There are many different answers to this question with different reasons for each answer. While English Bulldog puppies may not be kings of the water like Labrador Retrievers, you can always teach your dog new tricks!

The problem with your English Bulldog puppy and the water is his paws and his breathing. They have a short stocky build with short stubby legs to match. While their legs are usually very strong and muscular, they are not very long, making them a more difficult dog paddle than other breeds. Some believe that they cannot move their legs fast enough to support the density of their body. This could be true: most of them are very heavy and very muscular, which makes their little legs work that much harder.

Another problem with your English Bulldog puppy swimming is his breathing. Many of them have trouble breathing due to their flattened muzzles. This makes breathing a more difficult task than for dogs with extended noses. When they are in the water, they cannot lift their heads high enough to keep water out of their mouths and noses. This makes the difficult task of the dog paddle even more exhausting.

We are not saying that English Bulldog puppies cannot swim, it simply becomes a more difficult task than for other breeds. A quick dip in the pool or lake is a great way to cool off in the hot summer weather, which is important as these Bulldogs can overheat very easily.

If you want to teach your English Bulldog puppy to swim, try getting him a life jacket made specifically for his breed. This will give her the extra support she needs in the water and allow you to let your guard down a bit more without worrying about her sinking to the bottom.

Try to hold your pup in the water below your chest so he can move his legs on his own and get used to the movements necessary for swimming. Most dogs inherently know how to swim and will automatically move their legs appropriately. If your English Bulldog puppy won’t do this, just let him float in your arms and enjoy the cool water. We don’t think any hot dog can resist that!