Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Does a Doberman Have Webbed Feet & Can They Swim? Facts & FAQ

doberman swimming pool

If you have ever seen a Doberman near the water, you know that they love to get wet, which causes many people to wonder if they have webbed feet like the Dachshund or Labrador Retriever. Dobermans don’t actually have webbed feet, but they love the water. Unfortunately, they are not natural swimmers. Keep reading as we discuss how you can train them to be so you can keep your dog safe and happy.

divider single dog paw oct 2024

Do Dobermans Like to Swim?

Yes. Dobermans love getting wet and often make a beeline for the water when they can. They typically enjoy splashing around in the water and have plenty of fun, especially if they have company.

doberman swimming with ball toy on its mouth
Image by: Светлана Бердник, Pixabay

Are Dobermans Good Swimmers?

Unfortunately, Dobermans do not take to swimming naturally and are usually not great at it. Part of the problem is that they have little fat to help them stay afloat. They are also extremely muscular and have deep chests that make it hard for them to stay afloat or tread water, so it’s best to keep them out of deep water.

Where Can I Take My Doberman If They Enjoy the Water?

Doberman in the River
Image by: ChocoPie, Shutterstock

1. Swimming Pool

A child’s hard plastic swimming pool can be a great way to help your Doberman enjoy the water without getting into trouble. However, it can take them time to get used to it because they will have to step over the walls to get into the water, but once they do, they will enjoy splashing around.


2. Shore

You can let your Doberman cool off and enjoy the water on the beach or shore of a lake. They will appreciate the gradual deepening of lake water, making it a good place for teaching your pet how to swim, and they can splash around at a comfortable depth. They will also enjoy the ocean beach but might be afraid of the waves, and you also need to worry about undercurrents and other issues, so it’s best to wait to go to the beach until your dog is familiar with swimming.


3. River

A river or creek can be a great place to let your Doberman splash around and have fun without worrying about drowning, as long as the river isn’t too deep. Most dogs love to explore the water and rocks in a shallow river, and many dogs like to bark at and chase the bubbles that form.

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

How to Train a Doberman to Swim

Yes. While we recommend hiring a professional trainer to help your dog swim due to the risk of drowning, it’s not too difficult to do it yourself by following a few simple steps:

mother looking after her daughter and their doberman dog at the beach
Image by: Purino, Shutterstock

1. Get Your Doberman Accustomed to the Life Jacket

Get your dog used to wearing the life jacket long before you get to the water. Many people like to use it as a dinner jacket that they fasten when it is time to eat, to help associate the life jacket with positive experiences.


2. Pick Your Training Location

We recommend spending time finding the best possible location to train your Doberman for swimming. A prime location is a lake with a gentle slope into the water. There should also be no water current or waves that might scare the dog. It’s also a good idea to choose a location with few to no other people or dogs that might distract your pet and cause them to lose focus.


3. Walk Along the Water

With your dog on a leash, walk slowly along the water’s edge, and pay attention to how your dog reacts. Most Dobermans will start to put their paws into the water and play around, showing that they are ready for more.

doberman and his owner near the lake
Image Credit: Piqsels

4. Get Into the Water

Once your dog puts their paws in the water, it’s a good idea to get into the water yourself to show the dog that it’s safe and that you are having fun. Most dogs pay attention to their owner and like to do what they are doing, so your pet will likely relax and get into the water much faster once they see you doing it.


5. Play Games

Once you and the dog are in the water getting wet, you can help ease any tension and help the dog start having fun by playing a game of fetch or something similar. Start by throwing the ball directly to your pet, increasing the distance that they need to travel to get it.

If you would ever feel like struggling with your training methods you can always contact a vet to get some expert advice.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

Is Swimming Good for My Doberman?

Yes. Swimming is a fantastic exercise for your dog that will help them stay healthy. It burns calories much faster than walking or running and will help cool your pet down on hot days. It also provides plenty of mental stimulation for your pet and will be a strong bonding experience for you both.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Summary

Unfortunately, Dobermans do not have webbed feet and are not particularly good swimmers due to their deep chests and slender, muscular bodies. However, being unable to swim doesn’t stop them from having a good time splashing and playing on the beach or in the river. If your pet is still a puppy, you can train them to swim and have a good time by choosing a quiet location where they can get accustomed to the water. Swimming provides plenty of mental and physical stimulation and is a great bonding experience.


Featured Image Credit: Victoria Rak, shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Top 10 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Colorado Springs, CO to Visit in 2025

Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a great place to visit, with many stunning sights, especially if you are an outdoors enthusiast. However, if you...

How Much Do Pugs Smell? Facts & FAQ

With their goofy, Instagram-worthy smile and silly shenanigans, Pugs get away with a great deal of mischief. However, if you’re an avid cuddler,...

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Smell Worse Than Most Dogs? Vet-Verified Facts & Hygiene Tips

Does your Bernese Mountain Dog always smell, or did someone tell you they’re just a stinky breed? The truth is that a healthy...

How to Find Used Dog Supplies: 6 Vet-Approved Options

If you’ve got a new puppy, you’ve probably got a long list of items that you need to get them. Dog crates, toys,...

More related

Apricot Maltipoo: Info, Pictures, Origin & History

Adorable, playful, and social are three words that describe the Maltipoo perfectly. These small, affectionate, and gentle dogs have become quite popular since...

10 Best Rawhide Alternatives for Dogs In 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks 

While some owners swear by rawhide chews, because they are especially good at keeping power chewers busy for hours at a time, many...

How Long Will It Take for Dog Hair to Grow Back? Vet-Verified Facts

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and depending on the breed, they can grow either short, medium, or long hair. They can...

Dog Platform Training: Interesting Facts & Tips

Dog owners are constantly adapting to new understandings of dog behavior and creating new tools to use to their advantage. One of these...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows? Vet-Verified Risks & FAQ

We all love to indulge in a treat from time to time, and marshmallows are as indulgent as they come. Roasted over an open flame or mixed in with Rice Krispies, they are delicious and super-sugary snacks. But is it...

Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows

Can Dogs Eat Cherry Tomatoes? Vet Approved Nutrition Facts & Advice

Cherry tomatoes are just about the perfect human snack. The small bright red treats are just the right size to pop in your mouth for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, and they’re great when sliced in half and added to salads or...

Can Dogs Eat_cherry tomatoes

Can Dogs Eat Pine Cones? Vet-Verified Facts, Risks & What to Do

Dogs are omnivorous animals, which gives us a bit of leeway in terms of extra treats we can feed them in addition to their regular dog formula. However, dogs sometimes take a fancy to weird things like non-edible bits and...

Can Dogs Eat Pine Cones

Can Maltipoos Eat Human Food? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Does your Maltipoo stare at you whenever you eat? Are you tempted to give them a bite of your food? Feeding your Maltipoo a bit of human food can feel like an act of love. However, not all human food...

Can Maltipoos Eat Human Food

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Seeds? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

Watermelon is synonymous with summer. People certainly love it, with the per capita consumption in 2022 at 14.12 pounds.1 It’s an ancient fruit, with archaeological evidence going back 5,000 years. Its name describes its outstanding feature of being thirst-quenching. While...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Watermelon Seeds

8 Best Dog Foods for Boston Terriers in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Boston Terriers are affectionate and loving dogs that make wonderful family pets. Their tuxedo black-and-white markings have given them the nickname the “American Gentleman.” If you own one of these dogs, you know how amazing they are and you want...

boston terrier dog eating from white bowl

Why Is My Dog Throwing Up Undigested Food? 9 Vet-Reviewed Reasons & Advice

Although you might be used to their daily behaviors and social cues, your pup might surprise you with an activity that is not common for them. For example, dogs can throw up undigested food, though this shouldn’t occur regularly. So,...

What Can Shih Tzus Eat? Vet-Approved Feeding Guidelines

Anyone who’s lived with a Shih Tzu can attest to the fact that it’s really hard to resist feeding them when they’re giving you the sad, puppy dog eyes. These toy breed dogs have big personalities, and they’re exceptionally talented...

Hungry Shih Tzu puppy holding an empty bowl