Many miniature companion breeds will love nothing more than to jump into a swimming pool with their families. Miniature Poodles are known for their love of water, but the same isn’t true for the long-haired Maltese. So, what does this mean for the abilities of their offspring? Are Maltipoos going to be good swimmers?
Can Maltipoos swim? Some Maltipoos will have a natural love of the water, but only if they take after their Poodle parent. Maltese dogs aren’t as capable or keen. It is essential to note how your dog reacts to water and adapts to pool-based activities. Some can learn to swim with you, but others will prefer to stay away.
Is the Maltese A Good Swimmer?
Maltese can have problems swimming.
They are small dogs with long coats, and this isn’t a good combination for swimming.
Longer coats become soaked and heavy, making it uncomfortable for them to move and increasing the risk of drowning.
Small dogs can also struggle with temperature changes so they could become chilled in the water.
Therefore, it is unlikely for a Maltese to want to swim.
Are Poodles Good Swimmers?
However, Poodles are brilliant swimmers and love to be in the water.
They are built for it, with their working heritage allowing them to jump into the water to retrieve quarry.
They will happily go for a swim and play fetch with items you throw in.
They will also follow their family into the water to swim if they have a pool.
Unlike the smaller Maltese, they have a waterproof coat that won’t hold them back at all.
Are Maltipoos Good Swimmers?
Therefore, a Maltipoo’s inclinations to swim will depend on which parent they take after the most.
Some are far more like their Poodle parent, with the ideal coat and a love of the water. Then there will be others that aren’t quite so sure about following you into the water.
The critical thing to do here is to let your new Maltipoo pup take control of what they do.
You can allow them to swim under close supervision and take it from there.
If they are happy and comfortable with no apparent ill-effects, you can work on ways of making safe swimming part of their exercise schedule.
If they aren’t satisfied, you need to respect that and make sure that they aren’t pressured to swim, get out of their depth, or put themselves at risk.
How to Help Your Maltipoo Swim Safely
If your Maltipoo shows some interest in getting in the water with you, the first thing to do is to give them swimming lessons.
Take the time to go in with them alone and focus all your attention on their efforts.
You can see whether they have any natural aptitude for swimming or if they struggle.
Please pay attention to their movements and reactions. Let them enter the water on their own time and help them out when they have had enough.
You might also want to invest in a life vest for your dog. This provides extra protection in case they get into difficulties and go out of sight. This is also a great idea if you ever go anywhere with deeper bodies of water.
Swimming in the ocean, for example, can be a lot more challenging because of the impact of the waves. Only let them go into the sea if you are confident that they can handle it.
Ideally, you want to stick to family time in a clean, calm pool at home.
This means that the dog is around people they trust, and the water is far more manageable. They can also learn the best ways in and out of the pool with repeated sessions, whereas an unfamiliar pool could confuse them.
Taking Care of Your Maltipoo After They Have Been in The Water
If you have a smaller Maltepoo with a long white coat, you need to make sure that they don’t go swimming in cold water, which could chill them quicker.
Also, make sure to dry them off thoroughly and warm them up after being in the water to stop them from getting ill.
They aren’t like Labs and other short-coated breeds that can shake the water off, run around in the sun and be fine.
Can Maltipoos Swim in Chlorinated Water?
There are some concerns about Maltipoos swimming in chlorinated water, but this doesn’t have to be an issue if you keep an eye on the dog and dry them off carefully.
The chlorine shouldn’t be an issue for their hair if you dry them off carefully.
There isn’t a considerable risk of them ingesting chlorinated water as there isn’t a severe toxicity risk.
Still, any sign of discomfort in the water should be noted, and you should help your dog get out and dry off.
What If Your Maltipoo Struggles too Much and Doesn’t Like The Water?
There is the risk that your dog will hate swimming but still want to spend time with you at the pool. They may feel conflicted about coming and joining you.
Put a life vest on any dog at the side of a pool, just in case.
You can also put up a fence so that the dog can chill out on the other side and be close enough to you all without putting themselves in danger.
This sort of barrier will also help protect any unattended dogs when they are out in the yard.
Final Thoughts – Are Maltipoos Good Swimmers?
In short, you won’t know what your pup is capable of until you give them their first swimming lesson. You could teach them the fundamentals and find that they aren’t comfortable or built for swimming. If so, make sure to keep them safe around the pool. Or, you might find that the Poodle genes shine through, and you have a very content water-loving dog.
Either way, respect their abilities and limits at all times.
