If dogs could compete in the Olympics, who would win a gold medal?
Dogs and the Olympics have a long history together. Waldi the Dachshund was the first official mascot in the history of the Olympic Summer Games. The canine sport agility has its origins in the Olympic equestrian sport called show jumping. Today, athletes like Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, and others are publicly celebrating their relationship with their dogs, highlighting how dogs have helped support their physical, emotional, and mental health.
All dogs are individuals, and with the right training, almost any dog can be a champion in canine sports, like agility, lure coursing, or dock diving. Some dogs might love sports, and some might just not enjoy them, regardless of their breed ancestry. However, some breeds have specific traits or histories that could help them excel at certain sports.
If we had to guess, we’d expect these breeds to have a leg up in several popular Olympic events.
Gymnastics: Norwegian Lundehund
Originating in Norway’s rocky Lofoten Islands, the Norwegian Lundehund is the only dog breed developed to catch puffins (“lundes”). Although they no longer do this job, as hunting puffins is illegal in Norway, the Norwegian Lundehund has several traits that make it one of the most flexible dog breeds.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Norwegian Lundehund has six toes on each paw and extra paw pads. We think their unique paws and extra strong toes, which help them grip the sides of rocky cliffs in Norway, would also come in handy on the balance beam in an Olympic competition.
The Norwegian Lundehund also has a double-jointed or “elastic” neck that can bend all the way backwards until the top of their head touches their spine. They also have flexible shoulders that help them squeeze into caves and move through narrow passageways.
The flexible joints and seemingly elastic body features of the Norwegian Lundehund give this breed an advantage in competitions that require flexibility, like gymnastics!
Did you know? The Norwegian Lundehund is a rare breed. Only a few dozen Embark dogs have Norwegian Lundehund ancestry in their DNA.
Other breeds that might also excel at this sport include the Border Collie and the Papillon, who are known for their nimble style in agility competitions.
100-meter freestyle swimming: Portuguese Water Dog
Any dog can learn how to swim, but certain physical traits make some breeds more likely to thrive in the water. Portuguese Water Dogs have a waterproof coat and webbed toes that help them swim. According to the AKC, this breed was originally bred to herd fish into nets, retrieve items in the water, and carry messages between ships and the shore. This breed is known for strong water skills—it’s in their name.
Did you know? Over 500 Embark dogs have Portuguese Water Dog ancestry in their DNA.
Other breeds that might also excel at this sport include the Spanish Water Dog, the Lagotto Romagnolo, and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
Learn more about dog breeds that are known to be strong swimmers in this article by Woman’s World with Embark veterinarian Dr. Jenna Dockweiler.
Marathon swimming: Newfoundland
In the Olympics, marathon swimming takes place in open water, such as seas, rivers, and lakes. The course is 10 kilometers long, requiring athletes to have impressive endurance as well as power in the water.
The Newfoundland was originally developed to be a water rescue dog and has a noble history of saving people from drowning in the icy waters of the Atlantic. According to the AKC, the breed is built for endurance rather than speed, making these dogs naturally more prepared for the long distances required in marathon swimming. Newfoundland dogs are “born swimmers” with impressive strength, capable of carrying an adult human to safety. They have partially webbed feet, a double, water-resistant coat, and large, hardy body—all qualities that would help in the Olympics.
Did you know? Nearly 5,000 Embark dogs have Newfoundland ancestry in their DNA.
Other strong swimmers who might excel at this sport include the Otterhound and the American Water Spaniel.
100-meter sprint: Greyhound
Also called “athletics,” the track and field events at the Olympics are known for lightning-fast speeds. Greyhounds are well suited for these sprinting events. The Greyhound can reach a top speed of 45 mph, making it the fastest dog breed in the world. According to the AKC, their narrow, aerodynamic skulls and shock-absorbing paw pads are built for high-speed running.
Did you know? About 3,000 Embark dogs have Greyhound ancestry in their DNA.
Other breeds that are known to be swift and agile sprinters include the Whippet, the Saluki, and the Afghan Hound.
Diving: Belgian Malinois
Dock diving is a sport in which any dog can compete. In this sport, dogs jump from a dock into the water, usually to retrieve a toy. The dog who jumps the farthest distance from the dock wins.
The Belgian Malinois is known for being a strong swimmer and dock diving competitor. This breed is also known for its athleticism and impressive jumping abilities, which can lead them to being dock diving champions. In fact, the winners of the Elite Open and the Premier Open at the 2023 Westminster Kennel Club dock diving competition were both Belgian Malinois.
Did you know? Over 20,000 Embark dogs have Belgian Malinois ancestry in their DNA.
Other breeds that tend to excel at this sport include the Labrador Retriever and the German Shorthaired Pointer.
While dogs with strong swimming instincts tend to do well in diving competitions, any dog can enjoy and excel at dock diving. The other winners of the Westminster dock diving competition included Poodles, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, English Cocker Spaniels, Border Collies, Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, and All-American (mixed-breed) dogs. As you can see from the photos below, dock diving is a sport for any dog—although some enjoy it more than others.
Photos courtesy of Dr. Jenna Dockweiler
High jump: Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie can jump up to astounding heights of nearly 10 feet! Australian Kelpies have become famous all over the internet for their kangaroo-like jumping abilities. We think this breed has an advantage for any high jump competition.
Did you know? Over 8,000 Embark dogs have Australian Kelpie ancestry in their DNA.
Other breeds known for their high jumping abilities include the Jack Russell Terrier, the Rat Terrier, and the Border Collie.
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Curious about other canine athletes? Learn about the DNA of Alaskan sled dogs with Dr. Heather Huson from Cornell University.
