Why Do Some Dogs Have Webbed Feet? The Science Explained

Webbed feet are a common feature of many aquatic animals, but several dog breeds have evolved to develop this characteristic to help them swim too. Webbed feet are particularly common in retrievers, including Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Portuguese Water Dogs, and even some Poodles. The webbing between their toes increases the surface area of their feet, helping them swim more efficiently while retrieving game or rescuing people from the water.

In this article, we will explore the genetic origins of webbed feet in dogs. Whether you're a dog lover or just someone who's always been curious about the world, we will delve into the scientific literature on genetics, evolutionary biology, and dog breeds to learn how this unusual trait arose and spread through different breeds. We will also consider the potential benefits of webbed feet and whether they are limited to swimming or have other uses that we have yet to discover.

Dog Breeds With Webbed Feet

A number of dog breeds have been bred to have webbed feet to help them swim and perform other water-related tasks. These breeds include the Portuguese Water Dog, Poodle, Otterhound, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and Labrador Retriever. Meanwhile, the German Wirehaired Pointer, American Water Spaniel, and Irish Water Spaniel were also bred to have webbed feet to help them move through water.

The amount of webbing between the toes varies by breed. For example, the Newfoundland has a lot of interdigital webbing that goes all the way to the end of the toes, which acts like a natural flipper or paddle. Meanwhile, the Portuguese Water Dog was bred to herd fish and retrieve objects from the water, and its webbed feet and thick coat helped it do so. These breeds were originally created to perform tasks such as waterfowl hunting, retrieving, working with fishermen, and water rescue, and their webbed feet made them especially well-suited to these roles.

Webbed Feet Help Dogs Swim and Move Through Water

Webbed feet help dogs in water by making them more efficient swimmers. The skin between the toes acts like a paddle or flipper, increasing the surface area of the foot and enabling the dog to move more water with each stroke. As a result, webbed feet provide better propulsion, buoyancy, steering, and underwater dexterity. This is especially important for dogs like Labradors, Newfoundlands, and Portuguese Water Dogs that were bred to work in water, where they retrieve waterfowl and perform water rescues.

Webbed feet also help dogs move through wet or muddy environments by providing better traction and stability on slippery surfaces. Webbed feet can even help dogs dig, according to Do Beagles Have Webbed Feet? Facts, Advantages & Disadvantages – Dogster. In addition to these benefits, webbed feet can help dogs absorb shock when they're walking on hard surfaces and regulate their body temperature when they're swimming. These benefits are discussed in Evolution of a Dog's Webbed Feet: Unveiling the Pawsome Origins [2024] • Kritter Kommunity.

Dogs With Partial or Minimal Webbing

In addition to fully webbed feet, some breeds have partially webbed or minimally webbed feet. For instance, Golden Retrievers have webbed feet that help them swim, but their webbing isn't as extensive as that of Labradors. As explained by MySweetPuppy, all dogs are born with some webbing, which can help with stability, traction, and digging.

Breeds that were bred for running, hunting, or other activities on land may have less webbing. However, even a little webbing can help with things like traction, shock absorption, and temperature regulation in certain conditions. As mentioned by MySweetPuppy, the amount of webbing a dog has depends on the breed's original purpose and the climate of the area where the breed was developed.

How to Take Care of Dogs With Webbed Feet

Dogs with webbed feet need special attention and care to ensure their paws are healthy and clean. As explained by Pododermatitis in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost, this includes keeping the nails trimmed and making sure that the webbed areas are free of any debris that could cause an infection or other issues. Owners should also check the webbed areas for any signs of redness, irritation, or inflammation, which could be a sign of an underlying problem.

Dogs with webbed feet, especially those with more extensive webbing, are more likely to develop conditions like pododermatitis (inflamed skin between toes) or interdigital furunculosis (deep bacterial infections), according to Interdigital Furunculosis in Dogs - Integumentary System - Merck Veterinary Manual. As explained by Canine pododermatitis - PMC, it's important to make sure that dogs with webbed feet are taken to the vet if they have any ongoing issues with their paws and to follow their vet's treatment plan to ensure that they get better. This is especially important for dogs with webbed feet, as their paws are more likely to develop problems.

Best Dog Breeds with Webbed Feet

Some dog breeds are especially well-suited for water sports and activities because of their webbed feet. The Portuguese Water Dog, Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and Newfoundland are some of the most popular breeds that are good for swimming and water work. These breeds have water-repellent coats, are strong swimmers, and have a natural instinct for retrieving and hunting in the water.

Other breeds like the American Water Spaniel, Boykin Spaniel, and Irish Water Spaniel were also bred for water-related work and are great at water sports. Their webbed feet, as well as their strong, athletic bodies and high energy levels, make them perfect for activities like kayaking, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding, according to The Beacon Dog Academy.

Conclusion: Celebrating the Unique Webbed Wonders

Webbed feet in dogs are a complex and interesting adaptation that has evolved to meet a variety of needs, from swimming and water sports to traversing different types of land. While some breeds, such as Labradors and Newfoundlands, are known for their more extensive webbing, even minimal webbing can help with stability, traction, and digging.

It’s important to make sure that webbed paws are well taken care of and properly groomed to avoid health issues like infections and irritations. It’s also important to make sure that you consult with a vet if your dog has any ongoing issues with their paws and that you follow their advice and treatment plans. This is especially important for dogs with more extensive webbing, as they may be more prone to conditions like pododermatitis and interdigital furunculosis.

In the end, these unique webbed wonders are a great example of the diversity of the dog world and the amazing adaptations that have come about through selective breeding and evolution. Whether it’s for work, play, or just enjoying the great outdoors, webbed feet are a fascinating feature that will continue to capture the imaginations of dog lovers and scientists alike.