My boyfriend and I are trying to decide what kind of dog to get. He really likes Beagles, but we will be living on the beach and I have heard that they can't swim because their legs are so short. Is it posible to teach them?
2006-10-14 03:18:20 · 11 answers · asked by Bucco2 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You must be thinking of a Basset Hound - they have short legs & longer bodies, while Beagles are very square built. They should be able to swim just fine. You really don't need to 'teach' dogs to swim, they just do it. Take it to a calm lake or pond (not the ocean to start with - all the crashing waves are too intimidating to a young pup) with gradually deepening edges & go swimming & it will follow, or take a floating toy tied to a rope & throw it out a little further each time. Viola! The beagle will swim. Never take a pup & throw it off a dock or into a swimming pool (they have no gradual edge to get footing) - it may never like the water after being traumitized like that. Let it enter by it's own choice. The 'doggie paddle' is so natural, it is even what young children do most naturally when in the water the first time.
2006-10-14 03:27:11 · answer #1 · answered by mustanglynnie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Although small, proportionally, the beagle is not a particularly short legged breed, but instead is rather square, with legs about as long as the back. Any dog is capable of swimming. Some breeds enjoy swimming more than others and so your beagle may have to learn to like the water and to feel comfortable in it.
2006-10-14 03:44:20 · answer #2 · answered by CS 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Beagle baby loves to swim! She didn't really like water at first so it took quite a bit of wading in the shallow areas on extremely hot days when the water felt good to get her used to it. Now she'll run out and chase sticks and sometimes ducks. It helps if you are in the water too because Beagles can't be more than two feet away from their owner unless there is a squirrel involved!
2006-10-14 04:39:30 · answer #3 · answered by Julia B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If a dog is put in water, it's only natural for him to swim. However, I really don't think a Beagle would fit your needs. Beagles like to be in wooded hunting ground. The greatest dog for you would definately be a golden retriever, or even a mutt. (Mixed dogs always make the greatest) Retrievers LOVE to swim and be around water. If you throw a ball into the ocean, they're bound to retrieve it. They're great dogs. I would visit a pound or humane society. That way, you can give a dog that's living in the pits another chance. They'll love you forever for it.. and they make the best dogs. Good luck!
2006-10-14 03:31:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok, that is just silly, all animals can swim (minus humans) just get the dog used to the water. the length of the dogs legs won't stop him from swimming if he wants to swim. try him out in a pool before you hit the beach with currents and all the extra distractions though, if you are still a bit nervous...
2006-10-14 11:27:59 · answer #5 · answered by ilovepuppies85 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey, dogs are born knowing how to swim. though if you are worried that your beagle may slip in again you should definately teach it to swim. i recomend that you teach it that water is not a bad thing. then start with shallow water and gradually get deeper. if your beagle is only a pup the bath might be good to start with. good luck with your beagle.
2016-05-22 01:17:56 · answer #6 · answered by Carissa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Virtually every animal can swim. You don't need to teach him, he knows. However, if he shows an aversion to that sort of activity, do not force him. By the way, be prepared for howling. Beagles are very verbose, and express themselves frequently.
2006-10-14 03:27:24 · answer #7 · answered by yellowcab208 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes stick him in water and he will learn how to swim. all dogs are born with the ability to swim its just some are better swimmers than others.
2006-10-14 05:44:14 · answer #8 · answered by amanda 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
any kind of dog can swim it is just teaching them to float
2006-10-14 03:21:51 · answer #9 · answered by bubba 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
any dog can swim(dog paddle) but dont throw him in. let him see you play in the water, he will follow when he see's it's ok
2006-10-14 03:24:32 · answer #10 · answered by gregoryclavin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋