Do Cavaliers Like to Swim? [Love Affair or Not?]

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

As dog parents, we often wonder what our furry friends enjoy doing.

Many people ask the question, “Do Cavaliers like to swim?”

Yes, most Cavaliers are known to be a very adaptable breed and they love water activities. They also love to please their owners and are willing to get in the water with them to cool off. Quite often, if your dog enjoys the shower, that behavior is most likely to carry over to the pool, lake, or sea!

However, it’s important to remember that not all dogs are natural swimmers, so it’s crucial to introduce them to water gradually and in a safe environment.

Read on to learn more about the fun and exciting water adventures you and your Cavalier can embark on!

Do Cavaliers Like Water?

If ye be asking if Cavaliers be fond of the drink that covers three-quarters of the Earth, then the answer be aye!

Cavaliers, being descendants of Spaniels, have a natural affinity for water.

They were originally bred to retrieve game from the water, so they have a natural instinct to jump right in and paddle around.

But just like some humans, not all Cavaliers are water enthusiasts.

Some may prefer to stay dry and cozy on the shore, while others can’t resist the temptation of a good swim.

It really depends on the individual dog’s personality and experiences.

Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Swim? 

Are you the proud owner of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? Did you know that these adorable pups can swim like most Spaniel breeds? 

That’s right; your furry friend has the potential to be a little water dog!

But remember to teach them proper techniques and give them the right training for a safe and fun bonding experience.

We cover all that and more in the sections down below.

Doggy recommends you to read this too: Why Do Cavaliers Sleep on Your Head? Is This Real Love?

Do King Charles Cavaliers Like To Swim?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are natural swimming stars, and their willingness to please makes them easy to train.

Plus, as lapdogs, they feel comfortable around people, so the beach or pool won’t be a problem. 

However, if you find that your pup is hesitant, no worries!

With lots of patience and proper training, they’ll be splashing around in no time!

While most Cavaliers like to swim, there are always exceptions, so don’t simply assume that yours is a natural-born swimmer right away.

Unusual behavior such as your dog biting you in the pool can indicate reluctance or fear, and it’s important to understand why.

Where Should You Bring Your Cavalier To Swim?

There are many different places you can take your furry pup to swim, such as:

• Shallow lakes or ponds if your Cavalier is learning to swim. As your puppy gets more relaxed and confident, you can lead them to go deeper into the water
• Dog-friendly swimming pools, where the water is clean and maintained for dogs
• Dog-friendly beaches, where dogs are allowed to swim in designated areas
• Specialized dog swimming facilities, such as hydrotherapy pools

It’s important to remember that where you take your dog to swim should be safe, clean, and with proper facilities to ensure your dog’s safety while they swim.

Do you know why is your dog laying in the bathtub?

Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Like Water? 

Yes, most Cavaliers like water but possibly not all.

Some will LOVE the water like it’s second nature; they bounce at every opportunity to splash in some puddles or ponds, whereas others love to keep it shallow, which is also good as it will keep them nice and cool. 

To put it simply, if your Cavalier enjoys its bathtime, it’ll likely enjoy swimming.

However, small-muzzled dogs are more likely to inhale water, so always supervise while swimming to ensure safety.

How To Teach Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniels To Swim?

Let’s dive in on how to teach your furry friend to swim! 

Choose A Spot

Teaching your Cavalier to swim is a breeze in a peaceful spot like a lake or a pond, ensuring your dog is free of distractions. This allows your dog to focus on the swimming lesson and the teaching cues you provide. 

Start In Shallow Waters

Start in shallow water, like a kiddie pool or the shallow end of a lake, and always keep safety in mind with a life jacket (I have one for my pups, and they are SO cute!). 

If your Cavalier is nervous about water, you can help them by choosing a spot where the water is shallow and gradually gets deeper. 

Let them play and explore the shallow water, and as they become more comfortable, you can help them go into deeper areas where they can swim.

With your encouragement, they will gain confidence and start to enjoy swimming.

Get Involved And Reward Them

When teaching your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to swim, it’s essential to make the experience fun and positive for them. 

One way to do this is by getting in the water and playing with them.

This will help them become more comfortable and confident around water.

Additionally, you can hold your dog’s belly to help them float and learn how to swim. This will help them understand how to use their body correctly in the water.

How do you get your Cavalier to like the water?

Rewarding your dog is an essential part of the training process, and showing them an appreciation for their efforts and progress is important.

Positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, can help them associate swimming with a positive experience. 

You should avoid reprimanding your dog or scolding them if they make mistakes during the training process.

This can create fear or anxiety and make them avoid the water. 

What Precautions Should You Take?

Swimming with your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be a lot of fun, but there are some precautions I suggest you keep in mind to keep both you and your furry friend safe.

• Get pet insurance: Even if your pup can swim, this is crucial. Pet insurance covers swimming accidents with your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

• Avoid harsh weather conditions: Be careful when swimming in bad weather or cold water. Swimming is a lot of fun, especially in the summer. But it’s best to avoid swimming when it’s chilly as it can be hard to tell how cold the water is, and swimming in it for too long could lead to your pup getting hypothermia. Also, be careful when there is rough or choppy water, as it can be more dangerous and unpredictable than swimming in a pool.

• Clean and dry your dog properly: After you and your Cavalier have frolicked in the water, it is important to clean and dry them well. This will prevent skin, ear, and other types of conditions.

• Get a lifejacket for your pup: As a pet owner, I know how hard it is to imagine your puppy drowning, but accidents happen. It’s best to stay safe! A dog’s life jacket can assist your exhausted dog in staying afloat and fighting the tide currents. 

• Teach safety commands: Teach your Spaniel how to safely get in and out of the water on command, especially if you own a pool. This way, if they ever get in the pool when you’re not home, they’ll know how to get out and keep themselves safe.

Hey! Do Schnauzers like to swim too? Find out now!

Benefits Of Teaching Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel To Swim

There are so many benefits of teaching your Cavalier to swim, including:

• It prevents your dog from drowning: Some people think that all dogs know how to swim, but that’s not true. Even if a dog was bred to swim, it doesn’t mean they know how to safely get in and out of the water. But with swim lessons, dogs can learn how to swim properly and safely, and with just a few lessons, they’ll swim like a pro.

• Great exercise for your pup: Swimming is great for your Cavalier. Not only will it improve their heart health, but it will also help them relax and burn off excess energy, and it is gentle on their joints. It also helps dogs who are in pain by strengthening their joints, muscles, and cartilage. 

• Builds confidence in the water: Your pup can learn to feel comfortable around water with training and patience. It’s important to make the learning process fun and positive so they don’t think water is scary. Once they feel more comfortable, they’ll be more confident in the water and feel like they’ve accomplished something great!

• Controls impulses: If your Cavalier loves water, you know how hard it can be to keep them away from it. Whether they jump into the pool or run into the ocean, managing a water-loving pup can be challenging. By teaching them to wait and rewarding them for good behavior, they can learn to control their impulses. Just remember to be patient and always reward them when they do well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In Conclusion: Do Cavaliers Like to Swim?

Cavalier King Charles spaniels are such lovely dogs that are eager to please, and in most likelihood, you will be able to bring yours for a dip in the water with no issues.

Wherever you go, just be sure that the place is safe for your dog and that you take all precautions such as using a life jacket, teaching it to swim, and close supervision.

You are gonna have a blast!

Read other dog behavior posts such as do Havanese dogs like to swim, why do dogs flip their ears inside out, why does my dog keep ringing the bell to go outside, and much more on our blog.