When we look at poodles today, we often think of them as frilly and flashy dogs, so you might think of them as dainty and delicate, but what might surprise you is that even back in the day, these dogs were made for the water.
Poodles have waterproof fur and a lean, muscular build that allows them to swim effortlessly through water. Of course, safety precautions are necessary for any dog going into the water, but most of these pups are swimming naturally and purposefully.
The Origins of the Poodle: The Classic Water Dog
Although the Poodle is native to Germany, it is a common misconception that the breed came from France. In fact, the Poodle is named after the German word “pudelin,” which literally means “to prance” in English.
As the breed evolved, they became skilled vets assisting hunters in catching waterfowl. As they evolved, they settled in France and were employed by circus troupes to perform in the ring.
So while magic card tricks and other shenanigans are a long way from where poodles began, show poodle life was the beginning of the show poodle life that most people know today.But don’t let them fool you: poodles are generally good swimmers.
The special fur of the poodle
Poodles have dense, waterproof fur. Although poodles look so beautifully groomed, the traditional continental clip was originally designed to help them in the water. Leaving the longer hair over the joints, on the chest and back, this clip helps poodles stay streamlined as they swim and keeps their joints and weaker areas warm in cold water.
Many other retrievers and hunting dogs also have water-repellent fur. For example:
Have you noticed something that most of these coats have in common? Their curly hair! Aside from being beautiful to look at, this type of coat certainly has a purpose.
Do all poodles have the same strength in water?
As you probably know, poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. Naturally, the question arises as to whether all poodles are good swimmers, and for good reason.
For example, a toy poodle may love playing in the water, but they tire easily and don’t have the ability to wade in deep water for long periods of time, so a life jacket is an absolute must if you’re going boating with a small dog.
Miniature breeds may have better stamina, but like toy breeds, they need to be treated with care in water. They may not be as strong as standard breeds due to the effects of certain water conditions, such as running water in streams or rivers.
So ultimately, it’s best to use your own judgement and not push a dog of any size past its limits. It’s always best to have some safety measures in place, preferably a life jacket, but you also need some help.
In shallow water, especially if there is a current, it’s best to take safety precautions. Remember, protection is key.
Poodle Water Safety
Most poodles are good swimmers, but precautions should always be taken, so if you take your poodle on water, whether in a kayak, canoe or boat, taking a few steps can help to further protect your poodle.
Life jackets
A good example of a suitable life jacket is: Frisco Ripstop Dog Life Jacket From Chewy. They are available in orange or yellowish-peach, making them easy to spot in low light conditions, and come in a variety of sizes to suit any type of poodle.
Never leave your puppy unattended
Never leave your dog in the water. Leaving your dog far away means you won’t be able to help them if they get into a dangerous situation. Not properly supervising your dog can lead to all kinds of tragedies.
Take a break
Your puppy may not know his limits, which is why it’s important to take him out of the water often. Although he may want to swim vigorously all day, it’s best to de-escalate the situation and allow his muscles and mind to relax.
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Water dangers for dogs
Even strong swimmers like poodles can get into trouble in the water, so it’s important to be aware of all the risks to protect your dog. Most dogs are at least moderately good swimmers, and some of them love splashing around in a cool pool.
Pool
Pools are a fun place for your pup to splash around in water, but you should be careful: some chemicals can be very irritating to dogs or dry out their skin, so if your dog is particularly sensitive, you may need to limit their pool time to keep their skin soft and supple.
Rivers
Dogs swimming in rivers must wear life jackets. Swimming in rivers is fun, but the current can be strong and create big waves. In some places the current is steady, but if a swimming dog gets caught in the current, it can be very dangerous.
Pond/Lake
Ponds and lakes are great play areas for any dog, but some bodies of water can be a little dangerous, so people often use life jackets or boat accessories to help their dogs get in and out.
Creek
The creek is very safe, probably the safest on our list, but it can be quite deep in places, and the water often contains branches, dead trees, sharp rocks, and other debris that could injure or bog down your pup.
Ocean
Be aware of rip currents, undertows and dangerous sea creatures – even strong swimmers often have trouble in the ocean. Also, finding dog-friendly beaches can be difficult, so be sure to do your research.
Health hazards in water sources
No one really thinks twice about the dangers that lurk in the water. There are so many things that can affect your dog’s health, so it’s important to talk about it.
Algae
At certain times of the year, water can become very susceptible to algae blooms. Not all types of algae are harmful, but blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can be very toxic to dogs if they drink or swim in the water. Only allow your dog to swim in clear water that is free of noticeable discoloration, surface bubbles, or clumps of algae.
Parasites
Parasites such as giardia, coccidia, and cryptosporidium are commonly found in water sources and can make your dog sick if they swallow the water.
Bacteria
Standing water, especially small lakes and ponds, can be a source of bacteria that can be harmful to your pup. Leptospirosis, which is spread through the urine of infected animals, is one example of a bacterial infection that can occur in freshwater sources.
Chemicals
Certain chemicals used to clean pools and other public spaces can be a problem for puppies – most of them are generally safe, but can cause problems if used in excess.
No. Just because they inherited poodle genes doesn’t mean all poodle crossbreeds are better in the water. With any kind of crossbreed, you’re gambling on the outcome of each of the puppies in a litter based on the genetic traits they inherited from each parent.
For example, if you have a Goldendoodle, he’ll likely be a natural swimmer since both parent breeds are good swimmers, but if you have a Sheepdoodle or Maltese Poodle, it’s not quite the same situation as Sheepdogs and Maltese don’t have as much of an affinity for water.
Sure, you might have a water-loving pup who loves splashing around in puddles, but you might also have a dog who’s afraid of water and prefers a warm lap.
Conclusion
So now you know more about poodles and what they do in the water. If you want a strong swimmer, this is the breed for you. However, keep in mind that toy and miniature poodles need a lot of care and help when it comes to tides.
Featured image credit: Richard A. McGuirk, Shutterstock
