Can Rottweilers Swim? …or sink like a rock?

Can Rottweilers swim? When someone adopts a dog into the family, they often believe that their dog is going to be an avid swimmer right off the bat. After all, the term ‘doggy paddle’ didn’t originate from anything other than a dog, right? This makes it easy to assume that all breeds are great swimmers. But what about your beloved Rottie? What’s his deal with swimming?

So, can Rottweilers swim? Yes, most Rottweilers can swim, but due to their larger, muscular bodies and natural instinct to hunt and guard (rather than swim), they aren’t the best swimmers. In fact, some Rottweilers may not like water altogether. Never expect that your Rottweiler can swim, though, as some might not even know what they’re doing when their paws get wet.

Rottweilers are fairly particular when it comes to the water situation. Knowing the ins and outs of your Rottweiler and his relationship with water and swimming will make it far easier for you to take care of your furry best friend. We will be discussing why Rottweilers do and do not like water and how well they can swim. We will also share tips for swimming success.

Do Rottweilers Swim?

The simple answer is this: yes and no.

Okay, so maybe it’s not that simple of an answer. We can describe your Rottweiler as category A or category B, in which case category A absolutely loves the water and can swim avidly or category B- he may or may not like water, but he doesn’t know how to swim.

That being said, it’s best never to assume that your Rottweiler can swim.

While some Rotties hop into the pool and splash to their heart’s content, others won’t know what to do the second the water gets too deep for them. This could lead to potential problems, even fatalities if you leave your dog unattended by deep waters.

Why Rottweilers Aren’t the Best Swimmers

For the most part, you can expect your Rottie to be an okay swimmer that may or may not like the water.

Again, every dog is different, but there are two main reasons why your Rottweiler might not be so keen on water and might struggle when it comes to swimming:

• His size and build. The Rottweiler is known for being a larger dog with plenty of muscles. Think about Arnold Schwarzenegger diving into a pool. He might have a lot of fun doing it, but due to his size and muscular build, he might not be the best swimmer around. 
• The reason he was bred. The Rottweiler is also known for hunting and guarding- and neither of these has anything to do with the water. So, since it is not in their natural instinct to dive into the water for any purpose or even any type of enjoyment, they aren’t likely to be top-notch swimmers. In fact, some Rotties will refuse to hop in the water altogether, and that’s quite normal.

Do Rottweilers Like to Swim?

You see other dogs swimming, you’re heading to the beach…but you need to be cautious about showing off your Rottie body in the pool!

Why? Because you don’t know if Rottweilers like water.

Rottweilers don’t have love of water built into their DNA like sporting dogs. Think: Labrador and Golden Retrievers, German Shorthaired Pointers, etc.

But…

But…CAN Rotties Swim?

Of course, even if your Rottweiler doesn’t start off like Michael Phelps doesn’t mean he can’t get into a swimming groove and find a good routine that leaves him paddling towards success.

Yes, your Rottweiler can learn to swim – even if he starts off bad.

If your dog is a ‘rare’ water-loving Rottie, then you don’t need to worry about this at all.

The keyword here is to learn.

A lot of Rottweilers may have an okay time when they find themselves in the pool, while others would otherwise end up sinking to the ground without any help. Whatever stage your Rottweiler is at, there are a few great ways to help him get used to the water and become a good swimmer.

How to Help Your Rottweiler Learn to Swim

If you own a pool in your backyard, then you might want to consider teaching your Rottweiler how to swim well- especially if you plan on leaving him alone around the water. Other than safety, swimming with your dog can be tons of fun during summer break and it’s a great way for you and your dog to bond.

As an added bonus, swimming will burn off some excess energy for your Rottweiler, who tends to need a bit more activity than other breeds. Remember- Rottweilers are bigger and designed to hunt and guard, so ensuring he expels his energy in a positive way will help him healthwise and behavioral wise.

Here are a few great tips for helping your Rottweiler into the water:

• Start off slow. Don’t expect every Rottie to jump into the pool and be ready for action. A lot of Rottweilers dislike water and maybe timid if they’re not sure of how to swim, so start off slow. Start with small increments and keep in the shallow end until he is comfortable.
• Use a doggie life vest. Just like you would use a life vest on your toddler, you should do the same for your Rottie who isn’t confident in the water. This will help to reduce the chances of anything life-threatening occurring while he learns.
• Give him treats. If he is hesitant, consider getting deeper into the water and coaxing him with treats. On the other hand, hand out praise and treats when your Rottweiler is doing a great job at swimming and becoming comfortable in the water.
• Have him swim with other dogs. Sometimes peer pressure can be a positive thing. If you have a friend with a water-loving pet, then consider bringing them over for a play date. Your Rottweiler will see this other dog swimming and having fun, and it may be enough to get him interested to go out and join him.
• Get in the water with your dog. If you’re not already in the water trying to get your Rottweiler to join, then get in! Your dog will be more than likely to hop in the water if you’re standing there calling his name and waiting for him. This could quickly turn into your favorite summertime activity.

Before you know it, your Rottweiler will be joining the pool party in no time. Just make sure that you are being consistent with your Rottie and don’t try to push him too far until he is ready. As Rottweilers aren’t usually fond of water, it may take a few days to even get him in the water.

Don’t give up, though.

If your Rottweiler is able to get in the pool, then it should only be a few days until he is swimming successfully on his own.

Remember to encourage him while he learns! 👏

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