dot. However, there will always be breeders who stray from the official breed standard. It’s a remnant of their evolutionary past. We don’t know if they developed this webbed characteristic as an adaptation to. source: Some breeds, like the Chesapeake Bay retriever, have large webbed feet that help them swim in icy waters. I'm sorry, I can't provide a response as I don't have enough information. The feet are catlike, proportionate to the body, and webbed. Another breed that has webbed feet perfect for swimming, the Portuguese Water Dog was used by fishermen to herd fish into nets and collect lost equipment from the sea. January 7, 2021 National Purebred Dog Day®. They are also great family dogs due to their gentle nature. Labrador paws are pretty interesting parts of our Labs! Like many of their other features, Lab paws are perfectly suited to help them in their original working roles. 2. In comparison, a dog’s webbed feet is only referring to extra skin that is found in between a dog’s toes. The most popular pet dog across the world, Labs is one of the water breeds. All Labradors have webbed feet to help them swim and walk through muddy terrain. Web-footed, dog-obsessed Oregonian tree hugger. Additional breeds exist whose feet aren’t typically webbed. 3. These feet have skin connecting their toes, forming a “web” between them. Some of these breeds are more commonly seen these days lounging around the house, but that doesn’t take away from their natural skills. PWD dogs are excellent swimmers. The fact that some breeds of dogs are born with webbed feet is a genetic mutation. While you cannot rule out the presence of genetic variability within the breed, the webbing feature is breed-wide. Their height is about 22 to 26 inches weighing around 50 to 70 pounds, with a life expectancy of around 12 years. Dog paws have evolved so there’s a purpose to every part. The German Wirehaired Pointer (GWP) is a versatile breed that excels in hunting, tracking, retrieving, and pointing. Cleft Palate. With a weather-resistant coat and webbed feet, these dogs were developed in Germany by crossbreeding the Pointer, Pudelpointer, Griffon, and Wirehaired Pointing. If we’re. My dog's feet are webbed which I think is pretty neat! Someone on one of my other posts said my dog might be part lab and I know labs have webbed feet, but I'm curious if curs can as well. Height: 20 to 23 inches (female), 20 to 25 inches (male) Weight: 40 to 55 pounds (female), 50 to 60 pounds (male) Coat: Short, smooth. The term “webbing” is not often. These colorful lizards have adapted to habitats from rain forests, to deserts, to cold mountain slopes. 6. com) Do full-blooded Labs have webbed feet? A web-footed wonder is the most well-liked dog breed in America. 10 Dog Breeds with Webbed Feet. These dogs boast a weatherproof coat and webbed feet. Paws are one of the most unique and defining features of animals. They certainly needed. (of an animal) having feet with skin between the toes 2. Newfoundland:. They have a waterproof, shaggy coat that gives them a lovable scruffy look. In fact, many breeds have paws that look very different from those with webbed feet. Webbed paws help dogs swim faster and with more power, as well as navigate difficult terrain more effectively. They were originally bred to hunt otters in England, hence their name. COAT COLOR: Four color varieties include tricolor, Blenheim (red and white), ruby, and black and tan. You might be surprised to find out that Catahoula Leopard Dogs have webbed feet but these pups, like many other breeds which excel at swimming, do indeed have webbed feet. Yes, Poodles have webbed feet which makes them excellent swimmers with paws that act like paddles in the water. Some of the most popular dog breeds in the UK have webbed feet, including Labrador retrievers. Today Poodle Hybrids are increasingly common. Irish Water Spaniel When we think of animals with webbed feet, we tend to think of ducks, otters and various other amphibious animals that can be found living in and around water sources. The claws help to create traction and help a dog dig and tear. spanish water dog. They are known for their loyalty and are always ready to serve their owner’s needs. Second, it may mean that somewhere back in their breeding line, the dog was crossbred with a swimming or digging dog. One parent is a Labrador Retriever, which has origins in Newfoundland, Canada. Another example is the curly haired Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Like many water dogs, Newfoundlands have webbed feet that make them efficient and fast swimmers. Weimaraner This is a breed known for its attractive gray coat, striking eye color, and all-around hunting skills. The webbing of a Dachshunds feet is a perfect place to harbour. on 25-11-2023 by Guest 1/7 what-dogs-have-webbed-feet What Dogs Have Webbed Feet The variation of animals and plants under domestication. Since labs are one of the water breeds, they have more grown webbed feet than other dogs. The breed standard does not support webbed feet in Danes. Dogs, such as the Portuguese water dog, the Newfoundland, the Chesapeake Bay retriever, and the American water. In this blog post, we’ll take a look. THe UK's most popular dog breed, the Labrador Retriever was bred to collect shot wildfowl that often landed in the water, so being a good swimmer was crucial. The Australian Shepherd, however, does not typically have webbed feet. Coat Color: Any shade of brindle, black, buckskin, or maltese with/without black saddle, gray muzzle and jaw, white chest and feet, or brindle trim. In dogs, webbed feet mean that their toes are connected by skin or tissue known as webbing. Scientific name: Prionailurus viverrinus. The webbed feet allow the dogs to glide on the surface of the water so that they can retrieve objects and even people. web-footed dogs: here are 10 breeds of adorable dogs that have webbed feet – from dachshund to labrador retriever The world’s most popular dog, the Labrador Retriever was originally used to retrieve (hence the name) fish, fishing nets and even fishermen from the ice cold sea. Most obviously, it helps them swim. For wild cats, this unique feature serves a vital survival role. Conclusion on Animals That Have Webbed Feet. From otters to penguins, many creatures have webbed feet and enjoy swimming and playing in the water. There’s a lot more to keeping paws in good shape other than nail care. While webbed feet do help dogs swim better by providing more drive in water, they are not the only factor that determines a dog’s ability to swim. Learn more about German shorthaired pointer puppies and dogs. THe UK's most popular dog breed, the Labrador Retriever was bred to collect shot wildfowl that often landed in the water, so being a good. Beauty without Vanity, Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, and all the Virtues of Man, without his Vices. Look for skin between their toes that extends further than normal, aiding in swimming or walking on soft terrain. They need to be checked over for sores and get any other required vet care and be groomed. The Newfoundland, a large, placid working dog, was originally employed as a water rescue dog on Canadian fishing boats. Training Tips. They come in all shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose: to help the animal walk, run, or climb. In general, these breeds are water dogs, and webbing helps them swim. These breeds have unique. Image Credit: DragoNika, Shutterstock. It’s an attribute more commonly associated with birds and aquatic mammals, with even some dog owners unaware that their pets have the evolutionary advantage. During the sixth or seventh week of pregnancy, the child’s hands and feet in the uterus begin to split and form fingers and toes. Gecko tails serve many purposes. The web-like feet in the dogs also help in digging. Here are 10 of the breeds of dog that have webbed feet. Poodle. Back in the olden days when the wealthy nobility hunted ducks and the like for sport, they would shoot the duck which would fall dead from the sky into a lake. The Newfoundland breed is known for its large size and strength, making them excellent swimmers. Webbed Feet. All dogs start life with webbed feet, but most lose the majority of their webbing early in life. Sparky's magic bone takes him to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil where he encounters a variety of creatures, becomes leader of a pack of web-footed dogs, and helps protect their home from two-legs in metal machines that have flattened so many trees, Sparky cannot find where he buried his bone. However, they sometimes eat mice, ground squirrels, and other small animals. The world's most popular dog, the Labrador Retriever was originally used to retriever (hence the name) fish, fishing nets and even fishermen from the ice cold sea. Drawbacks to Webbed Feet for Dogs. They have webbed feet and water-repellent double coats. They have webbed feet to help propel them through deep water where they can’t get any grip on the bottom. Labrador Retriever. The coat requires very little. 17 Dog Breeds with Webbed Feet. Years of being bred in mountains and snowy areas led to the development of webbed feet in this dog. Last Updated on 10 Apr. Webbed feet helped these dogs navigate water smoothly and retrieve waterfowl for their owners. American Water Spaniel: This breed is specifically bred for hunting and retrieving in water, and their webbed feet aid in their swimming abilities. Labrador Retriever. That’s certainly the case with their webbed feet, although they tend to be slightly less webbed than the Lab. 1. Newfoundland (Picture Credit: Tara Gregg / EyeEm/Getty Images) This black, wooly giant of a dog was bred to help. However, they provide better traction on slippery surfaces and may be less likely to cause the dog to slip and slide. Spanish Water Dog. Webbed feet can lead to several health problems. The webbed feet give great assistance when paddling through the water. Poodles are ranked among the best dog breeds with high swimming abilities. However, GSDs do have an area of skin between the toes that connects the paw together, which is web-like. The elongated toes help propel the body forward with quickness and agility, much like the feet of hares or rabbits. On the back of the neck, there is a white patch where the neck connects to the mantle. It doesn't take many trips to a dog park or beach to figure out out which dog breed is ranked most popular in North America today. This is is due to a combination of natural selection and selective breeding. You may also have seen your dog digging in our yard but they easily do so because of their webbed foot. Here is a list of some dog breeds with webbed feet: 1)American Water Spaniel. We’ll discuss the reason webbed paws are useful for sled dogs below, as well as husky-specific traits. Owner/Operator of Webb Footed Kennels, Inc. The Role of Webbed Feet in Swimming. Their diet mainly consists of fish local to their habitat. #4 German Shepherd. 19. Siberian Huskies have webbed feet because this breed originated in the arctic region, where the dogs have to walk on the snowy plains. But rare dog breeds have webbed feet, too. Also, the Pyrenees do not possess this quality as a distinctive characteristic. Hunters use them as companions, especially when hunting waterbirds, as they love to. These swamp dogs also have webbed feet (one of the few hounds with them), allowing them to swim quite well. Three Primary Foot Morphologies of Domestic Dog Tracks: 1) Cat-footed: Many breeds of domestic dog have tracks classed as cat-footed. Labs are known for their sociable, athletic personalities, but they also. These dogs are also excellent swimmers and can survive the water for a long time compared with other dogs. The pads on the bottom of their feet protect them and provide grip as they walk. Dog Breeds with Webbed Feet 1. Contents show. German Short-Haired Pointer. The Labradoodle came first, but now we have almost every breed combined with a Poodle to make an intelligent, hypoallergenic family dog, including The Berdoodle, Cockapoo, Schnoodle, Jack-A-Poo, Yorkipoo, Bassetoodle and the Golden Doodle, to name but a few! 3. What Are Webbed Feet? Webbed feet refer to the presence of skin folds, known as webbing, between the toes of certain animals. The webbing also gives the dog greater stability when walking on water or on muddy areas. The American beaver ( Castor canadensis) typically weighs 60 lbs. The webbed feet give great assistance when paddling through the water. That’s certainly the case with their webbed feet, although they tend to be slightly less webbed than the Lab. The American Kennel Club’s official standard of the German Shepherd Dog does not include webbed paws. 5 Dachshunds. It also gives them better footing and less of a chance of getting stuck in a boggy area. otterhound. Many wild cats have webbed feet as well. However, the size of the webbing can differ according to the breed. This is a genetic trait intended to help a Basset hound keep its balance. Others like Dachshunds and Cocker Spaniels may have webbing between their toes that disappears as they age. Dogs with webbed feet have toes that are connected by a membrane of skin, according to the American Kennel Club. Highly intelligent, good-natured, very willing and eager to please, it is among the top choices for service dog work. Click the card to flip 👆. The otterhound is a well-known dog breed around the United Kingdom. Portuguese Water Dogs. Syndactyly is diagnosed at birth, or sometimes even earlier during prenatal ultrasound screenings. 1. We found 20 possible solutions for this clue. Have you ever wondered why some dogs like water more than others? Why some dogs are better swimmers? Well, besides personality, webbed feet assist dogs in being strong swimmers. The PWD likely descends from the original Poodle-type breeds of Europe. Dogs with webbed feet have webbing running up towards the tip of their toes. The webbing helps in making the dogs more sure-footed and prevents them from getting stuck in mushy areas. Chesapeake Bay retrievers, 8 in. boykin spaniel. Some common breeds with webbed feet include Retrievers, Setters, and Newfoundlands. 2. Most dogs have some skin between their toes that look. The three Poodles breeds, including Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle, and Toy Poodles have webbed feet. In the diverse world of canines, many dogs, including the American Water Spaniel and the Poodle, have a secret weapon to their swimming prowess - webbed feet. Humboldt penguins have legs set far back on their body and webbed feet that help them dive, swim, and steer like rudders in the water. Portuguese Water Dogs Have Webbed Feet. (those webbed feet come in handy!). Labrador retrievers are so well-known that they don’t need to be introduced, and most Lab owners are aware that their favorite breed is one of the most well-known dogs with webbed paws. . Learn more. The Surprising Truth Revealed! Yes, dogs’ feet can be webbed, allowing them to swim more efficiently. 1. Appearance . Play fetch with a tireless. The mutation may also have been caused by inbreeding among boxers or other dogs and other factors such as diet or climate change. Though web footed, it is strong enough to grasp tightly the perch on which it nests. Labrador Retrievers: One of the world’s most popular dogs, the Lab is a retriever bred for swimming. Dogs that have been bred as ‘gun dogs’ have webbed feet. if he has. The result was a serious depletion of breeding stock, as one person’s prejudice decimated the. While most people tend to think that webbed foot is a paw pattern or trait that is unique to certain breeds, it is not the case. The additional skin that connects their toes – the foot webbing – essentially increases the size of their paw, turning each foot into a natural paddle. They’re also water dogs, and they have floppy ears. boykin spaniel. Such features give them great transverse passages of water with ease and at high speed too. 8. All dogs have webbed feet (sort of) Dog paws have evolved so there’s a purpose to every part. Newfoundlands are known for their strength and are often used as rescue dogs. Over time, that can lead to more serious issues like severe arthritis. Photo: Pixabay/fotoronvanhal. 1. Over time, that can lead to more serious issues like severe arthritis. Chances are, you already know of, love, or own a Labrador retriever. lagotto romagnolo. Whether it's a few days or a month, we are here! Home: Services "As the attending veterinarian for Webfoot Kennel, I see the quality of care that the staff of Webfoot Kennel provides to all of the dogs in their care. Devon would like to use this information to determine if his new. Photo: Pixabay/bednuts. Their incredible sense of smell might be put to good use at home with some fun enrichment games! Not every dog’s feet are the same — Depending on the breed, dogs may have webbed, cat-like, or hare feet. According to the findings of one study, the lure of water is more alluring to Labrador Retrievers than the presence of people or other dogs. For example, the padding and slight scratchiness of the underside of the foot. Webbed feet: Dogs with webbed feet tend to be all-terrain dogs, those who are proficient at swimming, and many hunting dog. By Garreth / February 3, 2022. They help balance their weight. Their thickly padded webbed feet make them an excellent choice for hunters in need of a retriever that doesn’t shy away from water. 275. 3. Statistics from the American Kennel Club (AKC) for 2002 and 2003 show almost three times the number of Labrador Retriever registrations over the second-ranked breed, the Golden Retriever. Dog breeds that do not possess the mutation but naturally have bobtails include Boston Terriers, English Bulldogs, King Charles Spaniels, Minature Schnauzers, and Rottweilers. They have large webbed paws that help them swim long distances. The webbing on their feet works like snowshoes, making it easier for them to walk or run in the snow and ice. These feet allow the dogs to move through the water like a duck, propelling them forward with minimum effort. by Arna Bee April 15, 2020. These web-footed friends are known for their affinity for swimming. And dogs, both puppies and adult dogs with webbed feet are linked to breeds such as the Newfoundland who loves water. Read more:The unique structure of webbed feet enables dogs to propel themselves more efficiently through the water, resulting in faster and more powerful swimming capabilities. Similar to when a human wears flippers while swimming, a dogs webbed feet will help the dog glide through the water to retrieve the game. However, some uncommon dog breeds also have webbed feet. It’s true: certain dogs have webbed feet just like some aquatic animals, and it’s just a coincidence. 10. irish water spaniel. In conclusion, the evolution of webbed feet in dogs is a testament to the incredible adaptability and versatility of our four-legged companions. Webbed feet in dogs create a larger paddle-like shape thanks to the connection or linked skin between each of their toes. They would assist the sailors by retrieving fishing nets and tackle, swimming messages between ships, and even herding fish into nets. Purebred Pitbulls don’t have webbed feet as they were primarily bred for fighting and hunting. Biology Ch 13. But other dogs, like the. This means that web-footed pups are also prized by hunters and those looking for the perfect search and rescue dogs for all terrains. Do labs have webbed feet? Yes. Some can swim incredibly well due to their webbed feet. Conclusion on Animals That Have Webbed Feet. These sturdy dogs are physically and mentally impressive. That’s not a sign of webbed feet. Dachshunds are known for hunting. Big, boisterous, and affectionate, the Otterhound was bred in medieval England for the now-outlawed activity of otter hunting. Semi-aquatic rodents like nutria, beavers, and moles have webbed feet. Their toenails provide traction and help them dig. Almost all dogs have some degree of this web-like skin between their feet as it’s a natural occurrence. Some of these breeds are more commonly seen these days lounging around the house, but that doesn’t take away from their natural skills. Over a long period of time, geckos have developed special physical features to help them survive and avoid predators. Pretty much every species of dog has webbed feet. Footed definition: having a foot or feet (often used in combination). However, the level of webbing depends on the dog. This dog breed is known to have thick and wooly coats and prominent webbed-feet. The pads on the bottom of their feet protect them and provide grip as they walk. For example, a Goldendoodle may or may not possess this interesting feature since the Golden has separated toes. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Blue-footed boobies have webbed feet and are comically clumsy when they walk on land. The majority of Labrador Retrievers are known to revel in the opportunity to splash around in wet environments. Other Dog Breeds with Webbed Feet. If you’re seeking a dog with very webbed feet for a specific purpose, you’ll likely have. Life Span: 12 to 14 years. From an evolutionary point of view, webbing is nothing extraordinary. Their thickly padded webbed feet make them an excellent choice for hunters in need of a retriever that doesn’t shy away from water. If a bird or animal has webbed feet, its toes are connected by skin to help it when swimming…. When the dog is standing, the fore and hind feet are enormous, thick, and dense, yet they can stretch. This made. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at why webbed feet exist on our dogs and the dog breeds that have. Yes, Labrador retriever webbed feet are much better for swimming than is the case with other dogs. Dogs with webbed feet, like Newfoundlands, Poodles, and Portuguese Water Dogs, are great swimmers. Since most Bernese Mountain Dogs inherit this trait, your dog is likely to have webbed feet. Stealing hearts in three, two, one. Other breeds that have webbed feet include the very popular Labrador Retriever as well as Poodles, the Portuguese Water Dog, American Water Spaniel, the German Wire-Haired Pointer, the German Short-Haired Pointer and the. Their. This water dog is bred to help herd fish into the nets. Swimming is good for dogs and can contribute to their daily exercise. It is not known why some breeds have webbed feet while others don’t, but it is believed that the webbing is an adaptation that helped these water. Males reach a height of 23–25 inches and a weight of 55–70 pounds, while females clock in at 21–23 inches and 45–60. This genetic mutation has really come in handy for these dogs and their human companions over time. No, German Shepherds don’t have true webbed feet by the breed standard. Newfies have large, webbed feet that resemble paddles. english setter. ”. This unique adaptation allows dogs to navigate through various aquatic environments, such as lakes. Their life-saving drive combined with the breed’s muscular build, water-resistant coat, and webbed feet (yes, they have webbed-feet!) made them a prized asset aboard Canadian fishing boats. Breeds with these paw shapes were frequently specifically bred to work in the water, whether to retrieve downed birds, seize fishing nets, or locate otters in nearby streams. Evolutionary scientists view these feet as. All dogs have webbed feet (sort of) We tend to think of webbed feet as a trait. Vets do not usually refer to dogs’ feet as webbed unless it is the result of a developmental issue, something called syndactyly. The webbing also helps when the dog is walking through soft or boggy fields as the skin between the toes stops the feet from sinking too much – much like a set of snowshoes!This dog gets its name from its distinguishing feature: a ring of pigmentation surrounding its square-shaped muzzle. Your American bully may have some connective tissue between his toes. Synonyms for web-footed in Free Thesaurus. Otterhound. Newkirk's Let's Have a Dog Party! you'll. com. And the webbing is there to provide stability for walking and extra help for swimming. The webbing helps dogs swim, so it is more common in breeds that were originally bred for water work, such as the Golden Retriever. 2. Dogs with webbed feet were initially developed to aid. By this point in the list it’s probably clear that if a dog has ‘retriever’ in its name then it has webbed feet. (42) Whatsoever goeth upon the belly. 3. Webbed paws help dogs swim more efficiently, but they’re also useful for digging and walking on soft or muddy surfaces. Labrador Retriever. B) the outcome of a trade-off: Webbed feet perform poorly on land, but are very helpful in diving for food. It’s part of how paws are composed, just like your fingers have a bit of skin between them. " The short answer is no. Possessing webbed toes, do all Labs? All Labrador Retrievers do have webbed feet, as do many other dog breeds, but Labs typically have larger paws and a significant amount of webbing within those paws, which works to their advantage on land and in the water. Two Portuguese Water Dogs. In 2016, CJ, a three-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer, won the Best in Show award at the 140th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Chesapeake Bay Retriever. A dog with webbed feet is either a dog bred to swim, like an Otterhound, or a dog with genes passed down from a dog with webbed feet. Dog Boarding. All dogs start life with webbed feet, but most. Shop. This trait is a genetic mutation, meaning it is dominant and can be passed down from parents to their offspring. Webbed paws help dogs swim more efficiently, but they’re also useful for digging and walking on soft or muddy surfaces. Whippets, Greyhounds, and Borzoi are some of the dog breeds that have hare feet. Dog paws come in three basic shapes — cat, hare, and webbed — each suited and specialized to particular tasks and terrain. That excess skin is primarily used as a tool for digging, swimming, and running and doesn’t pose very many drawbacks to most Dalmatians. dot. Webbed feet. Non-webbed feet do not have the skin connecting the toes, making them less adept at swimming and running on soft or sandy surfaces. Breed Overview. A gun dog is one that has been bred to enter the water to retrieve dead waterfowl that have been hunted by its human master. All dogs start life with. Here are some of them: 1. While the original ancestors of the Labrador breed already had webbed paws, human breeders purposefully bred these dogs for the webbing between their fingers. Parasites – parasites such as fleas, mites and ticks prefer the softer and furless areas of a dogs body. They have long toes that allow them to tear through the water. Breeding from webbed-footed dogs was no longer permitted and web-footed puppies were culled. Webbed feet are observed in five clades of modern birds: (1) order Anseriformes including palmate-footed ducks and geese and semipalmate-footed magpie geese 1,4,5; (2) order Gruiformes including. Portuguese Water Dog. This makes them better swimmers! Dogs, however, don’t have overdeveloped webbed feet! This is because they’re terrestrial animals – they have evolved to be quick on the ground. This means that web-footed pups are also prized by hunters and those looking for the perfect search and rescue dogs for all terrains. Dog breeds with hare feet include the Borzoi, Greyhound, and Whippet. While there is a fair amount of genetic variability within the breed, webbed feet are an adaptation that is breed-wide. The barbet’s waterproof coat and webbed feet prepare it for long swim sessions. Look no further than dogs with webbed feet! Discover which breeds possess this unique physical feature and learn how it can enhance their natural abilities in the water and on land. The smallest of the AKC’s retrievers, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is intelligent, affectionate, and eager to please. Exploring the Breeds: 18 Dogs with Webbed Feet. Dogs walk on their toes, and their anatomy has adapted over time to their environment to go along with whatever job they were bred to do. Here are 10 of the breeds of dog that have webbed feet. The webbed foot is a specialized limb in which the toes are linked to each other with the help of connective tissue. ”These dogs were also bred to be retrievers of waterfowl. The Catahoula Leopard Dog has webbed feet. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Fifteen black-footed ferrets are being released into prairie dog colonies on the Fort Belknap Reservation in September 2015. The English springer spaniel is a sturdy and handsome medium-sized sporting dog breed from England with a medium-length coat in a variety of colors. It’s easy to guess that dogs like the Newfoundland and Portuguese water dog have webbed feet—the extra skin between their toes makes them better suited for swimming. Puppies that have larger paws typically indicate that they will be taller and weigh more as an adult. Some can swim incredibly well due to their webbed feet. In some breeds, this webbing is more pronounced and serves specific purposes, while. The digital pads and metacarpal pad help to protect the joints and bone of the paw by acting as shock absorbers. The head of the bird is a pale cinnamon-brown with dense white streaks. He can still swim safely without 100% webbed feet. Labrador Retriever paws are webbed, which helped their original ancestors swim to retrieve game for their fishermen owners. Some dogs only have webs on a few toes per foot, and some only. This distinctive trait, featuring webbing between their toes, is particularly prominent in breeds like the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, originally bred for hunting and assisting fishermen. Casual dog owners tend to think that webbed feet are a trait unique to certain breeds, but better educated dog folks know that most dogs. Great Danes are not water dogs, but partial webbing could. Webbed feet help these dogs swim faster and better control their movement while in water. Blue Heelers have no history of being bred to swim even though they are often excellent swimmers. The world's most popular dog, the Labrador Retriever was originally used to retriever (hence the name) fish, fishing nets and even fishermen from the ice cold sea. While it’s true that some dog breeds do have webbed feet, not all dogs share this trait. They have stunning colors that can vary from white to yellow and black. The best-known representatives are Newfoundlands and Labrador Retrievers. Basically, dogs that are known water dogs have webbed feet to help them swim. 16+. Webbed feet on a dog also helps them run on a muddy area, paddle farther distances, and not slip on slick areas. Their toenails provide traction and help them dig.