they’re pretty powerful.
Some Corgis take to swimming like fish and will confidently barrel around a pool on those adorable little legs (a YouTube search for “Corgi swimming” confirms this), whereas others won’t set a single paw in the water. Some may enjoy a brief dip or paddle but won’t stray far from the water’s edge.
The truth is that you can never guarantee that a dog will be able to swim well. If your Corgi is introduced to water gradually and positively and is allowed to go at their own pace, they’re more likely to enjoy swimming and develop their skills. You should never force your Corgi to swim under any circumstances.
Do Corgis Like Water?
Like with swimming, this depends on the individual dog. Some Corgis enjoy playing in the water, while for others, it just isn’t their thing at all. Some like water but don’t enjoy swimming. If your Corgi loves water but doesn’t want to swim, there are plenty of water activities they can take part in without swimming.
One idea is to let them paddle in shallow water like a paddling pool or along the seashore while you take a beach stroll. Another is to turn the sprinklers on or crack out some water guns/hoses and let your Corgi enjoy splashing about and jumping in the water streams.
Keeping Your Corgi Safe Around Water
If you and your Corgi are heading off for a weekend at the lake or beach, there are some measures you can take to make sure your Corgi enjoys the water safely, whether they’ll be swimming or just splashing about.
1. Supervise Them at all Times
Even if your Corgi can swim well, there’s always the possibility that they’ll get into trouble. Many water bodies contain rocks, reeds, and debris that your dog might get caught on or injured by. Currents are another danger to watch out for.
2. Make Sure Your Corgi Can Exit Easily
There’s also the risk of fatigue if your Corgi gets into difficulty, and this can be fatal if your dog can’t get out of the water quickly. Pick an area that’s easy for your Corgi to exit whenever they need to. If you want to let your Corgi use a pool of some kind, make sure it has a ramp for entering and exiting.
3. Watch Out for Algae
Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), which is commonly found in freshwater, is toxic to dogs and other animals if they drink it. Keep your Corgi clear of any areas with blue-green algae.
4. Pop a Lifejacket on
No matter how well your Corgi swims, a lifejacket could make a huge difference if they get into difficulty in the water, helping them save energy and stay afloat. These are also great for making your dog more visible in the water in case you lose sight of them.
Conclusion
Though some Corgis like to swim and can swim reasonably well, there’s no guarantee that every Corgi will take to it. If your Corgi isn’t fond of swimming, respect this and allow them to sit things out.
There are plenty of ways they can join in the fun without swimming at all. Some Corgis will be more than content to simply chill on the sidelines and supervise!
Featured Image Credit: ako photography, Shutterstock
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Kit Copson is a freelance writer and lifelong animal lover with a strong interest in animal welfare. She has parented many furry beings over the years and is currently a proud cat mom of two—one very chilled (unless hungry) Siamese and a skittish but adorable Domestic Shorthair—and dog mom of one—an adopted Bichon Poodle cross. When not writing about or spending time with pets, Kit can be found drawing in her sketchpad, reading, or more often than not, drinking tea.
2 Responses
Our corgi girl loves to swim. We call her the Loch Ness Corgi, since all you see is head and tail. I would love to have her swimming more, since she enjoys pools, the beach and fountains. Here in North Queensland, I am surprised that pups aren't allowed in pools -- even though possums and other native creatures have been in the pools...
Hi! What a fun nickname “Loch Ness Corgi” made me smile! ? It’s great that she enjoys swimming so much. It’s true, pool rules can be strict for hygiene reasons, but it sounds like she’s getting plenty of opportunities to splash around at the beach and fountains :) Hopefully they do a better job at preventing the wild animals from going in the pools!
