Do Aussiedoodles Like Swimming? Answered!

Before getting a dog it is important to consider whether it suits your home environment and lifestyle. Water and water sports are only one of many areas that you need to consider. So, do Aussiedoodles like swimming?

Aussiedoodle at the beach with a boy.
Aussiedoodle at the beach with a boy.

All Aussiedoodles are different. Your Aussiedoodle is more likely to enjoy spending time in the water if it takes after its Poodle parent. But, any dog can enjoy the water if they are introduced to it soon enough.

In this article, we are going to look at some of the genetic contributions to whether your Aussiedoodle may enjoy swimming. There are also certain places your should not allow your dog to swim.

Related: How Much Exercise Does an Aussiedoodle Need? | Why Does My Aussiedoodle Smell? | Aussiedoodle Temperament Guide

The Genetics of Aussiedoodles’ Swimming

Do Poodles Like Water?

Although it is impossible to say that every dog in a certain breed likes a certain activity, some generalizations can be made.

Poodles were bred to hunt in water. They have webbed toes that make them exceptionally good at swimming. This means that the majority of them will probably enjoy spending some time in the water. They will also be able to move far faster than other dogs.

Their coat is suited to spending time in the water. It is resistant to moisture which means that Poodles dry quicker than other dogs might, and their fur does not weigh them down when it is water-logged.

If your Aussiedoodle takes after its Poodle parent more, it may have webbed toes or a coarser coat. Although this does not guarantee that your Aussiedoodle will enjoy swimming, it does mean that it will be quite capable of swimming if it wants to.

Aussiedoodle swimming and playingfetch
Aussiedoodle swimming and playing fetch.

Do Australian Shepherds Like Water?

Again, it is impossible to predict every single dog, but the Australian Shepherd breed does not seem to be particularly biased either way when it comes to water.

Many Australian Shepherds enjoy swimming, especially if they have access to a swimming pool. However, there are also many Australian Shepherds who will do anything in their power to avoid getting wet.

Whether or not an Australian Shepherd likes water seems to have absolutely nothing to do with genetics. However, it is important to note that their heavy undercoat becomes waterlogged if the Australian Shepherd is soaked. This means that the undercoat becomes quite heavy and makes swimming more difficult for the Australian Shepherd. It also means that the dogs take longer to dry.

If you have an Aussiedoodle that takes after its Australian Shepherd parent more, you may find that it can only swim short distances before becoming quite tired. These dogs, in general, are more suited to land sports.

However, in my experience, many Australian Shepherds and Aussiedoodles enjoy running through sprinklers on a hot day. This includes those that hate swimming.

This is likely in an attempt to cool themselves if their undercoat has not been brushed out.

Australian shepherd in water
Australian Shepherd in water.

Environmental Effects on Aussiedoodles’ Swimming

Temperature

As mentioned above, some Australian Shepherds enjoy cooling themselves in water even if they dislike swimming.

If you live in a hot, arid environment, your Aussiedoodle may be far more likely to swim when given the opportunity, regardless of whether they would normally enjoy it.

Related: 8 Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool on Hot Summer Nights

Early Introduction

Dogs can be very wary of what they do not know. If you start introducing your dog to water early in its life, then it will be more likely to take to it when it is fully mature.

We did this and started by placing our puppy on the steps of our swimming pool. She didn’t want to go any further than that for the longest time. But when we were in the pool, she eventually joined us.

Naturally, she learned where the steps were. This was achieved through repetition. Whenever the dog went into the pool, it went through the steps. Whenever we needed to help her out, we took her to the steps.

Now, it’s difficult to keep her out of the pool!

If your dog knows the water and is aware that it is not dangerous, then there is more chance they will enjoy it.

Water Availability

Water availability goes hand in hand with early introduction. Your dog may have learned how to swim and spent time in the water as a puppy, but if it rarely encounters water then your Aussiedoodle may still not be as confident around it.

Having enough water around for your Aussiedoodle to have the opportunity to swim as often as possible, will encourage a love of water.

Although it is ideal to have water deep enough that they cannot stand, a small dog pool will be better than nothing.

Can Aussiedoodles Drown?

There is a common misconception that all dogs are natural swimmers and that they cannot drown. This is false and results in multiple incidents every year that could have been avoided.

Your Aussiedoodle may be able to keep its head above the water, but it still gets tired.

Many dogs, and especially Aussiedoodles, are very excitable around water if they love swimming. This means that they often bite off more than they can chew. It is up to you to make sure that you watch your dog whenever it is in water, and make sure you’re able to reach it quickly if it no longer has enough energy to keep going.

If you’re worried about your Aussiedoodle, there are some products, such as a dog life jacket, which can help you keep your dog safe while it swims.

Aussiedoodle playing in water
Aussiedoodle playing in water.

Where Should Aussiedoodles Swim?

Dogs, including Aussiedoodles, are not only susceptible to drowning from exhaustion, but they also can’t call for help. Because of this, you need to be very selective with where your water-loving Aussiedoodle is allowed to swim.

Clean Natural Water Bodies

Natural bodies of water are some of the best places for your Aussiedoodle to swim. These can include lakes that are clean enough for people to swim in and slow-moving water.

As a general rule, if you would not swim in it yourself, then your Aussiedoodle should not be swimming in it either.

Dogs tend to drink a lot more water wherever they are swimming than a human might. Some Aussiedoodles even delight themselves in snapping at the water in front of them as they move. Any contaminants in the water can easily make your dog ill.

Be careful about moving water too. Slow-moving water can be great fun for your Aussiedoodle. But if a current is stronger than expected they might be swept away. Always get in the water first, to make sure that your dog will be fine.

Swimming Pools

Swimming pools are a great place for your Aussiedoodle to swim because you know the water is clean, and you don’t need to worry about a current.

Often, this is where most family gatherings take place, so make sure that any kids swimming with your Aussiedoodle know not to play too rough in the water.

It’s not recommended that you give your dog free rein of your home swimming pool when you are unable to watch it. If your dog spends a lot of time in the backyard without you, make sure that you cover the pool, or put a security fence around it.

Beach Shallows and Pools

Taking your Aussiedoodle to the beach can be an absolute joy. They run around like headless chickens, enjoying themselves, and splashing in the waves. Just make sure that they don’t go too deep.

The water should never touch your Aussiedoodle’s belly. This is to ensure that they are able to keep themselves upright and should give you enough time to react if something goes wrong and they start moving further out to sea.

Alternately, quiet pools are a great place to swim with your dog.

Aussiedoodle Skin Care After Swimming

Poodles have very sensitive skin and Aussiedoodles can easily inherit this trait. This means that salt and chlorine can irritate your Aussiedoodle’s skin.

If this occurs, you might notice scratching, dandruff, and in severe cases even hair loss.

Related: Are Aussidoodles Hypoallergenic: Do They Shed? | Aussiedoodle Coat Types And How To Care For Them

Preventing this can be very easy. You don’t need to bathe your Aussiedoodle every time it swims. Simply rinsing it thoroughly with clean water before it has dried should be more than enough.

Drying your Aussiedoodle with a hairdryer or a pet dryer like this one after it has been wet can also prevent mats from forming. As long as you enjoy water responsibly, there should be no reason why your Aussiedoodle grows to dislike swimming while in your care.

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