9 Dogs with Webbed Feet (& What They Were Bred for)
Many dogs are far removed from their days as wild pack animals, but their most impressive traits still live on. Excellent low-light vision, sharp hearing skills, and a keen sense of smell are among their best-known inherited survival skills. However, many canines have a less obvious super feature hiding under their fur: webbed feet.
Dogs with webbed feet tend to be great swimmers and do well in a variety of wet conditions. But do all dogs have webbed feet? Do webbed feet need special care? We’ve answered these questions and compiled some of the most interesting Cadets with this unique trait!
Do All Dogs Have Webbed Feet?
While all dogs have some webbing between their toes, certain breeds’ paws have extra skin that allows them to excel in water and on swampy terrain. Dogs that were bred to hunt waterfowl, assist sailors, or work in wet environments often have this special feature.
What Dogs Have Webbed Feet?
Let’s explore some of the most interesting dogs with webbed feet and why they have these specially adapted body parts!
#1: Poodle
You might associate Poodles with family living or nobility, but these athletic furry friends were originally bred for something far more rugged: retrieving waterfowl. Dating back to the 15th century, their webbed feet helped them catch ducks and other aquatic birds for hunters.
Those iconic haircuts you might see at a dog show can be traced back to the breed’s duck-retrieving days. Hunters shaved Poodles in a way that promoted fast swimming yet protected their chest and hips from cold water. While you’re far more likely to find a Poodle cuddling on the couch than chasing down water animals these days, they’ve maintained their excellent swimming prowess throughout the centuries!
#2: Newfoundland
Believed to be first bred on the Canadian island of Newfoundland, these gentle giants have long been associated with fishermen. Newfies earned their sea legs working aboard ships in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic, relying on their webbed feet and thick coat to perform a variety of nautical tasks.
Newfies are such strong swimmers, they have frequently been employed to rescue sailors who have fallen overboard. In fact, it’s reported that one of these pooches even saved Napoleon Bonaparte from drowning in 1815, according to Psychology Today! If you have a Newfie, safely taking your dog on a boat can be a fun way to put them in touch with their seafaring heritage.
#3: Dachshund
Not all dogs with webbed feet are famous for their swimming abilities! Originally bred to chase small tunneling animals like badgers and wild boars, Dachshunds primarily use their webbed feet for digging. Their webbing helps cut into and grip the soil, making these dogs accomplished hunting companions.
Although Doxies can swim, they don’t possess the same elite water skills as other breeds on this list. Their short legs are not adapted for long-distance swimming, so it’s best to keep trips to the pool or lake brief.
#4: Portuguese Water Dog
These intelligent and athletic dogs have been furry first mates for hundreds of years! Portuguese Water Dogs have assisted sailors with everything from fishing and retrieving tackle to delivering messages between boats and conducting water rescues. Webbed feet and a curly, waterproof coat make PWDs some of the most talented swimmers in the canine community.
Water sports aren’t the only activities these dogs enjoy. PWDs need lots of exercise and excel as dogs for runners and at sports like agility & tracking. Plus, they are eager to please and get along well with young children.
#5: Chesapeake Bay Retriever
First developed along the Chesapeake Bay in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S., Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have long been prized for their hunting and tracking skills. Their webbed feet and thick coat helped them catch game in these chilly waters, and they remain skilled swimmers.
Chessies have all the quintessential qualities of a retriever: affection, loyalty, energy, and intelligence (to name a few). They need a great deal of physical and mental stimulation, and water games such as fetch and dock diving will help keep them feeling their best.
🐕 Related: 10 Amazing Dog-Friendly Lakes in the U.S.
#6: American Water Spaniel
Another U.S. native that’s well adapted to cold waters, American Water Spaniels hail from the Great Lakes region. They were first bred as hunting dogs, using their webbed feet to retrieve game from lakes and wet, marshy shores. This breed is so acclaimed for their importance to the region, they were recognized as the official state dog of Wisconsin in 1985, according to Wisconsin.gov!
As natural-born athletes, the AWS can become bored and destructive when they don’t receive enough exercise. It’s important to keep them occupied with activities like fetch or swimming. If you prefer land activities, they’re even a great breed to take biking with you!
#7: German Wirehaired Pointer
The German Wirehaired Pointer’s webbed feet can master just about any terrain. Historically an all-purpose hunting dog, these furry friends have experience working in water, forests, fields, and beyond. They have an especially strong sense of smell, which helped them locate and point out prey to their human hunting companions.
Today, GWPs remain great companions for all types of adventures like camping or hiking with dogs. They need plenty of room to roam and will appreciate a pet parent who’s passionate about spending time outdoors.
#8: Redbone Coonhound
They might not be the most well-known breed, but Redbone Coonhounds are expert hunters and swimmers! They are one of six hunting hounds that American settlers depended on for securing racoon meat and fur during the nation’s expansion south and west, according to the American Kennel Club. The webbing between their toes was initially intended to help them traverse swamps and marshes without getting stuck in the rough terrain.
While Redbone Coonhounds will happily accompany their pet parents just about anywhere, they have a strong prey drive and may chase a variety of animals you come across. It’s best to keep these Cadets on a leash when in nature and supervise them whenever they’re outside.
#9: Otterhound
As you might have guessed, the Otterhound was originally bred for hunting otters. While this practice has since been outlawed in many parts of the world, Otterhounds remain exceptional swimmers and can stay in the water for hours without tiring. A shaggy waterproof coat complements their swimming skills, keeping them warm while they paddle.
Otterhounds aren’t commonly found in the U.S., but they are as loyal and affectionate as any other dog. They have a reputation for barking loud and often, but teaching the “quiet” command can help control this habit. Keep some delicious dog treats on hand to motivate them during training!
Do All Dogs with Webbed Feet Like to Swim?
It’s natural to think dogs born with this feature would inherently love getting their paws wet, but that’s not always the case. Every furry friend has their own personality, and even the best potential swimmers might not enjoy—or may even be afraid of—water. If your dog has never swam before, it’s important to gently acclimate them to the water.
How to Care for Webbed Feet
Special paws have special care requirements! Follow these tips to keep your furry friend’s toes clean and healthy.
Dry their paws: Webbing traps moisture between the paws, leaving them damp and more prone to bacteria and fungus. Always dry your dog’s paws after swimming or walking on wet ground.
Check for debris: Likewise, webbed feet can attract dirt, sand, and mud more easily than feet with minimal webbing. Thoroughly clean between your dog’s toes when they come in from outside and consider dog booties to protect their feet when heading into nature.
Trim their nails: Long nails can irritate the webbing between the toes. Trim your dog’s nails frequently to avoid potential pain.
Redness, swelling, or discomfort between your dog’s toes may indicate an infection. Consult your veterinarian for advice if you notice any of these signs.
These Aren’t the Only Dogs That Can Swim!
These furry friends may be specially adapted for spending time in wet areas, but that doesn’t leave swimming off limits for other dogs. With proper training and patience, many Cadets can safely enjoy splashing around at the beach, in the pool, or by the lake.
Now that you know what dogs have webbed feet, let’s check out some other pups with unique skills. Explore the best hiking dogs of all sizes!
