Plenty of us decided to welcome new four-legged friends into our homes in the last couple of years – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership soared by nearly eight percent – and post-lockdown demand for puppies remains high.
There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One thing to consider is that some dogs just don’t get on well with water due to a range of physical attributes which mean they are not designed for swimming.
So if you are looking for a water-loving mutt that will join you for wild swims or be comfortable by the sea or river, there are other breeds you should consider.
Here are the 10 breeds of dog that will never be great swimmers.
Read more
5. Corgi
There's no probem with flat faces for either the Cardigan Welsh Corgi or the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, but their barrel-shaped bodies and tiny legs means that anything more than splashing around in a puddle can cause issues. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Bulldog
Brachycephalic breeds, or dogs with flat faces, are particularly bad swimmers as it's almost impossible to stop water from going up their noses. That's the case with the Bulldog, who's happiest staying on land. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Shih Tzu
Like many dogs on this list the mix of a short muzzle and tiny legs cause issues for the Shih Tzu in the water. Their luxuriant long coat can also drag them down when submerged, as well as covering their face making breathing even more difficult. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is another dog whose coat can easily become waterlogged making it difficult for them to keep their head above water. They also have the triple issue of having a short snout, short legs and a deep chest. Photo: Canva/Getty Images