Corgis are one of the most unique and beloved dog breeds worldwide. They are known for their strange, distinct body shape. With their elongated bodies and short legs making them look like they are squatting, you might wonder if Corgis can swim or if they will have issues in the water.
So, can Corgis swim? Throughout this article, you will get more information on whether Corgis are good swimmers and the strengths and limitations of this breed that you may have missed.
Can Corgi Swim Or Not?
Corgis can completely swim. They love to swim and swim very well even though they are not water dogs, and we can see that they have short legs but have powerful thighs, which helps Corgis to push water quickly. They also have a high-energy source that allows them to paddle for quite a long time, especially since their butts can instinctively float.
The Corgis’s Powerful Legs
According to the AKC, the Corgi has “short but powerful legs.” Their muscular thighs give them a lively appearance, more special than other breeds. Initially, breeders gave them these wonderful physical attributes to raise cattle and other similar animals. So they must have strong legs to keep up with more extensive cattle. And yes, Corgis muscles are solid and durable, so they run much faster than you imagine. Although this was intended for fieldwork, it is not surprising that these traits translate to good swimmers.
As you already know, when put into water, all dogs will begin dog paddling, trying to stay afloat as long as possible. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean most of them can remain above water for a long time. Having Corgis legs makes it easy to keep them afloat, which makes them excellent short-legged athletes of the canine kingdom.
The Corgi’s Energetic Temperament
From the outside, you will see that they’re pretty gentle, but don’t think so because inside, this is a highly active, energetic, and lively dog. It must be said that they are always quite resilient and have much energy to operate in all circumstances. They always like to run and jump outside, especially in a spacious environment, to be able to work their whole body.
If you live in an intimate setting such as a townhouse or an apartment, you should also spend a little less time regularly taking them out. Corgis dogs go out for a walk so they can promote their forte. Swimming also makes your dog feel relaxed and unlikely to get aggressive or annoyingly bark a lot.
Active dogs are naturally better swimmers because staying afloat takes a lot of energy. Lazy dogs are not used to exercise; this seems too much for them, making them tired. So Corgis won’t be able to stand if they sit still for too long; give them regular exercise because they like it!
Tips To Introduce Your Corgi To Water
Let Them Get Used To The Water
Remember that the first step is also the most important; your dog must feel comfortable around and in the water before moving on to the next stage. If there is a lake near your house, you can walk your dog around it daily. Or, if you use a faucet or tub, start licking the water first, then gradually increase the water flow. When it gets used to the water more, you let your wet hand stroke it to let it understand that this wetness is entirely harmless.
Just do the steps repeated daily until the Corgi dog feels happy and comfortable playing in the water environment.
The ideal age for you to start introducing Corgis to water is when he is 12-16 weeks old. So train them to swim until Corgis stop growing and fully mature; they will love swimming.
Safety First
If you go swimming with your dog, ensure he has a dog life jacket. Not only does it act as a lifesaver, but it also helps your corgi paddle safely on the water.
When your Corgi swims, it will sometimes encounter debris that can cause irritation or allergies. Also, when swimming, start in shallow water and let your dog swim toward the shore rather than the dock. This allows your Corgi to paddle and touches the ground if necessary. If you spot them swimming on the shore, lure them with toys or treats to get them back on track. You shouldn’t forget to carry a first aid kit when swimming for extra preparation.
Take Some Research
Research is another way to make sure your dog loves water. There are two things to consider: your dog’s location and current condition. Corgis are trained enough to be good swimmers but can become afraid of water if they get hurt. In this case, a lot of things can hurt them.
‘Hidden’ Dangers When Your Corgi Swims
– Your dog can get sick from drinking too much water:
While swimming, your dog may accidentally ingest too much water. Also, because corgis are small dogs, they develop water intoxication faster than larger dogs.
– Drowning:
Because a misconception among owners is that dogs are natural swimmers.
However, this is not always the case. Despite no statistics on how many dogs drown each year, studies suggest a high number of deaths.
– Smooth surface:
To prevent injury, carry your dog until it is in a safe position. You can use a dog carrier backpack or store them in a portable crate.
– Water phobia:
One reason dogs are often afraid of water is that they associate water with bad experiences. Being forced into the water as punishment or suffering severe pain in the water can significantly change their behavior.
If your dog has problems with the water, don’t let him swim and keep him out of the water. Let your dog play with sprinklers or blow bubbles to make it easier for them. Remember to carry dog harnesses for them during out. You can find more at Best Harness For Corgi – Top 10 Best Harnesses.
Conclusion
So can a corgi swim? Not only can they do it, but these intelligent dogs can also be some of the best swimmers in the canine world. However, you should know that not all corgis are natural swimmers.
Some dogs don’t like water and never will. And this is perfectly fine, and there isn’t anything wrong with your Corgi. Like humans, dogs have their personalities, and corgis are no exception.
