Can Pembroke Welsh Corgis swim?
These little guys are not classic water dogs, but that doesn’t stop a surprising percentage of them from getting out and enjoying the water.
These tubes with legs may not look like swimmer material, but many Pembroke Welsh Corgis actually love the water and love to swim.
It’s a surprising fact, considering their breed lineage and their overall shape, but nonetheless, they enjoy the water. Read on to learn more, plus get a few training tips on water safety for corgis!
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Can Pembroke Welsh Corgis Swim?
This breed is not a water dog. He was never intended for water use like so many retriever breeds that we know.
In fact, this little guy was intended to stay on dry land and corral other animals.
He was originally bred to herd cattle, sheep, and horses.
He’s short little guy because he was intended to zip in and out of herd “traffic” dodging hooves and directing the animals exactly where his master wanted them to go.
Related: Ever wonder how to teach your dog to swim?
No part of Pembroke Welsh Corgis was meant for the water. They don’t have webbed feet. They usually aren’t even born with a dog’s natural rudder – a tail.
These guys were bred purely to remain on terra firma, which is why it’s so crazy that so many of them love the water. That being said, just because they love the water doesn’t mean they’re particularly suited for it.
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Keeping Your Amphibious Tube Safe
As I said this breed was not bred for water work, and as such isn’t particularly suited to swimming.
Their short legs and lack of webbed feet make them far less efficient in the water than, say, a Labrador. And averaging 1 foot in height and up to 31 pounds in weight, their stout bodies aren’t exactly those of sleek swimming machines.
The point I’m making here is that if your Pembroke Welsh Corgi loves to get out and swim, there some safety measures to consider.
- Always have your little guy in a life preserver
- Always watch him while he swims
- Never leave him near water unattended
It’s basic common sense stuff, but so many of us view dogs as indestructible adventure seekers that we sometimes don’t take proper safety steps.
With Pembroke Welsh Corgis and swimming, it pays to be extra vigilant. Many of them my love the water, but with their short legs and dense bodies, they can tire quickly, and that spells disaster without the above safety measures in place.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis – Unlikely Water Babies
The percentage of Pembroke Welsh Corgis that love the water is actually quite astounding considering their breed history and body shape.
These little tubes with legs are unlikely water babies, and while it’s adorable, owners need to practice best safety at all times. While many Pembroke Welsh Corgis may love the water, it’s important to remember that they aren’t built for it and practice water safety accordingly.
Does your Pembroke Welsh Corgi like to swim? Share your thoughts & experiences below!
