Which Dogs Have Webbed Feet (and Why It Matters) • Dog Fact Files

Yes, dogs can have webbed feet — and in some breeds, it’s not a quirk, it’s a feature.

🐾 What are webbed feet, exactly?

Webbed feet in dogs aren’t like a duck’s flipper, but they do have extra skin between their toes. It’s similar to the way our hands are webbed before birth — and in some dogs, those webs stay more pronounced.

That added surface area helps them:

Swim more efficiently
Navigate mud, snow, or sand
Dig more effectively

🐶 Breeds that commonly have webbed feet

Here are a few breeds where webbing is a known trait:

Labrador Retrievers – Originally bred to retrieve waterfowl
Newfoundlands – Massive, natural swimmers and rescue dogs

🛟 Fun fact: Newfies are so good in water they’re often called natural lifeguards. Their webbed feet, strong build, and instinct to rescue make them legendary water dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs – Ocean-savvy and agile
Otterhounds – Bred for tracking in wetlands and streams
Weimaraners – Hunting dogs with serious stride
German Shorthaired Pointers – Built for speed, water, and retrieval
Dachshunds – Yep, they use those paws to dig tunnels, not just snuggle

🌊 Why it matters

Webbed feet aren’t just about swimming. They also:

Help with traction in mud or snow
Aid in search and rescue terrain navigation
Make dogs stronger diggers, especially in breeds bred for burrowing or flushing prey

🧠 Should I worry if my dog has webbed feet?

Nope — in fact, it’s probably part of their breed’s natural design. Some mixed breeds may have webbed feet too, depending on genetics. It’s not a health issue unless there’s injury or inflammation between the toes.

If your dog loves water, take a look at their paws — it may explain a lot.

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