How Well Can St Bernards Swim? A Guide for Giant Breed Dog Lovers

Introduction

As a proud St Bernard owner and lifelong dog lover, I‘ve always been fascinated by the unique quirks and capabilities of these gentle giants. St Bernards are known for their massive size, sweet temperaments, and historic role as rescue dogs in the treacherous Swiss Alps. But what about their relationship with water? Can these bulky, furry mountain dogs actually swim and enjoy it? I decided to dive deeply into the topic and share what I‘ve learned.

St Bernard Size and Swimming Ability

Let‘s start with some key facts about the St Bernard breed that impact their swimming prowess. According to the American Kennel Club breed standard, a mature male St Bernard typically weighs between 140 to 180 pounds or more, while females range from 120 to 140 pounds. They stand 28 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder for males and 26 to 28 inches for females.

That makes them one of the heaviest and largest dog breeds in the world. For comparison, a typical Labrador Retriever, known as a strong swimmer, weighs 55 to 80 pounds and stands 21.5 to 24.5 inches. St Bernards have up to three times the body mass to propel through the water!

Dr. Sarah Dodd, a veterinarian specializing in canine sports medicine, explains that St Bernards‘ bulky weight is largely due to their heavy bone structure and thick musculature, rather than just body fat. "This dense mass, along with their relatively short legs and long spines, makes it more challenging for them to achieve a streamlined, buoyant position while swimming compared to leaner, longer-bodied breeds," she says.

St Bernards‘ barrel-like chests and broad shoulders also create significant drag in the water. Plus, their huge, heavy heads make it harder to keep their mouths and noses lifted to breathe while paddling.

However, Dr. Dodd emphasizes that most healthy St Bernards can still swim for short periods with proper support and supervision. "They may not move as efficiently as a retriever and may tire out faster, but many do truly enjoy a good paddle and splash session," she adds.

Do St Bernards Like to Swim?

So the physical constraints are clear, but what about St Bernards‘ emotional relationship with water? Do these alpine giants actually enjoy swimming, or would they rather stay on dry land?

In a survey of St Bernard owners conducted by the St Bernard Club of America, 58% reported that their dogs enjoyed playing and splashing in water, while 30% said their dogs only tolerated short water exposures like baths. The remaining 12% had St Bernards that avoided water whenever possible.

As with many traits, a lot depends on a dog‘s individual personality and past experiences. Positive, gradual exposure to water from puppyhood seems to help St Bernards feel more confident and eager to swim as adults.

Janice Novotny, a long-time St Bernard breeder in Colorado, shares a formative experience with her first St Bernard and water. "When Hugo was about four months old, I took him on a hike along a shallow stream. I stepped in and splashed around a bit to show him it was okay. He cautiously followed me, and soon he was romping and pouncing at the water, clearly having a blast! We built on that fun first impression over time with lots of treats and praise in calm waters, and he‘s loved swimming ever since."

But Yvonne Chen, a St Bernard owner in Florida, had a different experience with her rescue dog Sasha. "I adopted Sasha when she was two, and it was clear she‘d had some negative encounters with water. She shied away from pools and rivers at first. I think some rough waves must have overwhelmed her at some point. We‘ve taken it very slow with lots of high-value treats and her favorite floaty toys, and she‘s just now starting to wade in and splash around confidently after two years. I let her set the pace."

Safety Tips for Swimming With St Bernards

For those St Bernard lovers ready to take the plunge with their pups, keeping safety in mind is paramount. These gentle giants may not have the same stamina and swimming skill as other breeds, so a little extra support goes a long way.

First and foremost, never force a reluctant dog into the water. Let your St Bernard approach and enter water sources at their own speed, following your happy encouragement. Tossing a toy or treat into the shallows and wading in yourself can entice them to explore.

Canine hydrotherapy specialist Dr. Katie Evans recommends starting with very shallow, calm water and keeping sessions short at first, such as 5 to 10 minutes maximum. "Watch for signs that your St Bernard is getting fatigued, like heavy panting, slowed paddling, or trying to rest on you or objects in the water. That means it‘s time for a break on land," she advises.

If your St Bernard will be in water deeper than elbow-height, Dr. Evans strongly suggests using a well-fitted canine life jacket. St Bernards‘ chests are so broad and deep that they may need the largest available size or even a custom-fitted jacket for adequate buoyancy and spinal support. Look for jackets with a padded underbelly support strap, a strong top handle to help lift your dog out of the water, and bright colors for visibility.

Some additional key safety tips include:

• Rinse your St Bernard‘s coat with clean water after swimming in chlorinated pools, saltwater, or other irritating substances. Follow up with a thorough brushing and drying, especially in skin folds and ears.
• Check and clean your dog‘s ears with a veterinary ear cleaner after each swim to prevent moisture buildup and bacterial infections.
• Provide a clean, fresh water source for your dog to drink from during and after swimming. Discourage drinking from outdoor water sources that may contain parasites or toxins.
• Learn canine CPR and always supervise your dog closely near bodies of water, even if they are a confident swimmer.

Other Fun Water Activities for St Bernards

Swimming isn‘t the only way for water-loving St Bernards to make a splash! These playful pups often adore romping in shallow water, and there are lots of creative ways to facilitate that fun.

Some ideas include:

• Creating a DIY splash pad in your backyard with a plastic tarp, sprinkler, and toys
• Setting up a wide, shallow baby pool for wading and laying down in to cool off
• Playing fetch or tug-of-war along a beach, river shoreline, or shallow lakeshore
• Going for short paddles together on a wide, stable paddleboard or raft
• Taking a scenic hike along a calm stream or creek for on-leash splashing and exploring

For a fantastic mental and physical workout, you can even enroll your St Bernard in a canine water aerobics or hydrotherapy class. These are sometimes called "doggie gyms" or "canine fitness centers." In these classes, dogs wear life jackets and receive personalized support from trained specialists to build strength, coordination, and endurance while swimming in a safe, controlled pool. It‘s a fun bonding activity and a low-impact way for giant breed dogs to stay fit.

"We‘ve worked with many St Bernards in our hydrotherapy practice, and they‘ve all made great progress," says Dr. Evans. "The buoyancy of the water reduces stress on their joints while building crucial core and leg muscle to support their bulk. And we keep the sessions short and positive so the dogs really look forward to coming each week. It‘s amazing to see their confidence and comfort in the water grow over time."

Conclusion

In conclusion, while St Bernards may never be the world‘s most medals-winning swim team, that doesn‘t mean these sweet giants can‘t enjoy a good paddle and splash. With their immense size and weight, they face some unique challenges in the water compared to more compact, agile breeds. But with proper support, supervision, and training, many St Bernards can grow to truly love swimming and other water activities.

The key is to start positive exposure early, let the dog set the pace, keep safety top of mind with tools like life jackets, and get creative with ways to enjoy the water together. Whether it‘s romping in the shallows, taking a dip in a pool, or embarking on aquatic hikes, the opportunities for St Bernard water fun are ‘boundless‘!

As with all areas of pet care, you know your individual dog best. Celebrate and support what they love, go slowly with new experiences, and consult your veterinarian if you ever have concerns about your St Bernard‘s health or safety. Here‘s to making a splash with your furry best friend this summer and beyond!