Do Belgian Malinois Like Water (And Can They Swim)? Vet-Reviewed Benefits, Facts & FAQ

The Belgian Malinois is a world-class working breed known for its highly active personality. If you are the proud owner of a Belgian Malinois, you know that leaving them alone in the yard to run around just won’t cut it. This energetic and intelligent breed needs physical and mental stimulation, and they thrive when they are given a job to do.

When coming up with new ways to expend your dog's energy, swimming can be fun, interactive, and beneficial for your Belgian Malinois's happiness and health, but do they like water?

The answer depends on the dog, but with an early and correct introduction to water, your Belgian Malinois can grow up to be a water-loving dog that enjoys a swim when the opportunity arises.

Do Belgian Malinois Like Water?

Some breeds will happily jump into the water without a thought, while some will do whatever it takes to avoid it. Some are also bred as water dogs, and others were bred for land work, like the Belgian Malinois, which was initially bred for herding.

While Belgian Malinois don’t have a strong natural inclination toward water or swimming, they are an energetic breed that will happily take on any task they are given and, more often than not, succeed very quickly. They are also a confident breed, likely to accept a new experience. They can grow to love water if they are introduced early on in life, and of course, it needs to be a positive experience. However, a negative experience with water may lead to fear or hesitation, so introductions to water should always be gradual and positive.

Can Belgian Malinois Swim?

While Belgian Malinois have the stamina, energy, and confidence for swimming, there are better swimmers, such as Portuguese Water Dogs or Poodles. They have tremendous confidence, which will allow them to try new experiences like swimming. They are highly intelligent, so they can be taught to swim relatively quickly. If their owners give them a water-retrieving task, their eagerness to please will help them learn fast.

Belgian Malinois are often solid swimmers who enjoy the water. However, it's important to understand that each dog is unique and should never be forced to swim. Early training and an early, positive introduction to water are vital if you want your dog to be a swimmer.

How Do I Encourage My Belgian Malinois to Like Water?

If you want your Belgian Malinois to enjoy water and water activities, introduce them to water as early as possible. It is also crucial that this introduction to water is a positive and fun experience that is not forced.

When your Belgian Malinois is still a young puppy, play games at the edge of the lake or pond so that they are close to the water. If you have a pool on your property, play fetch and other games near the pool’s edge. After a few experiences with near water, you can slowly introduce your pup to the water.

Start by gauging how motivated your pup is to get into the water by throwing its ball or toy into the water, where it is easy to retrieve. If your pup goes in without hesitation, you can move on, but if it appears a little resistant, try again another time. You can slowly start getting your pup to run a little deeper to retrieve the toy, and as the water gets deeper, climb in with your dog and hold them if needed.

What Are the Benefits of Swimming for a Belgian Malinois?

Swimming has several benefits for your Belgian Malinois! These can include:

Training Your Belgian Malinois to Swim

Even though your Belgian Malinois is an intelligent and confident canine, you cannot expect them to swim correctly and safely by just allowing them in the water. If you want your Belgian Malinois to be a confident, strong swimmer who loves water, it will require training. Fortunately, they can be trained relatively easily, but you should start as young as possible.

Teaching your Belgian Malinois to swim can be a vital life-saving skill. Here are some tips for training your Belgian Malinois to swim while keeping it safe:

Final Thoughts

Some dogs will happily jump into the water with little hesitation, while others may be nervous or apprehensive. This can be due to an experience with water or the fact that some dogs don't enjoy being wet. Belgian Malinois were not bred as water dogs and don't have an inherent love for water. However, they are a confident, intelligent, and energetic breed that can learn to love water and grow up to be a great swimmer.

You should introduce your Belgian Malinois to small bodies of water as early as possible and ensure it is a positive experience. Slowly teach your dog to swim and ensure it is always safe around water. Eventually, swimming can become an activity that your Belgian Malinois will grow to love.

Featured Image Credit: ubaru, Shutterstock