


Chessies are powerful swimmers, with a thick double coat that’s waterproof and insulating, and strong muscles to keep them moving. They descended from other web-footed breeds, including Newfoundlands, and are tireless retrievers. “Chessies,” as fans call them, originated on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, an estuary surrounded by Maryland and Virginia.

Their primary talent is right there in the name: these water dogs are built to swim. Nowadays, Newfies are primarily known for being excellent family dogs. They’re also super-strong, so back in the day, they could haul grown men to safety in the ocean. They’re great swimmers in part thanks to their big, webbed feet that help them propel in water. NewfoundlandĪ giant, sweet-tempered working dog, the Newfoundland started out as working dogs on Canadian fishing vessels, where they specialized in water rescues. Here’s a list of many of the dog breeds with webbed feet. But rare dog breeds have webbed feet, too. Some of the most popular dog breeds in America have webbed feet, including Labrador retrievers. But not every dog with webbed feet uses them for swimming! 8 dogs with webbed feet In general, these breeds are water dogs, and webbing helps them swim. And the webbing is there to provide stability for walking and extra help for swimming.Īlthough most dogs have webbing between their toes, specific breeds have “webbed feet” that help them do specific things common to their breed. Their toenails provide traction and help them dig. The pads on the bottom of their feet protect them and provide grip as they walk.
#Webbed feet dogs skin#
It’s part of how paws are composed, just like your fingers have a bit of skin between them.ĭog paws have evolved so there’s a purpose to every part. We tend to think of webbed feet as a trait unique to certain breeds, but actually, most dogs have webbing between their toes.

Read on to learn which dogs have webbed feet, and how those feet help them do what they were originally bred for. You are reading: Webbed feet in dogs | Webbed feet in dogs
