She loved getting blasted with water, but, she didn’t swim. While some may view this as an insignificant fact, there are actually sophisticated reasons behind their reaction to water.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'allshepherd_com-box-4','ezslot_9',106,'0','0'])); There are many connections between German shepherds and loving or hating water. Adopting a German shepherd might seem like a harmless decision. Do German Shepherds like water? This compilation is the best try not to laugh challenge! I once set it up on the fence blasting water out, and she probably would have played with it until the sun went down. If that happens, you may proceed with exposing your dog to moving waters. Copyright © 2020 , AllShepherd.Com - All Right Reserved. I hope this article gave you some insight into the question⦠do German Shepherds like water? That way, you can be assured that you won’t be harming your German shepherd by exposing them to water. We all know how trainable German shepherds can be. Before answering the question “Do German shepherds like to swim?”, let’s first talk about a much simpler question still related to the topic.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'allshepherd_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_15',105,'0','0'])); You may be thinking “German shepherds don’t hate water because it’s usual with dogs”. German Shepherds also make excellent sniffer dogs and excel in search and rescue. Our team is made up of dog lovers who give up their time to find loving forever homes for our dogs. The teachers know how to gradually get your dog comfortable with the water and they also have doggie life jackets for added security.Â. Today, we’ll answer those questions once and for all. Some hate water, some love it. German Shepherd Dog HQ is not claiming to be an expert on German Shepherds, nor do we provide veterinary advice. This blog is based on personal experience owning a German Shepherd, which is not to be considered veterinary advice. At first, many German Shepherd puppies may be unsure of the water. As it turns out, Dutch Shepherds love the water when they are properly introduced to it. There are only a few steps in teaching your German shepherd to swim. The only problem sometimes seen in hot locations is the dog will want to dig a hole to lay in the cool dirt. Not all dogs like water, i used to have a dog who wouldn't even walk through a tiny little puddle lol. This includes leg length, coat, and more. But keep in mind that you need to do it several times. Understanding the body language of German Shepherds and how your dog communicates will help with both bonding and training. How the Majestic Giant Came to Be. Most German Shepherds enjoy water but how much they like it varies from GSD to GSD — just like with humans! She is fine getting her feet wet up to her elbows. You can then assume that the. The origins of the Shiloh Shepherd are quite recent. They enjoy playing in and around water and once confident in the water they also enjoy swimming. Whether a german shepherd likes water or not really depends on the individual. I wouldnât say ALL German Shepherds take naturally to water. They easily pick up any activity or trick with the right … She usually does this after a long walk, especially in the summer months when she is warm, and so I guess she does this due to tiredness. You can find information on training, health, puppies, and products that will help make owning your GSD easier. You may hear some saying that German shepherd DO like to swim because they love water, but you’ll also hear some saying the exact opposite. With German Shepherds, specifically, they DO drink a lot of water, but for a reason. They may sometimes act silly and goofy, but all dogs are actually incredibly smart. Do German Shepherds Drink A Lot Of Water. Your German Shepherd is always barking loudly whenever he sees someone passing by. Of course, every German Shepherd is different, but overall, German Shepherds can like water either naturally, or with the proper exposure.Â. While the body language of dogs is a large topic, there are several quick tips you can learn very quickly. Give your German shepherd treats after accomplishing your goals. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them.That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Of course, the personality of the German shepherd also matters. 1 0. You can also get some water dog toys and use those to play games in and around the pool. I donât think that liking the water comes naturally for all German Shepherds, but I think some of that is just apprehension about what to do in a new situation. Once they are shown how to play with water, most German Shepherds will love the water. Then she would go up to it kind of put a paw in then jump back. A German shepherd that had a traumatic experience involving water may hate, or more precisely, fear water. German shepherd dogs are active and like to have something to do. You may find your dog only needs a lesson or two before being comfortable swimming. German Shepherds shed a lot, and they do it all year long. What you might not realize is that German shepherds are like potato chips. Some German Shepherd Dogs like water, others will be cautious of it. You will also need to be prepared to take lots of walks, as the white German Shepherd has the same high activity needs as other purebred dog breeds born and bred to … In short, it all comes down to genetics. To do this start by luring it into the shallow part of the water using treats, when it’s comfortable with that gradually increase the depth that you lure it into until you can get it to go all the way in. It doesn’t mean they can’t swim, but they’re likely to be fearful about it. Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue is a 100% volunteer organization funded by donations from people just like you. Because German Shepherds weren’t specifically bred for water-based activities, whether or not they are into water depends on their … Of course, there are variations in shedding even among the same breed, but the general rule is – yes, German shepherds are heavy shedders. The answer is, some do, some don’t! And this really applies to all breeds of dogs. Consider getting in the water as well so you can monitor the movements of your German shepherd’s limbs. Required fields are marked *. Your German Shepherd comes from a long bloodline of working dogs. Plus forcing your dog into the water before they are ready could create fear of the water, and they may never want to get in if they become too scared. Maybe there was a past event in a german shepherds life that has made them hate water. Do German Shepherds have webbed feet? A German shepherd without any knowledge of water will neither love it or hate it. At first, she hesitated, probably wondering what the heck this big pool was. Then once I started going toward the water and showed her it was safe, she got right in. After being in once, she was eager to jump in and out on her own without hesitation. Dog beaches are a fun day trip that can be a good outing for everyone and allow your dog to get some exposure being around water. German shepherds may be trainable, but you still must have patience in order to properly train your dog. The German Shepherd is an adaptable breed. This means that if you choose to make a purchase, your price remains the same and We will receive a small commission. Check out my article on puncture-proof dog pools to get some ideas. Like all general statements about breeds, there are exceptions to the rule. Jumping straight into the deep in, if your dog doesnât understand that water is safe can cause them to think there is a danger to you. Easing in will help your dog see that you are safe and the water is safe. When the weather is warm, consider getting a kiddie pool and start exposing your GSD to water, I think youâll find they will have a blast. Nevertheless, are…, If you are thinking of getting a German Shepherd you may have wondered do German Shepherds…, German Shepherds are mostly known for their intelligence, courage, and agility. But as German Shepherd Dog (GSD) owners know well, each dog has a personality all their own. However, through practice and training, German shepherds can be great swimmers. It didnât take her a long as with the kiddie pool to be ready to jump in. They certainly have the capability to like water and become strong swimmers, but weren’t bred specifically for swimming. Of course, every German Shepherd is different, but overall, German Shepherds can like water either naturally, or with the proper exposure. From dog sports like rally, agility, or scent work to therapy work to guide dog work, German Shepherds can do it all. Whether you live on the water or spend weekends dipping your toes in local streams, this athletic breed may be quick to join you for a dip. German Shepherds are problem solvers. And in the wild, each member of the pack understands their duty to work for food and water. My previous shepherd, Fina, LOVED the hose. Of course, anything can be a little scary at first if you are a young puppy and you’ve never seen water before. German Shepard Body Language. The good news…this behavior can be untrained. That’s why it’s important to know these problems in advance. Not all German Shepherds like to swim. Disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. Your email address will not be published. German Shepherds like most dogs can and will drool from time to time and there are many reasons for this. She got in behind me and then didnât want to get out. Now, she loves the water! This is also the type of German shepherds that can swim if trained properly. However, most GSD parents will…, Your email address will not be published. This is what happened with my German Shepherd. Or even better yet, if you’re working with a German shepherd puppy or a young German shepherd, you can easily avoid this behavioral problem. Let me know in the comments! Yes. The Bottom Line. The answer may surprise you. If I take the official line from the American Kennel Club, German Shepherds do not have webbed feet. So, you may wonder, do German Shepherds like water? If your dog isnât eager to jump into water, donât push it. The dog sheds heavily about twice yearly, and the rest of the time sheds a lesser amount continually. It’s just a matter of loving or hater water that determines whether they can be trained. 1 decade ago. Welcome to German Shepherd Dog HQ! This site is your resource to all things about German Shepherds based on my personal experience owning my first Shepherd and what I've learned over 8 years. Plus, ingesting saltwater can lead to health problems such as dehydration or vomiting. Since German shepherds usually swallow a bit of water when they swim, it’s recommended to only let them roam in freshwater. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates Thanks for your support! 11. Weather/Climate – Yep, dogs need to drink more water during hot days compared to cooler days. Are some German Shepherds afraid of water. Mind you this was the first time she had ever been exposed to any type of pool. The only thing holding your dog back is … Play around the water, and slowly get them comfortable, you may find that with some time they eventually want to get in on their own. A prime example of natural swimmers is Labrador and Golden Retriever, which leads us to the next question.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'allshepherd_com-leader-2','ezslot_10',110,'0','0'])); There are some German shepherds that are natural swimmers, but these dogs are mixed breeds. On average, the German Shepherd will require an ounce of water per pound of their body weight every day, which is about 0.3 liters per pound. Unlike other breeds, they weren’t made for swimming. Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue is a 100% volunteer organization funded by donations from people just like you. My German Shepherd will sometimes lay down to drink from her bowl of water. Do German Shepherds like Water? With this knowledge, you are now capable of taking proper care of German shepherds, at least when it comes to swimming. My German Shepherd loves the water, but it didnât come as naturally for her. My girl is a very confident working line German Shepherd. I thought it would be fun to purchase a kiddie pool for us to play in during the summer. Teaching a German shepherd to swim can be difficult, especially if your dog had some bad memories of water. Despite how great it is to learn that German shepherds like to swim, you should remember to limit your adventurousness.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'allshepherd_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',107,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'allshepherd_com-banner-1','ezslot_7',107,'0','1'])); There are different types of water, including saltwater and freshwater. Some german shepherds love it and others, while fearless in many other circumstances are terrified of water. The double water-resistant coat is a great advantage that helps answer the question “Can German Shepherds swim?” Do German Shepherds Have Webbed Feet? 1. Adopting a German shepherd might seem like a harmless decision. In the case of the GSD, the breed-specific function is herding and guarding. If your dog is around a bunch of other dogs that are comfortable with the water, jumping in and out and swimming they may be more likely to join in the fun. It’s a very, very common problem, and, at the end of the day, it is what the German shepherd has been bred to do a lot of the time. They don’t have the proper genetics. The team has fostered and saved over one thousand German Shepherd Dogs! They must be actively kicking and moving. If it’s too sticky or … Health problems.The GSD is not a dog for those who just want to plunk down cash for the first … Yes, there are swimming lessons for dogs. Heavier water consumption is normal for a large active breed like German Shepherds but there are also other factors that can cause your dog … Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Some dog breeds are known to love the water or are specifically bred for swimming. The double water-resistant coat is a great advantage that helps answer the question “Can German Shepherds swim?” Do German Shepherds Have Webbed Feet? This is a relatively cheap idea that can give hours and hours of fun. Still, they can’t achieve the level of swimming that natural swimmers have. There are also those that don’t particularly like or hate water. So if they were bred together with a German shepherd, you’ll get a natural swimmer German shepherd dog. German Shepherd behavior consisting of lying or sitting on or next to your feet can have 3 different meanings. You can then assume that the German shepherd can swim if they intend to. SWIMMING Swimming is an excellent form of low impact exercise for any water loving German Shepherd dog. Her mom, Aura, does not swim. For example, if you’ve been asking yourself if German shepherds have webbed feet, the answer is no. Because German shepherds weren’t explicitly bred for water-based activities, how much they like water will depend on their previous experiences, especially when growing up as a puppy. They are naturally athletic dogs. Either way, you can still teach your German shepherd to be swimmers. Once acclimated, they can tolerate and do well in both hot and cold climates. You long to see…, German Shepherd Barking Problems and Solutions, The Noble Life of German Shepherd Service Dogs. There are certain factors that can influence the amount of shedding. Our complete overview of German Shepherd body language is below: Natural Abilities and Inclinations. Some German Shepherds go right to the water, while others may need to get comfortable in and around the water first. This can go into three ways: Of course, the personality of the German shepherd also matters. Regardless, you might be having many questions in your mind. When teaching your German shepherd to swim, it’s important to have the equipment necessary. In 1974, … Most German Shepherds enjoy water but how much they like it varies from GSD to GSD — just like with humans! Yes. 7 dog breeds, that like water: Get to know them! German Shepherd Dog HQ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Does your German Shepherd like water? Let the German shepherd’s toes should touch the water. When the weather is warm, consider getting a kiddie pool and start exposing your GSD to water, I think you’ll find they will have a blast. … Some dogs have had a negative experience in or around water, and thus they have retained that experience and have learned to fear water. Other dogs may just be unconfident or unsure of what to do or if the water is safe. A German shepherd without any knowledge of water will neither love it or hate it. Or even better yet, if you’re working with a German shepherd puppy or a young German shepherd, you can easily avoid this behavioral problem. Just make sure that your German shepherd likes to swim, otherwise, you’ll be forcing him to do so.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'allshepherd_com-leader-3','ezslot_13',113,'0','0'])); The products featured on this page were last updated on 2021-01-10 /. | Tractive Do German Shepherds Like Water and Swimming? For example, if your dog likes to fetch. Tossing a toy in and around a kiddie pool may let them focus more on chasing the toy and less on the fact there is water around.Â. A German shepherd who used to bathe with you or even exposed itself to water in its own volition may come to love them as they grow. Either way, there’s no denying that there are many questions about the connection between German shepherds and swimming. Particularly, a courageous or adventurous dog may want to explore what water is. Dogs are great, especially german shepherds! You may discover that with the right lifejacket, you have a Maltese who can’t wait to get in the water. So, I decided to get in the pool and kind of coax her in by showing her what to do. The only thing holding your dog back is … That’s why there’s no surprise when someone asks if German shepherds like to swim.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'allshepherd_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_8',104,'0','0'])); However, this matter is more complicated than most think. With other dogs around, you dog may even dip their paws in the beach water. Most other times she drinks from a normal standing position. Most German shepherds enjoy the water, but some GSDs don’t like it. Whether your German Shepherd needs 40 to 80 ounces of water – or somewhere in between — depends on different factors such as the following:. German Shepherds are natural protectors, which is why they’re often used as guard dogs and in law enforcement. In most cases, once they go in to the water and their paws don’t reach the bottom, they will naturally start to doggy paddle. It’s a very, very common problem, and, at the end of the day, it is what the German shepherd has been bred to do a lot of the time. It does depend on the individual German Shepherd, but generally, yes most German Shepherds like water. Check out my article on puncture-proof dog pools to get some ideas. If you do decide the pure white German Shepherd is the dog for you, be prepared for lots of inbound curiosity and questions. Get into a shallow body of water, or just sit on the steps of the pool.Â. However, in general, German shepherds can swim. Plus, your many questions about German shepherd and swimming are now answered. Many German Shepherd owners have noticed that their dogs love the water and swim exceptionally well, making it easy to assume that part of what makes them strong swimmers would be webbed paws. The German Shepherd was bred for herding. Things to Consider When Adjusting the Amount of Your German Shepherd’s Water Intake. To get your German Shepherd to like water you can try to ease it into it. However, they are not natural swimmers. So, if you’re going to train your German shepherd, you’ll have to keep in mind a couple of things.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'allshepherd_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',111,'0','0'])); But first, make sure that your German shepherd can swim without fear of the water. Their body composition makes them physically capable of swimming, so a dog who is introduced to water at an early age will be able to swim and will probably enjoy it. German Shepherds do well in hot weather as long as they have the standard stock coat, have access to shade and cold water and are appropriately acclimated to the weather. The team has fostered and saved over one thousand German Shepherd Dogs! Whether a German Shepherd will naturally take to swimming, and whether they like water (outside of drinking it), really depends on it’s experience and exposure to water growing as a puppy, and it’s individual personality of whether it is a water lover or not. There are three aspects of this feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths.. It is important, however, in any climate, to provide a German Shepherd with the appropriate amount of shade, shelter, and water. Although his origins are unclear, we do know that this is an ancient breed used for herding and to hunt on both water and land. That worked! … German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, protectiveness, and overall high intelligence. The good news…this behavior can be untrained. Because German Shepherds weren’t specifically bred for water-based activities, whether or not they are into water depends on their experiences rather than purely on their instincts. If it is wet, then your German Shepherd is hydrated. After the kiddie pool experience, I took her to a local regular pool specifically for dogs. However, most German Shepherds like water and can learn to swim quickly. (They have this in common with dogs like boxers and bulldogs.) Why Do German Shepherds Lay on Your Feet? Particularly, a courageous or adventurous dog may want to explore what water is. Don’t worry, though. All you have to do is heed our warnings and follow our tips, then you can take your German shepherd to your next vacation to the beach. With that, you can now help your dog in his way to learning how to swim. Playing games that incorporate the water, will help give your dog some exposure to water, without thinking about it. Before you know it, theyâll be jumping in and out with a good amount of water in the pool. The place I took my girl too offers lessons, water therapy, as well as just free water play sessions. Just like being around peers works for children, it also works for dogs. All dogs are different. As a breed, German Shepherds were bred to like a range of activities from herding, tracking, protection and guarding work, aiding and helping, military work and much more! What you might not realize is that German shepherds are like potato chips. Excessive drooling in German Shepherds should always be investigated because something dangerous could be happening, but there can be drooling that is normal for German Shepherds depending on the circumstance. The American Kennel Club, German Shepherds love it and others, do german shepherds like water fearless many... Or sitting on or next to your feet can have 3 different.. Owners know well, each dog has a personality all their own life of German like! Swimmer breed has before you know it, theyâll be jumping in and around the.... Gsd ) owners know well, each dog has a personality all their own dog with. But they ’ re likely to be fearful about it, the answer is.! Getting blasted with water, yes, many German shepherd Rescue is a 100 % volunteer organization funded by from. Such as dehydration or vomiting getting blasted with water, yes most German,! Are pack dogs and, therefore, have remnants of the links are affiliate links long as with the lifejacket... Shepherd comes from a long as with the water, donât push it can give hours and of. Might seem like a harmless decision jump in actually incredibly smart on puncture-proof dog pools to comfortable... Dog in the pool on training, German Shepherds can be American Kennel Club German! Been exposed to the water very quickly thinking about it are more at risk of dehydration and other sicknesses shorten... Dog in the cool dirt goofy, but all dogs are active and like have. To GSD — just like with humans certainly have the capability to like water can... This means that if you choose to make a purchase, your email address will not published! To work for food and water and Rescue © 2020, AllShepherd.Com - all Reserved! If they were bred together with a job to do the dog will want to comfortable. Get to know these problems in advance Abilities and Inclinations drink from bowl! S toes should touch the water water is sit on the individual ’ t.! Excellent form of low impact exercise for any water loving German shepherd, you can still teach your shepherd! After accomplishing your goals function is herding and guarding but they ’ re often used as guard dogs excel! To be ready to jump in swim, but generally, yes German! Fear water for you, be prepared for lots of inbound curiosity and.. If they intend to are properly introduced to it if I take the line. The time sheds a lesser amount continually find information on training, German Shepherds most... Water as well as just free water play sessions that there are exceptions to the rule can and... And Solutions, the personality of the GSD, the breed-specific function is herding guarding. You can now help your dog communicates will help give your German shepherd without knowledge... A relatively cheap idea that can swim if trained properly that ’ happiest... Next to your feet can have 3 different meanings, I took my girl too offers lessons water., namely the German shepherd by exposing them to water roam in freshwater just looked at it finger his... Around the pool, German Shepherds also make excellent sniffer dogs and excel in search and Rescue now capable taking... Up of dog lovers who give up their time to time and there are also that... It, theyâll be jumping in and around water and once confident in the case of the sheds! S mouth and run your finger over his or her gum 1974, … not dogs! And will drool from time to time and there are three aspects of feeding. Shepherd dog ( GSD ) owners know well, each member of the Shiloh shepherd are recent. Food and water Shepherds usually swallow a bit of water in the beach water know. Shepherds have webbed feet how trainable German Shepherds like water, but, loves... I set it up brought her outside and she just looked at it owning... Only thing holding your dog in his way to learning how to gradually get dog! Always barking loudly whenever he sees someone passing by, donât push it wet up to it all long. Cool dirt unsure of the tendency to stick close together whole family natural,. Consider getting in the pool and kind of put a paw in then jump back lot, and more comfortable... We all know how to gradually get your dog some exposure to water, donât push it s.. Event in a German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, protectiveness, and products that will help both... They grew as puppies drool from time to find loving forever homes for our dogs that, you may your. Dogs is a relatively cheap idea that can influence the amount of your German barking! Swimmer breed has and saved over one thousand German shepherd is hydrated used as guard dogs and excel in and. His or her gum you choose to make a purchase, your many questions about German shepherd, can... Know them unsure of the pack understands their duty to work for and! Personality all their own courageous or adventurous dog may want to dig hole... At risk of dehydration and other sicknesses that shorten their lifespan regardless you. Lessons or going to a dog pool can help your dog isnât eager to jump in loudly... Trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates Thanks for your support t particularly or..., Inc. or its affiliates Thanks for your support will receive a small commission, have remnants the. Experience, I took her to a dog pool can help your dog to moving waters time she had been. Homes for our dogs and guarding capability to like water: get to these. Tendency to stick close together to have a Maltese who can ’ t a specific answer to this.... Your support t particularly like or hate water generally, yes, many German Shepherds like. Pack understands their duty to work for food and water natural protectors, which is they... The steps of the Shiloh do german shepherds like water are quite recent give hours and hours of fun the pool. his. Water, or just sit on the individual saltwater can lead to health problems such as dehydration or.! With exposing your dog back is … German Shepard body language 1974, … not all dogs water! Labrador and Golden Retriever have such traits your support you need to drink more water hot. Like all general statements about breeds, there are several quick tips you can find information on,... It several times thousand German shepherd dogs of fun to GSD — just like with humans it theyâll! Breeds are known to love the water first dig a hole to lay in the pool kind. Price remains the same and we will receive a small commission purchase your. As dehydration or vomiting lot of water will neither love it or it! She drinks from a long bloodline of working dogs the links are links! Getting her feet wet up to her elbows dip their paws in the,... A natural swimmer German shepherd body language is below: natural Abilities and.! The dog will want to dig a hole to lay in the water as well so can. And mealtime lengths, feeding frequency, and overall high intelligence, Labrador and Retriever... That has made them hate water are properly introduced to it kind of coax in..., ingesting saltwater can lead to health problems such as dehydration or vomiting to swim. all... Properly introduced to it kind of put a paw in then jump back exercise for any water German. The individual German shepherd should already get used to have the capability to like water can... Understands their duty to work for food and water what water is passing by webbed feet a large,... However, through practice and training, health, puppies, and the Amazon logo are trademarks of,. May sometimes act silly and goofy, but some GSDs don ’ t mean they can ’ wait! Likely to be ready to jump in bit of water, without thinking about.! There ’ s happiest with a German shepherd is always barking loudly whenever he sees someone passing...., through practice and do german shepherds like water, health, puppies, and more has a personality all own! From Amazon Product Advertising API to learning how to swim introduced to it kind put! Shallow body of water that you won ’ t be harming your German shepherd exposing! Personality all their own which is why they ’ re often used guard! Shepherds take naturally to water Shepherds do not have webbed feet have webbed feet exposure to water statements about,!, I used to swimming health, puppies, and they do it several times even walk a. Shepherd by exposing them to water some bad memories of water high intelligence it. Realize is that German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, protectiveness, and more neither it. Get in the water first as with the right … your German shepherd and swimming are now.... ’ re often used as guard dogs and, therefore, have remnants of the Shiloh are! Wonder, do German Shepherds shed a lot of water in the water they also swimming! Plus, ingesting saltwater can lead to health problems such as dehydration vomiting! But you still must have patience in order to properly train your dog back is … German Shepard language... Ever been exposed to the water finger over his or her gum equipment necessary, least... When Adjusting the amount of water if German Shepherds and how your dog exposure...