Do Poodles Have Webbed Feet?

Do Poodles Have Webbed Feet?

We are such a huge fan poodles and think they are the perfect dog breeds for dog lovers who just doesn’t have enough space for keeping large dogs. The fact that poodles are cute, smart and friendly makes them a great family dog to have in your possession.

So, do poodles have webbed feet? It is pretty much safe to say that poodles does have webbed feet and most dogs with webbed feet are considered to be good swimmers. Base on history, poodles were actually bred to be swimmer retrievers. Their webbed feet is what helps them to paddle and their thick coat is extremely easy to shake off once they are out of the water.

Dog Breeds With Webbed Feet

Here s a list of dog breeds with webbed feet. Once again, one clarification: webbing in this case refers to the more extensive connective tissue seen in several dog breeds selectively bred to work in water. The webbing, therefore, extends more toward the end of the toes.

While all dogs have a touch of webbing between their toes, these breeds have been specifically bred to work in water and therefore nature has allowed this trait to enhance.

Ideally, feet for swimming should be large and with excess skin between the toes. These features allow a greater area for pushing against the water, while also helping dogs walk through the tidewater mudflats, point out Edward M Gilbert Jr., and Thelma R Brown in the book: K-9 Structure & Terminology.

Dachshund

Dachshund
Dachshund
  • The sweet little sausage dogs we’ve all grown to know and love were originally bred for hunting!
  • Their famously long, slender bodies enable them to get into tight spaces to find mammals such as badgers and rats.
  • This is the first dog we’ve featured on our list that has webbed feet, not for the purpose of swimming, but to make their paws into strong, shovel-like tools for digging!
  • While the dachshund is not averse to swimming, they are not likely to want to do anything long distance. It is important however, to make sure a dachshund gets good exercise to maintain the muscles supporting their long, delicate spines.
  • Dachshunds come in several types, with variations based on size and coat (the smooth-coated are definitely the easiest to groom).
  • It’s also vital to watch your dachshund’s body weight — they don’t need any further pressure on their bones!
  • Dachshunds are wonderfully affectionate and respond well to praise, but can be stubborn to train. As mentioned, they were bred to stay focused on their hunting mission — so in your home, it might be difficult to get their full attention!
  • Just note that dachshunds are sensitive souls and will not respond well to punishment-based training. Stick to force-free, positive reinforcement training for these guys!

German Short-Haired Pointer

German Short-Haired Pointer
German Short-Haired Pointer
  • Like their wire-haired counterparts, these dogs are streamlined and powerful hunters. Their paws are distinctly small in size and ‘scoop-like’, allowing them to paddle through the water with ease.
  • German short-haired pointers are pretty affectionate doggos, who bond quickly with their families. However, given their high energy levels, they’ll be happiest with active humans, who like to go on long walks and frequent adventures with the pooch.
  • German short-haired pointers are all-around hunting dogs, who were bred to perform a variety of different gun dog roles. And while they are comfortable working upland habitats, forests, and fields, their webbed feet allow them to paddle like pros.

German Wire-Haired Pointer

German Wire-Haired Pointer
German Wire-Haired Pointer
  • Selective breeding gave the German wire-haired pointer a nifty weatherproof coat (it insulates them in the winter and cools them in the summer), an excellent sense of smell and — you guessed it — webbed feet.
  • You’ll recognize these lovely dogs from their characteristic beards (just check out the handsome fella pictured above) and dabbled fur coats. Their coats are actually quite easy to care for and require little to no maintenance.
  • Known as a gun dog breed, the German wire-haired pointer is high energy, responsive and smart.
  • It’s worth getting your German wire-haired pointer involved in an activity such as canicross, rally, agility, tracking, or hunting in order to provide them with adequate exercise for both brain and body! It’s also a great hobby for humans too.

American Water Spaniel

What type of dog has webbed feet?
What type of dog has webbed feet?
  • There’s a clue that these pups are dogs that have webbed feet right in their name!
  • American water spaniels are totally at ease in water. They’ve got an oily outer coat to repel water and thickly padded, webbed feet. They also have nimble frames, which allow them to get in and out of the water without issue.
  • American water spaniels were bred to work, and if not working, they will require a lot of mental and physical stimulation in the form of swimming, training, playing and vigorous walking or running. Without that, they can become very vocal and destructive.
  • This breed is especially owner-orientated so while they are quick to learn and train, you may find your American water spaniel disinterested in house guests or neighbours.
Edward Hollon is an avid dog lover and writer, knowing all there is to know about our furry friends. Edward has been writing for petdii for three years now, wanting to use her knowledge for good and share everything she can with new dog owners. Edward has two dogs herself - a German shepherd called Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons. Edward knows more than anyone how adjusting to new life with a puppy can turn your life upside down, and she wants to ease some of the burdens through her articles.