All Dogs Paddle
You’ve probably noticed that, if you hold your smallish pooch over water, she may start to move her legs in a motion that looks like a dog paddle, even though her feet aren’t touching the water. Is she warming up, ready to hit the water? Probably not. For some dogs, this motion is a sign of panic – they don’t know what’s about to happen and they are moving out of fear. For others, this is a reflexive action. Being out of contact with the ground destabilizes the animal; your dog is just reaching for a solid surface to regain her footing.
Do All Dogs Paddle the Same Way?
When they actually are in the water, do all dogs use the same swimming stroke? With some variation, yes. What we refer to as the “dog paddle” is a modification of the gait dogs use when walking or running on solid surfaces. Humans use it too, as a rudimentary swimming style. So do cats, for that matter.
It’s not beautiful and it’s not fast, but it gets the job done!
Dog experts who have studied the K9 paddle have concluded that there are no observable differences in the paddling form of dogs bred for swimming and those who spend their lives entirely on solid ground. A Labrador Retriever, a Jack Russell Terrier and a German Shepherd all swim essentially the same way. They all keep their bodies more or less parallel with the water’s surface, or slightly dipped toward the rear. They extend a leg, push the water back for power, curl the leg, and then bring it forward for the next stroke. They alternate all four limbs in the power phase: left hind paw, right fore paw, right hind paw and left fore paw, with the front feet having the longest duration in the power phase. The dog’s tail plays little or no role in swimming.
Although a dog doing the paddle may look as though she’s running in the water, the swimming stroke and running gait are actually a bit different. When trotting, a dog’s hindfoot strikes the ground, followed by the forefoot on the same side, in contrast to the diagonal sequence used in swimming.
What Distinguishes the Best Canine Swimmers?
The Labrador Retriever, a notoriously water-loving hound, displays a particularly fast pulling stroke for both forepaws and hind paws. They are the American Olympian “Katie Ledeckys” of the swimming dog world!
Newfoundlands and Novia Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are also good examples of dogs bred for the ability to swim. While their technique doesn’t differ discernably from the dog paddle used by any pup, the best swimmers do have advantages that enhance their swimming ability. These include:
Coats that improve water resistance: The American Water Spaniel, for instance, has a double coat, with an outer layer that protects the dog from briars and a soft inner layer that provides insulation and warmth. Other breeds, such as the Poodle, have moisture-resistant coats.
Spotted coat patterns: Dogs bred to assist with hunting often have high-contrast coat coloring that makes them easy to see from a distance as they swim to retrieve game birds.
Webbed feet: Look closely at the paws of a Newfie and you’ll see they have tissue between the toes that work like a duck’s foot. The webbing increases the power the animal can generate during the scooping phase of the dog paddle stroke.
Enlarged lung capacity: The first thing you’ll notice about a water-loving Newfie is her size. This breed has exceptional lung capacity, enabling it to swim long distances. Their size also gives them the ability to perform multi-person offshore rescues.
Safety Tips for Your Swimming Dog
Regardless of breed, you need to make sure your dog’s swimming experience is safe and enjoyable. Here are a few tips:
NEVER force a fearful dog into the water. Some dogs just don’t want to swim. Don’t make them. The trauma won’t benefit either you or your pet.
Do not leave a dog unattended near the water, especially on an ocean shore. Sneaky waves and rip tides are as much a danger to your pet as they are to you.
Avoid unfamiliar water bodies. Waterborne parasites (and toxic algae blooms) can often lurk undetected in polluted and stagnant lakes, rivers and ponds. Make sure you and your dog avoid these waters! In addition, be aware of underwater hazards such as debris and subsurface weeds that may entangle your dog’s limbs.
Be mindful of water temperature. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from hypothermia. If it’s uncomfortably cold for you to swim, it may be the same for your pooch (protective coat notwithstanding).
Swimming is just one more athletic feat within the capability of your amazing canine companion. Dogs will never move at Olympic speed, but their strength and stamina in the water have made them valuable assets in our water-related endeavors. For dogs that enjoy the water, give them plenty of safe opportunities to enjoy their love of swimming. For those that are more terrestrial, let them lounge in the shade and watch with amusement as their buddies splash about.
Regardless, we love them all!