Schnauzers are a popular breed of dog, known for their intelligence and playful disposition. They come in three sizes – Miniature, Standard, and Giant – and many people enjoy them as family pets. But can Schnauzers swim? And if so, are they natural swimmers?
Can Schnauzers Swim?
While all dogs are capable of swimming, some breeds are better suited to the water than others. All Schnauzers can instinctively swim, but not all of them take to it naturally and they shouldn’t be considered natural swimmers. Standard and Giant Schnauzers are generally the better swimmers of the breed. Miniature Schnauzers may not be as strong as their larger counterparts when it comes to activities on and in the water, but they can still develop into quite capable swimmers.
Do Schnauzers like to swim?
The answer to this question is both yes and no. Many people think that all dog breeds love swimming, but there are quite a few breeds that don’t necessarily enjoy getting wet. Schnauzers are one of those breeds and given a choice, most Schnauzers would probably prefer to stay on dry land.
Do Schnauzers Like Water?
Again, it depends. The earlier a Schnauzer is exposed to water and taught how to swim, the more likely it is that the dog will develop an affinity for water and look forward to a dip in the pool or lake on a hot summer day. Once these Schnauzers get into the water, they enjoy swimming and make fair to excellent swimmers.
Others need a little convincing before they’re willing to take the plunge – if they’re willing at all. Again, this decides itself on a dog-by-dog basis, especially for Schnauzers who weren’t taught to swim while puppies or still at a very young age.
Can Giant Schnauzers swim?
Yes, Giant Schnauzers can swim! We’ve had two Giants (Brandy and Knuckles) over the years and both enjoyed swimming in the shallow waters of Lake Huron during summer vacations along the coastline of Michigan’s Thumb.
Brandy was the better swimmer of the two as she was taught to swim while still a puppy. You can see Brandy and Knuckles in the cover photo of our companion Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/schnauzerbook.
The following YouTube video shows Giant Schnauzer puppies learning to swim at about seven weeks of age. It’s worth a look!
Can Standard Schnauzers swim?
Yes, Standard Schnauzers can also swim and many owners find that their Standard will spontaneously jump into a pool with virtually no prompting at all. Others require a little enticing before they take the plunge and have some fun. You can see this in the video at the end of this section.
On a personal note, our discussion of whether Standard Schnauzers can swim wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Chewie, our Standard who passed away in 2015 at the age of fifteen. Chewie was an enthusiastic and accomplished swimmer. She never tired of swimming in the lake or family pool. You can see her in this post’s featured image.
Can Miniature Schnauzers swim?
One of the most common questions asked about Miniature Schnauzers is whether or not they can swim. Since all Schnauzers can swim, the answer is yes, but Minis on average are weaker swimmers than other members of the breed. Giant or Standard Schnauzers, for example, are more muscled and have longer legs, which makes them better overall swimmers.
We taught Lexie, our five-year-old Mini, to swim at an early age. You can see her taking a swimming lesson in the thumbnail image to the left. Although Lexie can swim, she’s not an enthusiastic swimmer. So, if we do take her for a swim, we’re prepared for her to get out of the water as soon as possible!
Besides, swimming isn’t Lexie’s favorite vacation activity. That’s kayaking along the Michigan shoreline, an activity where her ability to swim could potentially come in handy.
She always wears a life vest (some call it a personal flotation device), something any Schnauzer should wear while on or in the water, especially if they’re not a strong and competent swimmer.
Why A Schnauzer Should Know How To Swim
While all Schnauzers don’t have to be able to swim, it’s something that all owners should consider for their pets. After all, you never know when your dog might end up in a situation where he needs to get wet!
Besides being a fun activity, swimming is also a great exercise for Schnauzers. It helps to build muscle tone and can be used as a low-impact way to burn off energy or even aid in recovery from minor injuries.
So, whether your Schnauzer loves the water or you’re just looking for a new way to keep your pet fit and active, teaching your Schnauzer how to swim is worth considering.
Teaching A Schnauzer To Swim
Schnauzers react differently to water and swimming.
Some Schnauzers will dive right in and immediately become avid swimmers. In this case, a Schnauzer owner can almost immediately enjoy the pleasure of taking their dog swimming. It’s a great way to exercise and bond with your dog.
However, not all Schnauzers are born with such a natural affinity for water. Many Schnauzers have a fear of water and must be taught how to swim safely.
While it may seem like a daunting task, teaching your Schnauzer to swim can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your dog. Here are a few things to keep in mind when teaching your Schnauzer to swim.
- First, start slowly and build up gradually. A pool is a great place to teach a Schnauzer to swim. Start in the shallow part of the pool and cradle your dog in your arms to let him get used to the sensation of being wet. You’ll also want to make sure that you have a secure ramp or steps leading into the pool so that your Schnauzer can easily get in and out.
- Second, be sure to use a life jacket or other flotation device until your Schnauzer is comfortable in the water. This will help to prevent them from getting tired too quickly or from accidentally taking in too much water.
- Third, always supervise your Schnauzer while they’re swimming and never leave them unattended. In addition to being a general safety precaution, this will also help you gauge your Schnauzer’s progress and ensure that they’re having fun.
- Finally, be patient during the learning process, and don’t forget to praise and reward your Schnauzer when he does well! Swimming is a new and hopefully satisfying experience for your dog, so be sure to hand out plenty of positive reinforcement.
Swimming With Schnauzers – How To Have A Great Day At The Beach
Once your Schnauzer has become a more confident swimmer, a trip to the beach is a great way to reward yourself and your dog for all your hard work.
Leaving your suburban home or big city apartment for a day at a nearby lake or beach with your Schnauzer sounds like a dog-gone good time (pun intended).
But before you hit the sand and put up your umbrella, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure everyone has a fun and safe day:
- Choose the right beach: Not all beaches allow dogs, so be sure to do your research ahead of time and find a spot that welcomes four-legged friends. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, make sure to check for any danger signs or posted rules about dogs on the beach.
- Bring essential gear: Be sure to pack all the essentials for you and your Schnauzer, including food and plenty of water, as well as bowls, sunscreen, towels, and any toys or objects that will help keep your Schnauzer entertained. You may also want to consider bringing a crate or carrier in case you need to take a break from the sun or take your dog out of the water for any reason.
- Be sure to pack a life jacket or flotation device for your dog, especially if your dog is not a strong swimmer. Avoid taking your Schnauzer into the water if there are strong waves or currents, as this can be dangerous for them. Always supervise your Schnauzer while they’re swimming, and be prepared to take them out of the water if necessary.
- Watch the temperature of both the air and water and take breaks frequently if temperatures rise. Just like humans, dogs can get overheated quickly in hot weather, so make sure to give your Schnauzer a chance to rest in the shade or the water.
- After a day of swimming, remember to rinse off your dog with fresh water to remove salt, sand, or other debris from their coat. This will help to keep their skin and fur healthy.
- Lastly, remember to have fun! Spending a day at the beach with your best friend is supposed to be enjoyable, so make sure you relax, take in the scenery, and smell the roses. Just remember to take things slowly, be prepared, and always supervise your dog while they’re swimming.
By following these tips for having a great day at the beach, you’re sure to have a safe and paw-some time with your beloved Schnauzer!