Do Corgi's Butts Really Float in Water? The Interesting Facts

There’s no denying that Corgis are an adorable dog breed and are quite well-known for their, ahem, fabulously fluffy butts. There are countless videos online of Corgis walking away, showing off their wiggling backside. There are no other dogs who possess quite a balloon-like derrière. The Corgi is truly a special dog.

However, a true gem is videos of Corgis’ bottoms floating in water. Do Corgis’ butts really float in water? Yes, Corgi's butts DO float in water. It's almost like their rear end is a built-in life preserver.

But why does this happen? Read on to learn more about this interesting Corgi trait!

Rumor Has It…

If you have ever called a Corgi a “Bubble Butt”, you would not be too far off due to the shape. There have been rumors ‘floating’ around the Internet about why a Corgi’s butt floats in water, claiming that their backsides are 79.4% air, and this hollowness almost acts like a life-preserver for this canine.

However, this is most likely not the case. It might be a fun story to tell others, but it is not backed by scientific evidence. Plus, Corgis were bred to be cattle herding dogs, so they do have some powerful back legs. So, what makes their butt float when they are in water?

The Science Behind a Corgi’s Behind

It is most likely due to the Corgis’ thick double coat. Anyone who has owned a Corgi knows they require frequent grooming. This thick double coat aids in Corgis’ buoyancy. And because their rear-ends are particularly fluffy, it does seem like that part of the Corgi is “floatier”. Their poofy buttocks also work to their advantage as the Corgi’s short legs do not make them the best swimmers.

A Corgi’s water-resistant coat also contributes to its floating bottoms. This thick coat almost acts like a buoyancy device. While Corgis have a thick undercoat all over their body, it is concentrated around their backside.

What Else Makes a Corgi Float?

Unfortunately, Corgis are prone to weight gain because of their body type. When an animal is obese, they have a higher body fat percentage than standard. And since fat floats better in water, an overweight Corgi will float easier than a leaner one.

Their fluffy coat and extra body fat contribute to making a Corgi float more in water than other dogs.

Do Corgis Like to Swim?

Some Corgis might like to play in shallow water, while others might not enjoy it. However, it is important to note that Corgis are not the best swimmers. These breeds were meant for herding purposes. So, while some Corgis might like to splash in the water, remember that their floating bottoms will not keep them from getting exhausted treading in deep water. Avoid forcing your Corgi (or any pet!) in water if they are showing resistance.

There are certain dog breeds that can take to water like a duck! The American Kennel Club has a list of 16 dog breeds that are natural swimmers. Some of those breeds are as follows:

• American Water Spaniel

• English Setter

• Flat-coat Retriever

• Labrador Retriever

• Newfoundland

Final Thoughts

While it might be tempting to believe that Corgis have mostly air in their butts, do not believe this. However, there are other science-backed reasons why Corgis’ butts do float in shallow water. No matter the reason, it sure is adorable to watch!

Featured Image Credit: ako photography, Shutterstock