Dogs with webbed feet have extra skin in-between their toes. These breeds were purposely bred to have this webbing in order to help them perform various jobs, (often in and around the water). The increased surface area that the webbing provides can help them to do things like swim more efficiently and with less effort, provide extra grip on rocky and slippery terrain, and prevent them from sinking into snow or mud. The following are some of the best dog breeds with webbed feet and what you’ll want to know about them.
Labrador Retriever
Anyone who owns a Labrador Retriever knows they are true water lovers. And that’s because as their name suggests they were created to retrieve. Originally they functioned to retrieve fisherman’s nets and fish and then later on and still, today are used for retrieving waterfowl.
Not only does the Labrador have webbed feet it also has a special double coat that helps to repel water. This friendly and easily trainable breed makes a fine companion or hunting partner as well as a fabulous family dog.
Newfoundland
Like many other dog breeds that have webbed feet, this physical characteristic helps the Newfoundland in the water. The Newfoundland’s paws are gigantic which also gives them a huge surface area helping this strong breed to propel itself highly efficiently.
Add in the fact that the Newfie has powerful lungs which help give it fantastic endurance, and a thick oily coat that keeps it warm in frigid water, and it’s no wonder that this gentle giant is considered to be one of the top water rescue breeds on the planet.
Redbone Coonhound
Redbone Coonhounds are one of the most popular and also attractive coonhound breeds with their glossy red coat, for which they got their name. While traditionally it specializes in tracking and treeing raccoons it is also used for a variety of other game as well. The Redbone Coonhound’s webbed feet allow it to track game animals in the muddy swamps of the Southern United States where it was developed.
Otterhound
A big dog with webbed feet, the Otterhound, is without a doubt a unique canine. Because it was developed to hunt the European otter on both land and water, it has a handful of traits that make him perfect for the task.
This includes a highly sensitive nose, rough water-resistant double coat, webbed paws, and a loud deep voice that can alert the hunters to its location from long distances. Although rare, this energetic and clownish breed is considered an excellent family dog that’s great with kids.
Dachshund
The Dachshund is one of the small dog breeds with webbed feet. And unlike most of the other dogs listed here, they actually aren’t good swimmers. Their long bodies and short legs aren’t built for the water.
Instead, the Dachshund’s webbed feet and sausage-shaped body are traits that helped them to dig out and catch animals in narrow underground burrows such as badgers which was their original purpose.
Weimaraner
This is a breed known for its attractive gray coat, striking eye color, and all-around hunting skills. In addition to pointing and tracking this gun dog can be used to retrieve game as well.
This breed’s webbed paws allow it to work in the water as well as wet and muddy conditions. Because of their hunting background, these dogs do have a lot of energy and will need to be provided with an outlet for it.
Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a truly American breed and is the official state dog of Louisiana where it originated. The Catahoula’s webbed feet help it to hunt wild boar and other game in the formidable southern swamps.
The breed has a unique history as it is believed to have been created through crossing red wolves, Native American dogs, and dogs brought over by the Spanish conquistadors.
Akita
This is a Japanese breed from the snowy mountainous prefecture of Akita (for which it is named). Different from many other web-footed dog breeds, the Akita’s webbing helps the dog to distribute its weight evenly and efficiently when walking on snow.
The Akita’s dewclaws (typically considered useless for most breeds) also traditionally helped this canine in wintery conditions as well. They served as natural ice picks that provided additional grip when the dog needed to pull itself out of the icy water and onto the frozen ground.
Poodle
Today the Poodle almost exclusively functions as a companion. However, this German breed is actually a water dog, a type of dog that was created to both flush and retrieve game from the water for wildfowl hunters. And that’s exactly why it has webbed paws! Not only are Poodles excellent swimmers but they are incredibly athletic and intelligent as well.
Vizsla
This is a hunting dog with webbed feet, therefore allowing it to work in all types of terrain including water. It is a lean and muscular canine with a distinguished appearance, even temperament, and an excellent nose. This medium-sized Hungarian breed also makes a first-class companion that is devoted and in-tune with its master.
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