Can Springer Spaniels Swim? -

The Springer Spaniel has a long history as a hunting dog. For centuries, Spaniels have worked alongside hunters, flushing birds, and other small animals out of the bushes and woodland.

A Spaniel would drive the animal into the open for hunters to throw a net over. But what about being in the water? Can Springer Spaniels swim?

How far can the breed swim, and how can you keep your Springer Spaniel safe in the water? In this post, we’ll be answering all of these questions and much more. So, read on to find out loads more about the friendly people-pleaser that is the Springer Spaniel!

What kind of dog is the Springer Spaniel?

First bred as a gundog for flushing game from fields, the medium-sized Springer Spaniel dog is an obedient, friendly, and athletic pooch. Springer can spring over fences, up into trees, and bound around your street!

With an efficient, non-brachycephalic muzzle, and a lightweight, silky coat, the Springer Spaniel excels at a wide range of canine sports, including aquatic disciplines like Dock Diving, Water Retrieval, and even surfing and boarding!

Are Springer Spaniels good at swimming?

The Springer Spaniel was first bred for hunting, and its body is still adapted for this. However, the Springer Spaniel’s body also makes the breed good at swimming too.

How far can Springer Spaniels swim?

If your Springer Spaniel enjoys spending time in the water, don’t be surprised to see them swimming off into the sunset!

The Springer Spaniel can swim for quite a distance, for sure. There have been stories of Springers swimming a mile each day, while other Springer Spaniels appear to tire after merely 100ft.

In the past, Springer Spaniels occasionally ventured into the water during the hunt. Indeed, the average Springer Spaniel is pretty adept at swimming. So, most Springer Spaniels can swim quite far.

Swim Training For Your Dog

Do Springer Spaniels like to swim?

With the breed’s long history as a hunting dog, it’s no surprise that Springer Spaniels today still love to run around and sometimes chase small animals or toys. But what about swimming? Do Springer Spaniels enjoy being in the water?

Yes, most Springer Spaniels typically enjoy swimming. With their breeding background in hunting, it’s not hard to see why. However, Springers also have a couple of other traits that help the breed have fun in the water.

For example, Springer Spaniels literally have webbed feet! This partial webbing, encircling a third of the way between each toe, aids the Springer greatly in swimming.

And then there’s the Springer Spaniels’ efficient muzzle, which lets the pooch breathe and keep their head above the water with ease. This trait goes a long way in helping this Spaniel enjoy swimming and enabling them to keep swimming for greater distances.

When can a Springer Spaniel begin to swim?

As soon as possible! Springer Spaniels seem to be born knowing how to paddle. At any point from 2 to 5 months of age, you can start to introduce your Springer to the water. Of course, you wouldn’t just chuck them in at the deep end! Instead, using a floatation device or board can go a long way in helping your pooch to get comfortable in the water.

Sticking to shallow, warmer water areas can help your Springer Spaniel enjoy being in the water. Always be in the water with your Springer Spaniel while they are still young or inexperienced with swimming.

Try standing a couple of steps in front of your pet and coaxing them into swimming to you. Then, as your Spaniel grows more experienced with swimming, stand further and further back. This will entice your Springer Spaniel to swim for greater and greater distances.

Does the Springer Spaniel have a waterproof coat?

Most Springer Spaniels you see are primarily white, with a few large patches. These patches are most commonly liver or black-colored, or a combination of the two. Some Springer Spaniels even have blue markings!

The Springer Spaniel actually has two different types of fur. The first is the Springer’s long topcoat, which can be either flat or wavy. The second is the undercoat, a warm, insulating type of fur. Together, these different types of fur form a barrier against the wind, thorns, and twigs.

Your Springer Spaniel’s double coat also helps water to simply run off their back. A Springer’s double coat also keeps them warm while they’re swimming. Of course, you will still have to dry them afterwards, especially their floppy Spaniel ears.

How can I help my Springer Spaniel start to swim?

It seems like dogs should naturally want to swim. Just throw them in, and they should know how to paddle, right?

Always take it slow. Never force your Springer Spaniel to swim – don’t drag them into the water. Afloat or board may help with introducing your Springer to the water.

Here is one you can order online: Midlee Dog Raft Pool Float Inflatable Bone Shape

But, always make sure that your Spaniel is comfortable with the float before you begin to move off, and always supervise your pooch on the float. It is best to be on the float or board with your Spaniel. Check that your Springer Spaniel will be safe if they want to jump into the water or even securely harness your Springer onboard.

If your Springer is into playing fetch, why not bring a ball or two along the next time you head to the beach? Tossing your Spaniel’s favorite ball into the waves can help your pooch to take those first tentative steps towards swimming! If you plan on playing fetch for a while, aim for the more shallow parts of the water. This will help avoid your Springer ingesting too much water.

Above all, practice swimming with your Springer Spaniel regularly until they truly get the hang of it.

Do Springer Spaniels have good stamina?

Yes, definitely. Whether it’s playing in the yard all day, going on a hike, dragging you on a long walk, or swimming in the sea, your Springer Spaniel has the stamina to keep swimming all day long. Many Springer owners report that their Springer Spaniel can swim with them for more than a mile!

How can I teach my Springer Spaniel to swim?

It seems like your Springer Spaniel should already instinctively know how to swim. Just throw them in, and they should know how to paddle, right? However, not all Springer Spaniels are that into the water at first.

Always take swimming slowly. Don’t force your Springer Spaniel to swim, and never drag them in. A float or board can help your Springer get used to the water. But, always make sure that your Spaniel is comfortable with the float before you begin to move off, and always supervise your pooch on the float. It is best to be on a float or board alongside your Spaniel or even with them. Check that your Springer Spaniel will be safe if they want to jump into the water or even securely harness your Springer onboard.

If your Springer is into playing fetch, why not bring a ball or two along the next time you head to the beach? Tossing your Spaniel’s favorite ball into the waves can help your pooch to take those first tentative steps towards swimming sooner! If you plan on playing fetch for a while, aim for the shallower parts of the water. This will help avoid your Springer ingesting too much water.

Above all, practice swimming with your Springer Spaniel regularly until they truly get the hang of it. If you keep practicing the skill together, this will go a long way in cementing your Springer Spaniel’s swimming ability.

Making sure your Spaniel is safe in the water

Springer Spaniels are usually naturally adept at swimming. Springers are often able to spend all day swimming with ease!

However, if you plan on spending a day at the beach or lake, there are a few things you can do to keep your Springer Spaniel a lot safer.

One of the main things you can do to keep your Springer Spaniel safe in the water is to invest in an excellent canine life jacket. Sure, if your Springer Spaniel is a good swimmer, it may not seem like they need a life jacket.

However, when your Springer is swimming a long distance, they can quickly become tired and want to rest for a second. If your Springer Spaniel is wearing a lifejacket, they will be able to rest safely.

There are many doggy life jackets on the market today, each with different features and properties. Some dog life jackets feature an inflatable cushion to support your dog’s chin and keep their head above the water, and some others offer bright, visible colors and reflective strips for nighttime swimming.

Here as some of the best dog life jackets on the market

Others will have fins and aerodynamic features to help your Springer Spaniel swim with greater speed. The best lifejacket for your Springer Spaniel will have a few of each of these features. Look into a few different models of lifejacket to pick the best one for your Springer.

Can I use a paddling pool with my Springer Spaniel?

Yes. Putting your Springer Spaniel in a paddling pool can be a great way to get them used to swimming. Begin with the water not too deep at first, and put your Springer Spaniel in to get used to it. Then, you can start to add some more water as your Springer Spaniel gets comfortable in the pool.

Incorporate the paddling pool into your typical yard games. Try throwing a tennis ball or toy into the pool. You can also get into the pool with your Springer Spaniel and help them swim.

How can I keep my Springer Spaniel safe in the water?

If you’re spending a day at the beach with your Springer Spaniel, always make sure your Springer has a safe area like a floatation device, a rock, or a shallow area nearby. This will keep your Springer Spaniel safe in the event they become tired.

The best thing you can do to keep your Springer Spaniel safe in the water is, use a doggy life jacket. These days, there is a myriad of highly effective life jackets for dogs on the market. These lifejackets have many unique features. Some come with an inflatable cushion to support your Springer Spaniel’s chin as they swim, while others may have a leash ring for you to keep your Springer secure. Take a look at a few different lifejackets to find the one that’s best for your Springer Spaniel.

Whether on a boat or using a float, try to stay near your Springer Spaniel as they swim. Don’t allow your Spaniel to get too far away from you, even if they are in a lifejacket.

As well as this, though your Springer Spaniel may wear a lifejacket, remove their harness and consider removing their collar before you let them enter the water.

Though rare, this will prevent your Springer Spaniel from getting tangled in seaweed, branches, or other debris. When it comes to deep bodies of water, avoid throwing in large toys like tennis balls for your Springer Spaniel to catch. These toys pose the risk of your Springer Spaniel taking in water. Instead, use small floating toys like bumpers or diving sticks.