Can Yorkies Swim? – A Complete Guide to Yorkies and Water
Yorkshire Terriers may be small, but they have big personalities — and many owners wonder whether their Yorkie can join them for a swim or a day at the beach.
Can Yorkies Swim?
The short answer is: some can, but they’re not natural swimmers. Unlike breeds built for water (like Labradors), Yorkies are not really built for swimming. Their small size, fine coat, and short legs mean they tire quickly in water. Some Yorkies enjoy paddling in shallow water, while others are nervous around it — every dog is different.
Are Yorkies Water Dogs?
No, Yorkies are not considered water dogs. They were bred as rat catchers in mines and textile mills, not as water retrievers. Their single-layer coat (unlike the water-resistant double coat of true water breeds) gets soaked through quickly, making them cold and heavy in the water. However, many Yorkies do enjoy splashing in shallow water and playing at the beach — especially in warm weather.
Introducing Your Yorkie to Water
If your Yorkie seems interested in water, introduce them gradually. Start with shallow, calm water — a paddling pool in the garden or the shallow edge of a lake. Let them explore at their own pace and never force them in. Use plenty of praise and treats to create a positive association. Some Yorkies never take to water, and that’s perfectly fine.
Safety Tips for Yorkies Near Water
- Never leave your Yorkie unsupervised near pools, lakes, or the ocean — even for a moment. They can tire quickly and drown in seconds.
- Invest in a dog life jacket designed for small breeds. This is essential for boating, beach trips, or any deeper water. Look for one with a handle on the back for easy retrieval.
- Rinse your Yorkie after swimming — chlorine, salt, and bacteria can irritate their sensitive skin and damage their coat.
- Watch for shivering — Yorkies get cold easily. Dry them thoroughly and keep them warm after swimming.
- Be aware of blue-green algae — toxic to dogs. Avoid still, stagnant water in hot weather.
- Check their ears — dry your Yorkie’s ears after swimming to prevent infections.
What About Pools?
If you have a pool, be aware that Yorkies cannot easily climb out. The sides are too high and slippery for their short legs. Always supervise and consider installing a dog ramp or pet pool escape device. Never leave a pool uncovered when your Yorkie has access to the garden.
Yorkie Life Jackets
A well-fitting life jacket is one of the best investments for water-loving Yorkies. Look for features like a handle on the back, bright colours for visibility, and adjustable straps for a snug fit. See our recommended pet supplies for water safety.
Yorkies and water
My baby loved the water if she heard anyone say boat she was the first on on the dock and in the boat.
When we lived on our 35 ft cabin cruiser she would jump off the bow of the boat and chase the ducks then the ducks would turn around after her it was a riot. But she always got to us before the ducks got any where near her and soon as she was in reaching distance the ducks wouldn’t come any closer.
When we were here at home she would jump from the dock to the boat and she loved to swim on the beach with the kids.
Rolling in the sand and everything. She was actually a water baby. She loved boats and loved to go in the car.
If your Yorkie is young try putting an inch of water in the sink or tub and see how he/she reacts splash your hand around a little bit to make the water move put few water toys in with her.
She always wore her life jacket when we were on the boat and if we could catch her before she got out of the house we’d put it on her and when we caught her Bam it was on her in a flash before she hit the docks and the water.
So what i am trying to say is take it slow and treat her/him as if they were an infant/toddler
We had a Yorkie before squirt and his name was Scuffy. He liked the water but there was only one problem he was butt heavy.
In other words he couldn’t keep his hind end up and when he ever fell in the water he would sink straight to the bottom with someone right there to pull him up he always had a life jacket on after we found out he was bottom heavy 🙂
Question
How old was your puppy when he first went into the water??? I’m scared to take him to the boat because he is sooooo little 🙂 Thanks!
Loving the water
I have a 1 1/2 yr old yorkie and he LOVES swimming! I cannot stop him from throwing him self in the pool either from the shallow end or deep end with or without vest, and he knows how to get out. He makes us laugh because when he takes a break he sits on a lounge chair in the sun and when he gets hot again he jumps in and out again at will!
Hes an excellent swimmer. It does not matter if there is anyone in the pool he just gets in as soon as we take him into the yard. We are always with him and watching him. He even jumps off diving board!
Love him!!!!
Lori
Copper Loves To Swim
We have a 5 month old yorkie who LOVES to swim. When he was only 10 weeks old and we had just opened our pool…he ran right out to it and jumped in. We were shocked and got him out right away…He continued to do this everytime we would let him outside…So we taught him where the steps were and how to get out on his own. He also lays out on a lounge chair to get dry and then sometimes just goes and lays on the first step of the pool to get his tummy wet. I love my Yorkie!!!
Yorkies rock
My yorkie loves to swim winter or summer she just jumps in. Shes a really good summer! but she HATES baths she acts like im trying to kill her everytime i put her in the bath to clean off.
I have a 9 week old yorkie is she too young to get on a boat?