It is much easier to imagine a poodle walking along city streets or lying on a couch at home than jumping into the water. Thus, dog lovers often wonder, “Do poodles like water?” Well, at heart, poodles are real water dogs.
The name of the breed speaks for itself. The fact is that the German word for “pudelin,” or “pudel,” from which “poodle” came, translates “to splash in the water.”
And the characteristic curly coat of these dogs is not for beauty, but to keep them warm in cold water, where they climb for the game, shot down by the owner-hunter.
Initially, fluffy balls on the knees, legs, tail, and Poodle’s coat were not a tribute to fashion but played a functional role – they kept vital areas of the dog’s body warm. Moreover, all varieties of poodles, from giant to miniature, are good for water.
This article below will explore everything related to Poodles and water. So, watch the article to learn more about this dog breed.
Do Poodles Like Water?
They originated in Europe, notably Germany, where they were once devoted water retrievers who assisted hunters in locating games in lakes and rivers.
The breed’s development to dry rapidly and be easy to maintain when it frequently gets wet is the real explanation for the Poodle’s love for the water. A poodle dog is also known as the duck dog breed because it originated from hunting ducks in France.
Thus, depending on the origin of these pet dogs, it’s obvious that a well-bred Poodle dog from working lines would love to be around the water and spend time in the water.
Poodles aren’t inherently opposed to water like a few other dog breeds. Probably the unique part about poodles is their coats. A thick undercoat and wind-resistant outer coat combine to make poodles almost fully waterproof.
Like many swimming dog breeds, they have durable webbed feet that help them paddle effectively. Their prominent chests were meant to break frost during duck hunts in freezing waters.
However, they may be nervous if you do not introduce your dog to swimming at a young age. This is particularly true for the Miniature and Toy Poodles.
If your Poodle has less exposure to water and other surfaces like snow, ice, sand, etc., then there is a high chance that your pup would not like the water. Dog training at a young age is thus important.
So, although your pods like water and are natural swimmers, you must properly train your dog to ensure they do not dislike water.
Can Poodles Swim?
Poodles make excellent pets. They are playful and lovable dogs, but you might also be surprised by their sporting side. Poodles have attractive coats and a polite temperament, so you might wonder if they can swim.
Poodles were first intended to be water retrievers; thus, they have a fondness for swimming. In actuality, swimming-enhancing physical characteristics like webbed paws and a waterproof coat were developed into the Poodle. Due to their exuberant personalities, Poodles can swim longer than most other breeds of dogs.
You’ve come to the right site if you’ve wondered if poodles can swim or are good swimmers. Also, I’ll go through a step-by-step technique for teaching Poodles to swim well and familiarize them with the water.
History of Poodles and Water
The poodle breed originated in the 16th century. The country of origin of poodles is considered German, although similar dogs are mentioned in the cultures of other countries much earlier. Pets of this breed were used as hunting dogs when hunting birds – to catch the game from the water.
Poodles are a clever, athletic breed bred in German to serve as waterfowl retrievers for hunters. They are renowned for their curly, dense, low-allergen coats. Dogs were also used to search for truffles underground because. These dogs have an excellent sense of smell.
Thanks to their intelligence and friendliness, poodles began to be used as pets. Breeders brought different types of poodles. The most popular types are toy, dwarf, small, and big poodles.
In France, the first poodle club was opened only in 1923, but very soon, this country received the title of founder of the modern breed standard.
In 1936, the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) approved the breed standard developed by the French poodle club.
However, now the question is can miniature and toy poodle puppies swim? Let’s find out if miniatures and toy poodles swim or not.
Different Types of Poodles on Water
There are different kinds of Poodles that any dog owner can take his Poodle out for swimming. Some of these varieties are Standard Poodles, Miniature Poodles, and Toy Poodles. Learn more regarding these poodles in this article below.
Standard Poodle in Water
The larger standard poodles are renowned for their excellent swimming abilities. They may be quite delicate in the water. They can resist aquatic conditions thanks to their coat and fur. Poodles have been utilized in water safety and rescue missions primarily for this reason.
Miniature Poodle in Water
The tiny Poodle enjoys swimming in the water despite its small size. They’re the most hyperactive, although they have less stamina than Standard Poodles. You should begin with some safety measures if you intend to take your Miniature Poodles swimming for the first time.
Toy Poodle in Water
The smallest Poodle breed is the toy kind. They require plenty of energy to swim because they are so little.
Although they enjoy being in the water, these poodles can soon become exhausted. As a result, when your toy Poodle is in the water, be sure to watch over them.
Can You Train Your Poodle To Swim?
Poodles are among the dog breeds that are easy to train for swimming. This’s because poodles have standard biological and physical features that favor swimming.
It means poodles are inherently taken by water and will always be eager at the thought of swimming. Occasionally, you’ll find them hopping in the pond for a splash if you have a pool or pond nearby.
As soon as you plan to train your Poodle how to swim, start easy by simply introducing your pup to the water slowly.
Naturally, your Poodle should adore it, but in case it’s a young pup, don’t let your pup go deeper yet. Your pup’s natural fondness for water might force him so much that your pup may overrate his swimming capabilities and thus end up drowning.
Now, check out the step-by-step guide to teach your poodle puppy how to swim.
Steps On How To Teach Them?
As you know, your Poodle can swim, and he loves water; it is time for training. Just because your Poodle is a natural swimmer, it does not mean you can expect him to swim without any training.
Just like human beings, your Poodle needs proper training at an early age to master swimming. So, learn how to teach your poodles to swim.
- Take your pup out near a water body to familiarize and acclimatize it with the touch and sound of water by letting your Poodle dip its feet in the water. That is it. Don’t push it further at the beginning.
- Next time, go to a water body that has shallow water rather than taking your dog to a swimming pool. This is to know if your dog can swim or not. It is always advised to initially take a little pup to a swallow water body.
- You need to go into the water first, and then you should call out to him. Try encouraging your Poodle through treats and letting him come to you.
- Concentrate on positive support learning. Also, reward your Poodle for doing the right thing correctly.
- When your pup is comfortable going towards you, take him near you immediately.
- If they can do well without your help, then you need to come out of the water and throw treats from the land only.
PLEASE NOTE:
If your dog is social and likes being near other dogs, you can invite your buddies along with their pups for a good time. Thus, you’ll have lots of fun and teach your dog how to swim well!
When Should a Poodle Be Taught to Swim?
Before training your Poodle to swim, whether you want to do it early on or wait until your dog is older, you should speak with your veterinarian.
Although a Poodle can begin swimming lessons at around six months old, experts advise starting your dog’s lessons earlier. Younger pups are more likely than older ones to learn things quickly.
Start slowly while introducing your Poodle to the water. Once your dog feels more comfortable, gradually raise the depth after beginning in shallow water.
When the water is deep, keep your Poodle near you and ensure you go along with your dog. Your Poodle will eventually be able to swim and stand on its own.
Gradually introducing water will soothe your Poodle and aid in developing its swimming abilities. Although miniature poodles don’t have much swimming talent, they can learn with the help of their owners.
Tips To Teach Your Poodles to Swim Safely
Here are a few tips that will help you teach your Poodle to swim quickly:
1. Introduce your Poodle to water.
Take your dog to nearby water bodies to introduce him to the water first. See how excited your Poodle is after watching the water body. If your dog shows interest in jumping in the water body, then you can allow your dog to jump, but make sure you go in the water with your dog.
2. Avoid excessively noisy places.
Find a place where there is no hustle and bustle. It could be a pool or a lake. Dogs, like children, can be frightened and confused if many people and noise are around. You aim to keep your pet calm and focused during the swimming lesson.
3. Start training in shallow water.
It is better to start teaching a dog to swim where there is not much depth. This will allow you to control her and, if necessary, call her to you. Use a long leash if training at depth.
4. Gradually bring your pup to deeper water.
Before taking your dog deeper, ensure they are comfortable with the depth. As dogs trust their owners the most, you should stay with them in the water and, if they start to get scared, take a break in the shallower water before attempting again. To further reinforce the Poodle’s positive association with water, it’s vital to give praise and rewards at each level.
5. Follow her
Even in the water, dogs can become disorientated and lost. A dog that swims naturally and well can jump into the sea and swim until it gets lost. Therefore, never leave her unattended; watch her.
6. Use encouragement
Use treats and your dog’s favorite toys to encourage him to follow you into the water. Watch the intonation of your voice; it should be optimistic.
7. Never throw your dog into the water-
Just as you shouldn’t throw a baby into the water and expect him to swim, you shouldn’t do that with a dog. Don’t force her to go into the water. Instead, take her slowly into the water, and keep her chest and belly in the water until she feels comfortable.
8. Show her how to get out of the water.
Teaching your dog to swim in the pool is only half the battle. You also need to show her places where you can easily get out of the pool.
9. Do not rush
Among the most significant things is that you shouldn’t rush. Entrust the procedure. Practice the steps mentioned above with your dog until he is completely engaged in having fun.
10. Be calm and patient.
Being calm and keeping patience is also necessary. The more patient you’re, the more your Poodle will learn to swim. Thus, it is a win-win for both you and your dog!
11. Bring company for your dog.
If you have a timid dog, it could be good to introduce your dog to the water body in the presence of other dogs and humans who like swimming and water sports.
For this, you can invite your buddies who have dogs. This will allow your dog to fight her fears and jump into the water along with other dogs in the water around.
Final Words
This overview was all you needed to know about Poodle puppies and their connection with water. More specifically, how to turn them become superb swimmers who will keep you company in the water.
It should be simple for you to train your dog to swim. As your Poodle gets the hang of it, it enjoys the water and will plead to take it with you.
Its physique is ideal for water activities and can show its abilities in the water once you train it properly. He will not want to miss any chance to jump into the water once he learns how to swim.
Enjoy swimming with your dog, and remember our advice for your dog’s safety!
