The dog paddle or doggy paddle is a simple swimming stroke. It is characterized by the swimmer lying on his chest and moving his hands and legs alternately in a manner reminiscent of how dogs and other animals swim.[1]. It is effectively a "trot" in water, instead of land.[2]
It was the first swimming stroke used by ancient man, believed to have been learned by observing animals swim.[3] Prehistoric cave paintings in Egypt show figures doing what appears to be the doggy paddle.[4]
It is often the first swim stroke used by young children when they are learning to swim.[5]
