Last updated on March 20th, 2023 at 07:13 am

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Can Great Pyrenees Swim

Great Pyrenees dogs are large, imposing pets. When they are not trying to intimidate you with their scary growls and flashing teeth, they usually have a very lazy feeling. They are not the most energetic of dogs, which is why it might surprise you to learn that they do like water. In this article we’re going to talk about if Great Pyrenees can swim and if so, how much do they like water? 

Quick Answer:

Yes, Great Pyrenees dogs can swim. Not all of them enjoy water. However, plenty of them do.

Let’s Get Into It

Do Great Pyrenees Like Water? 

We’ll go ahead and get this one out of the way first.

They are not the most energetic of dogs, which is why it might surprise you to learn that they do like water. While the breed overall might not be the most water loving dogs, plenty of Great Pyrenees still love to be in the water and even love to swim. 

Great Pyrenees are not actually classed as water dogs, so they do not typically swim unless they are forced to. However, they do enjoy the water and it can be a great way to bond with them. 

Can Great Pyrenees Swim? 

We’ve already established that they do like water and enjoy it, which is why it is reasonable to assume that they can swim.

Yes, Great Pyrenees dogs can swim. They’re actually exceptional swimmers! While they are not the best dogs to take on a lake or an ocean, you can let them swim in the pool or at the beach. You’ll probably want to stay close by though because they are so large and tend to be slow. They’re not the best dogs to leave unattended.

Do Great Pyrenees Enjoy Swimming?

You can tell if a certain dog enjoys swimming by watching their body language. If a dog is swimming happily, they will likely be relaxed and have a smile on their face. Because of their large size, Great Pyrenees do not have the most graceful movements, which means you might be able to tell if they are not enjoying themselves.

It can be easy to tell whether or not a dog likes something. Not all Great Preynees enjoy swimming. Each dog is unique and has its own personality and likings. 

If your dog seems to be swimming with purpose and looks like they are enjoying themselves, you can be sure that they are having a fun time. Most big dogs will love to be in water if they are given the chance, and the Great Pyrenees is no different. 

Some Ways To tell if Your Great Pyrenees Enjoys Swimming include: 

• The easiest way to tell if he stays in the water 
• Uses his front legs to paddle and brings his paws out of the water
• Slaps the surface

If you see your Great Pyrenees not enjoying the water. Take him out and try to relax them by telling them it’s okay.

Are Great Pyrenees Good Swimmers?

As we mentioned above, Great Pyrenees can swim, and depending on your dog they might love it!

Great Pyrenees dogs are very good swimmers. Their athletic build and strength make them great swimmers. Their large size means that they can easily stay above water, and their webbed like feet help them propel through the water with ease.

• Because these dogs are such good swimmers, you can even use it as a form of exercise. It’s a great way to get your dog some extra exercise and also bond with them in the process. 

Should You Let Your Great Pyrenees Swim? 

This is a great question, though most Great Pyrenees can swim without any issues. This does not mean that you should let them swim.

While you may be able to take a Great Pyrenees swimming, it is not recommended that you let them swim in open water such as a lake or a river. Their size and weight can make them dangerous for other swimmers and for themselves in open streams. If you have a pool, or if you can find a place where you can swim with your dog and keep them away from weeds and fishing lines, you can let them swim and enjoy the water as much as they want. Fishes and weeds can be dangerous for dogs when in water.

Things To Keep In Mind When Taking a  Great Pyrenees Swimming:

• They enjoy swimming and like water.
• In a private pool, or somewhere where dangerous items such as weeds and fishing lines are not present. 
• They are able to swim.

At What Age Is It Best To Take a Great Pyrenees Swimming? 

While you might be able to take a Great Pyrenees swimming, you might want to wait until they are a little older. Adult Great Pyrenees can handle themselves in the water, but puppies might not fare so well. If you have a small Great Pyrenees puppy, you might want to wait until they are at least a year old before letting them swim. This gives them time to grow into their paws and their muscles, making them better swimmers.

If you have a Great Pyrenees puppy, wait until the time of year that the water is warm enough. You don’t want to take them into the water when it’s too cold. 

How to Teach a Great Pyrenees to Swim? 

If your Great Pyrenees has never been in the water before, you will likely have to teach them how to swim. Some might get the basic hang of it on their own, but most won’t.

To do this, you will need to find a place to swim with your Pyrenees. This could be in a pool, a pond, or even a lake. Once you find a place to swim, you should start by getting your dog used to the water. If you have a pool, you can start by putting your dog’s paws in the water. You can also squirt your dog with a hose to get them used to the feeling of water on their fur and make them less likely to be afraid of it. If you have a lake or pond where you can swim with your dog,  get them used to the water by tossing toys in the water that they can swim after. 

Note: If you do try to teach them to swim, go very slowly. While Great Pyrenees puppies are young, you can try to get them used to the water by holding them in the water or putting them in a kiddy pool. You can also try dropping treats in the water to get them interested in the water. 

Tips For Swimming With Your Great Pyrenees 

When swimming with your Great Pyrenees, you should always keep an eye on them. This is especially important if they are a beginner swimmer.

• If you have a place to swim where fish hooks and other dangers are far away, you can let your dog swim freely and enjoy the water as much as they like.
• While swimming with your dog, make sure to keep an eye on them. Watch for signs that they might be struggling or getting tired, and end the swim when necessary. 
• Your Great Pyrenees may be too large and heavy to swim in the open water with regular swimmers (These dogs are huge and can easily knock into a child or another swimmer).
• Keep your eyes on your Great Pyrenees at all times.
• If you can, bring a life preserver for your Great Pyrenees in case they get tired or start to struggle.

Summary – Great Pyrenees and Water

Hopefully, by now you know whether or not your Great Pyrenees can swim if they enjoy swimming, and whether or not you should let them swim. When it comes to Great Pyrenees, we can confidently say that they can swim. They are big dogs with strong bodies and are athletic dogs. Because of this, their webbed feet help them propel through the water with ease. Great Pyrenees can swim, but they do not always enjoy it. If your dog seems to be swimming with purpose and looks like they are enjoying themselves, you can be sure that they are having a fun time.

Great Pyrenees can and do swim, but they don’t always enjoy it. If your dog seems to be enjoying themselves, you can be sure that they are having a fun time. 

---

PetFriendly Monthly Pet Care Box
Get 50% off + FREE Shipping on your first box!