Can Chihuahuas Swim? Vet-Verified Facts & Info

Chihuahuas are well known for being the world’s smallest dogs. They are also known for being plucky little dogs with big characters. But, can they swim? Although they have little legs, Chihuahuas are generally small dogs, which means they don’t have to propel a lot of weight through the water.

As such, Chihuahuas can typically swim. However, just because they can swim, doesn’t mean they necessarily enjoy it. Every dog is unique, and while some Chis love nothing more than diving into the deep end, others will avoid water like they’re allergic to it.

Can Chihuahuas Swim?

Most Chihuahuas are capable of swimming. They have legs that are of a decent proportion to the rest of their body, and they do not have squat facial features that can make it difficult to breathe in any depth of water.

However, they are small, which means they have to put a lot of effort into covering even a reasonably short distance. For this reason, and because some dogs naturally dislike water, not all Chihuahuas will swim.

Do They Enjoy Being in Water?

Every dog is unique. Some love nothing more than swimming around in deep water, while others aren’t willing to even entertain the idea of paddling at the water’s edge. Chihuahuas are no different from other toy breeds in that some will enjoy them, and some will not. Unlike some working dogs and retrievers, they weren't specifically bred for their swimming capabilities.

Dog Water Safety Tips

Understandably, you might want your little Chi to join you in the pool or go for a paddle in the river, but there are factors to consider before you encourage them in.

First, pools tend to be treated with chlorine and other chemicals. These can cause serious irritation of the skin and the eyes, especially if the chlorine level is especially high.

In natural water sources, the first things you need to consider are the water temperature and current. Dogs can suffer cold water shock, which is potentially fatal, and the diminutive size of the Chihuahua means that it has the potential to be washed away by even relatively slow currents. Not all currents are visible, either, with some underwater currents being especially difficult to detect and swim against.

Sharp rocks and even capsized items under the water can pose physical threats, and if your Chi gets their legs tangled in seaweed, plastic bags, or other items, they won’t be able to safely swim to the exit.

If you’re unsure about your dog’s swimming capabilities, you should fit them with a comfortable life jacket when introducing swimming. It’s a good idea even for dogs that are good simmers as it will help them stay afloat, which will make the experience more comfortable for them. It will also add a level of safety in the event something unexpected happens.

Introducing Your Chihuahua to Water

If you’ve checked the water and determined that it is safe, you can try to encourage your Chihuahua in. Start gradually by introducing them to the water’s edge and having them dip their paws in. Walk along the edge of the water and give lots of praise and rewards when your dog remains calm.

Once they enjoy dipping their feet,  you can take them in a little deeper, initially to a depth where they can still stand up, but the water starts to touch their body. Keep up with the praise for calm behavior.

If your dog panics, don’t try forcing the issue, and certainly never throw your dog in the water in the hope they will start swimming. When your Chi calmly gets in and out of water that they can still walk in, you can carry them into slightly deeper water. Ensure they still know the way to get out if they need to and keep hold for the time being.

Keep giving verbal praise and physical rewards while they remain calm and try lightly letting go of them to see if they start paddling.

Call them to you and have them swim a few strokes to reach you. Stay close so you can help them out if needed and don’t push the limits of their stamina. It’s hard work so even Chihuahuas that love swimming will need frequent breaks. However, some dogs will never want to swim so your Chihuahua may take the first opportunity to swim straight back to the edge and get out of the water. And remember that a Chihuahua is only small—they will struggle in the sea because they will get easily carried around by the waves, even when the sea is seemingly still quite calm.

The 5 Dog Breeds That Love the Water

The Chihuahua isn’t necessarily known for its love of water, although some do love to get in and have a splash around. If you are looking for a breed of dog that will enjoy activities like floating around or diving off docks, consider one of the following five breeds that typically enjoy the water.

1. Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog typically loves being in the water. They have webbed feet that not only help them swim but also assist in getting over slippery, dirty riverbeds and other wet surfaces. This breed was originally raised to work with fishermen and would essentially herd fish into the fishermen’s nets. They would also swim out to retrieve broken and unused nets and were invaluable to their handlers.

Today, while they’re not used as often for fishing, the Portuguese Water Dog still benefits from lots of exercise and prefers if this exercise involves water in some way.

2. American Water Spaniel

The American Water Spaniel is another breed with water in the name, alluding to the fact that they are as happy in the water as it is on dry land. The breed is quite rare, even in the US, but having been bred to assist hunters in canoes and kayaks, they are suited to water in all but extreme situations.

3. Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a gun dog that was bred for retrieving waterfowl. They were bred to work the waters of Chesapeake Bay, which can be very icy, and the Retriever has an oily, waterproof coat. They also have tons of stamina and need a lot of exercise when kept as pets.

4. English Setter

The English Setter was raised as a pointer, so they would locate and then mark birds and other prey by standing and pointing at the quarry. Raised in England, the English Setter is used to boggy conditions and also works well in rivers, lakes, and marshes.

As pets, they are amiable, loving, and friendly, but like all of the dogs on this list, have a lot of stamina and will need to find an outlet for that energy. Dock diving and other water-based canine sports are good options for this breed.

5. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve and would do so over difficult terrains and in very challenging conditions. Their prowess as a hunter’s companion saw the breed become very popular and, in recent years, has seen its utility expand to include roles ranging from search and rescue to sniffing out drugs, explosives, and even people.

They are friendly, playful dogs and still love nothing more than gadding about in watery terrain.

Conclusion

The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world, but in a lot of cases, this doesn’t necessarily mean excluding it from water-based activities. While some hate the water and will do everything possible to avoid getting in any water source, others enjoy nothing more than a quick dip with one of their beloved humans.

Featured Image Credit: Wirestock Creators, Shutterstock