If you are looking to adopt a Border collie to keep you company on your aquatic adventures, I am sure you have this question in mind: Do Border Collies like to swim?
Many people assume that all dogs can swim naturally, but that is not always the case. The Basset Hound, Boxer, Bulldog, Dachshund, Pekingese, Pug, and other dogs that have similar facial structure and anatomy as these breeds are bad swimmers.
I am sure you can’t help but wonder if Border Collies like to swim since these wonderful canines were initially bred to work in farms and pastures.
Read on to find out!
Are Border Collies Natural Swimmers?
Swimming is an excellent low-impact activity to keep our canine companions fit. Vets recommend swimming to promote faster recovery from surgery and muscle strain in dogs. Swimming, among other exercises, increases muscle mass and helps delay the onset of arthritis and other age-related limitations.
But although all dogs possess the instinctive ability to paddle, it does not mean they automatically have the knack for swimming. Certain facial structures and body types may not render some canine breeds to stay safely afloat in the water for an extended period.
While they are not the best in this department, Border collies should be capable of swimming. Aside from chasing runaway chickens and sheep, there is no better exercise for the energetic Border collie. Swimming is a fantastic cardiovascular workout, burning tons of calories without stressing growing bones or aging joints.
Then again, you may encounter some collies who dislike water and will avoid it all cost. Conversely, some guardians reported that their collies hate showers or baths, but look forward to spending the weekends swimming and playing on the beach.
So, why do Border collies like to swim, while others do not?
By and large, Border collies are great swimmers, but their affinity for water depends on one pooch to another. Border collies who have a negative experience around water may get agitated for the rest of their lives.
As with bathing for your pup for the first time, your approach can either make or break your Border collie’s interest in swimming. So, how do we make Border collies like to swim? You need to make it your mission, and a good rule of thumb is to start young.
Do They Swim Well?
While there is no doubt that Border collies can swim, the question is: how do you make Border collies like to swim? Here are a few tips to make your collie love the water.
Set Up a Backyard Kiddie Pool
Puppies, regardless of the breed, hate the idea of being unable to touch the ground. Putting your pup in a tubful of water would make him think he is in mortal danger. To encourage your pooch to enjoy the water, you need to introduce it to him more slowly.
Fill an inflatable kiddie pool up to a few inches and throw toys inside to entice your pup. Many pet parents swear by the Grunting Pigs by Multipet and Ultra Ball by ChuckIt! So, how about you give these playthings a try?
Using these toys, you may also encourage your pooch to play a game of fetch. Be sure to reward your pup with verbal praise and a treat each time he brings a toy to you. Let your puppy work at his pace. As he starts to enjoy the game, you may gradually add more water.
Bring Your Pooch to the Lake
You may bring your collie to play games at the edge of a creek or lake if he has outgrown his pool or if he is already diving for his toys like this veteran pirate. If you live in the city, you may want to consider spending the weekend in a pet-friendly resort. Regardless, do not pressure your pet to swim in deep waters.
Agility Champion Border Collie Vapor diving underwater in swimming pool for dog toy
Let your collie get into the water as deep as he is willing to on his own. Try tossing the Chuckit! Flying Squirrel or Ziplight Frisbee and see if your collie will jump into the water without hesitation. If yes, then he is ready for more fun and challenging games! These retrieval toys glow in the dark, creating visual excitement for your pooch day or night.
According to guardians and pet parents, a collie’s desire to play fetch is so strong that they will discover soon enough that it is possible to swim and stay in the water for a long period.
The lake, beach, or pool opens the door to a myriad of activities that both dogs and their “hoomans” can engage in. But before you hit the lake or beach with your pooch, you want to make sure he is updated on all of his vaccinations. Some waterborne parasites can cause illnesses, such as leptospirosis and giardia.
How Long Can They Swim?
Border collies can swim for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Most of the time, you can find these playful canines at the pool just goofing and circling around their “hoomans.” If you want your pooch to swim without worry, consider having him wear a life vest.
However, don’t be quick to judge! While these landlubbers were not bred for retrieving games in bodies of water, their swimming abilities are not so-so. In fact, Border collies do a great job of rescuing people. Some Border collies can be trained to dive to the depths of lakes in search of drowning victims and corpses.
These canine athletes even participated in the Woof Games. Is there anything Border collies cannot do?
Conclusions
Border collies like to swim, and swimming with your “beastfriend” is one of the best and most enjoyable ways to spend your weekend. But before you schedule your next beach outing or aquatic escapade, you need to make sure your Border collie is adept in swimming.
As with anything, you should treat your collie with care when approaching water as you might traumatize your dog. The dark, deep water is scary, not just for a young puppy, but even for an adult dog. Your pooch needed to know that his feet could bear his weight at all times. But with the right approach and consistent training, Border collies will outgrow their fear of the deep, dark waters and become who they truly are – the Doggo of all trade!