Why These Types of Dog Breeds Have Webbed Feet

Some dogs were merely made to enjoy the water. Not just is a desire to swim instilled in their DNA, however their bodies are developed to help them do so. One of the distinct qualities that some water dogs have are webbed feet, and this can be discovered in numerous other water-loving animals also.

So what are webbed feet, and why do dogs have them? In this article we will not only answer these questions, but we will introduce you to 9 impressive dog breeds with webbed feet! Let’s get started!

What Are Webbed Feet In Dogs?

Before we discuss the dog breeds with webbed feet, we should first introduce you to the details of this distinct characteristic! The term ‘webbed feet’ refers to those with a thick piece of skin that connects each of the toes. This webbing will range from covering the entire base of the foot to just extending the toes slightly, and this is often based on how much time the animals spends in the water. Some of the most well-known animals with webbed feet include ducks, frogs, otters, beavers, and flamingos.

Why Do Some Dogs Have Webbed Feet?

All dogs have a small amount of webbing between their toes, but some dogs have webbed feet that help them perform certain tasks. While numerous believe webbed feet are only meant to improve a dog’s swimming abilities, there are actually multiple benefits to having webbed paws!

The benefits of webbed feet in dogs include:

• Improved swimming abilities
• Help with digging and hunting underground prey
• Better traction in swampy areas
• Improved balance in the mud

Due to the assistance that webbed feet offer, many dogs with webbed feet were originally bred for hunting purposes. Now that you understand the benefits of webbed feet in dogs, we can introduce you to the most well-known dog breeds with webbed feet!

9 Types Of Dog Breeds With Webbed Feet

Let’s discuss nine of our favorite dog breeds with webbed feet, along with the details of how these breeds originated. By the end of this short article, you will know all there is to know about some of the best water dogs with webbed feet!

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most well-known dog breeds out there. Not just are they known for their friendly nature and goofy personality, however they are also one of the most loyal pups out there. This is why the Labrador Retriever is not only one of the most treasured family dogs, but they are commonly trained for service. Labrador Retrievers are often seen in positions involving search and rescue, guiding, drug detection, and so much more.

The Labrador Retriever was originally bred to be a fishing dog, as well as a retriever gun dog. This means that some of the first Labs were charging through the water to catch fish and hunted birds, and their webbed feet helped them perform these tasks with ease! Though most Labrador Retrievers spend their days with their family instead of hunting, their ingrained love of the water stands true! If you have a Labrador Retriever in your home, you may have a hard time keeping them away from the water.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever bares a striking resemblance to the Labrador Retriever, but their curly coat is what ultimately sets them apart. Aside from having a similar appearance and work ethic, they also have a desire to be near the water. However, if you thought the Labrador Retriever was a water lover, then the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a die hard water fanatic!

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has long been known for their duck hunting skills, and their reputation for being great water dogs begun in the 1800’s. Though many factors play a role in the Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s agility, their webbed feet helps them get the job done! Whether they are swimming through a lake to retrieve a duck or swimming alongside their owners in a pool, this dog is happy!

Newfoundland

The Newfoundland was made for the water! Not only do they have webbed feet that help them move skillfully in the water, but they also have water wicking coats! These qualities have likely been a result of adapting over time to the needs of their craft, as they were original bred to accompany fishermen in Canada. The Newfoundland would help their humans fetch fish in the water when needed, and they would even help fishermen pull their fishing nets back on to their boat.

This outstanding water dog may have been bred for work, but they are known for being wonderful companions as well! These dogs love to be a part of a family, and they are even great for families with small children, as long as they understand basic dog respect. The Newfoundland is the definition of a well rounded pup!

American Water Spaniel

You know a dog is made for the water when it is a part of their name! Similar to the Newfoundland dog breed we discussed above, every inch of the American Water Spaniel was designed to thrive in the water. Not only do they have thick webbed feet that help them glide through the water, but their water wicking coats help them dry off quickly! They also have slim and athletics frames, so nothing slows them down in the water.

Like many of the other dogs on this list, the American Water Spaniel was originally bred for work. They are believed to have been bred for bird hunting and assisting fishermen, but they can be wonderful family dogs as well. Just be sure to factor in at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, as this pup requires plenty of daily stimulation. The American Water Spaniel is an active pup that could complete any family.

Poodle

This often surprises Poodle parents, but they were originally bred to retrieve waterfowl. The standard Poodle is meant to be agile and skilled in the water, and this is partly due to their webbed feet. Their sleek frame also helps them move quickly in the water, making them the perfect hunting companion for those swampy hunts. They may not have an oily or water resistant coat, but their soft curls are known to dry quickly!

Poodles come in many shapes and sizes, but they all have the unique webbed toes. The average toy Poodle may love their pampered life in the city, but you’d be surprised to see how happy they are in nature as well!

Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog was originally bred for herding, but not the standard herding of livestock that we often see. The Portuguese Water Dog was known for their ability to herd schools of fish into their fisherman’s nets, allowing them to scoop up fish in record time. Their webbed feet helped them swim skillfully through the water when needed, as well as find traction on the slippery floor of these bodies of water.

Most fisherman have moved away from this method of gathering fish, but the Portuguese Water Dog is still a popular breed around the world. They are both intelligent and dedicated, making them an incredibly loyal companion for any family! The Portuguese Water Dog could be the perfect addition to any family.

German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer is one of the most well-known gun dogs out there! A well-rounded gun dog has to be ready to seek out their owner’s hunt in all terrains, and this includes the water. Their webbed feet helps them navigate muddy land, run through an open marsh, and even swim through bodies of water. No matter where the bird lands, the German Shorthaired Pointer can retrieve it.

They may be made for hunting and retrieving, but they make wonderful companions as well. As long as they live in an active home that gives them plenty of daily exercise, they love nothing more than to be loved by a family!

Dachshund

Dachshunds may be small, but they sure are mighty! These dogs were originally bred to hunt small animals and vermin, and this meant they had to be skilled at digging. Many of these critters lived within underground tunnels and dens, so the Dachshund would dive into the ground and seek them out! Though webbed feet are most helpful for swimming, they also assist in digging through the soil.

Dachshunds may not be used much for hunting anymore, but they are still one of the most popular dog types around the world. Not only are these canine friends adorable, but they are loyal and loving to their family. There are many proud Dachshund parents out there!

Otterhound

The Otterhound is a well known dog breed around the United Kingdom. They were originally bred to hunt otters in England, so they once needed webbed feet to chase their hunt through the water. Hunting otters is now illegal in the country of England, but these pups are used to hunt other species to this day. The Otterhound is also considered a skilled scent dog, so their skills come in handy for tracking many species.

The Otterhound may be a skilled hunter, but they happen to be absolutely adorable as well. Many dog lovers in the UK are proud Otterhound owners, and they make wonderful additions to any family. These pups are loyal, friendly, and downright goofy.

Final Thoughts

While all dogs have a thin webbing between their toes, the types we discussed above have impressive webbed feet. Their paws have helped them complete important tasks for hundreds of years, and they still serve as a skillful tool to this day. Dogs with webbed feet are some of the best hunting dogs around.

Be sure to review the information we discussed above, especially if you are looking to bring a hunting dog into your home. We have no doubt that one of the above pups will assist you in your outdoor adventures to come!

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