Most dogs enjoy a dip in the water but not all are natural swimmers. In fact, some breeds were developed specifically for the purpose of swimming, while others have other skills. German Shepherds belong to the latter category.
It doesn’t mean that a German Shepherd would shy away from water. If you’re wondering about the size of the pool a German Shepherd can swim in:
German Shepherds can swim in pools that are four to eight feet deep, given that they’re trained to swim. The general consensus is that you should start introducing them to shallow water first. If they like it, you can allow them into deeper waters.
How Deep Does a Pool Have to Be for a German Shepherd to Swim?
German Shepherds can be good swimmers. While they were originally bred for herding, not swimming, they can enjoy a splash of water given the right conditions.
You don’t need to have an in-ground pool in your house for your German Shepherd to enjoy. A puncture-proof dog pool might be a nice option for your furry friend. The standard depth of these pools is usually 4 feet, which should suit your German Shepherd. They can even swim safely in deeper pools.
If we’re talking about your house’s swimming pool, you can allow your German Shepherd to swim there, given that they’re trained to swim. Most in-ground pools are 8 feet deep; a GSD can handle this depth if they’re good swimmers.
The problem with a regular swimming pool for a trained German Shepherd won’t be the depth of water but rather chlorine because it can strip the natural oils off your dog’s coat. You can take some cautionary measures to reduce the effect of chlorinated water on your dog.
Here are a few of them:
- Spray your dog’s coat with a coat conditioner to help protect its coat and skin from drying out.
- Rinse your dog thoroughly after getting out of the pool to get as much chlorine as possible off its skin.
- Dry out your dog’s ear right after they get out of the pool. This is specifically important for German Shephards.
Can German Shepards Swim?
The short answer is that they can, after training.
German Shepards are known for their agility, physical prowess, and fearlessness. Their strong muscle build renders them capable of most athletic activities, swimming included.
However, this doesn’t mean that German Shepards are swimmers by nature. The notion that all dogs can swim is a myth. Yes, you can figure out a way for your dog to get along with water, but it’ll probably require proper training and sometimes even a life vest.
German Shepherds love athletic activities that require them to put in some effort, and swimming is one of these activities. It’s not safe to assume that your German Shepard can and loves to swim, though.
Swimming isn’t the reason for breeding Geerman Shepards, unlike some other dog breeds that were specifically bred for swimming to catch waterfowl and help fishermen. The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular swimming dogs that’s capable of catching water birds for hunters.
Another example is the Portuguese Water Dog, which literally has the word “water” in its name. This dog is known for its webbed feet to catch fish.
When it comes to GSDs, personality plays a big part in their relationship with water. We’d say that most of them will be drawn to water given their adventurous nature, but some of them don’t like water.
What Makes German Shepherds Good Swimmers?
Apart from a dog’s personality -being active and adventurous vs. being a couch potato, for example- its physical features contribute to determining the type of activity it excels at.
Two main physical traits make German Shepherd good swimmers -if they like the water- their body builds and coats.
German Shepherds’ bodies are well proportioned to stay afloat in water, unlike other dogs with bulkier bodies like bulldogs. Such dogs can’t swim without the aid of a life vest, unlike German Shepherds, that are lean and have a weight distribution suitable for thriving in water.
Besides, German Shepherds have webbed feet that help them stay afloat by serving as paddles.
Also, a German Shepherd’s coat is a natural water repellant. Have you ever tried bathing your GSD and felt it’s hard to get water past its coat? This is pretty common because of their double coat. The external layer repels water, and the internal fluffy coat acts as a thermal insulator.
This coat is helpful while swimming, as it won’t soak in water, which slows the dog’s movement in the water.
Wrap Up
Your German Shepherd will have a nice swim in a swimming pool if they love water and they’re trained to swim. Remember to start small by getting them into shallow water to test their response. Then, you can move from there.
Here are some questions about getting your German Shepherd to swim for the first time.
FAQs
What temperature is suitable for German Shepherds to Swim in?
An average temperate of 70 °F would be ideal for your German Shepherd to swim in. It can tolerate water at lower temperatures, but not for long.
Extended exposure to cold water might expose German Shephards to the risk of Hypothermia.
How long can German Shepherds Swim?
Depending on your dog’s mood, personality, and swimming abilities, the duration could vary between 10 to 40 minutes. For example, a skillful swimmer GSD might stay up to 45 minutes in water if they enjoy it.
How can I introduce my German Shepherd to water?
If your GSD isn’t naturally drawn to water, you can try to entice them into it by playing fetch in the water. Even better, you might get with them in the pool if you can, so they feel safe.
For puppies, starting with a life vest would be clever.