It doesn't take many trips to a dog park or beach to figure out out which dog breed is ranked most popular in North America today. This coat protects the dog from the cold and wet conditions it may encounter while on a field walk. 7. The elongated toes help propel the body forward with quickness and agility, much like the feet of hares or rabbits. Paws are one of the most unique and defining features of animals. Because of their broad shoulders, rough coats, huge webbed feet, and strong frame, these hunting dogs are excellent swimmers. Labrador Retriever. 1A ). 6 Weimaraners. webbed meaning: 1. Do All Dogs Have Webbed Feet? 8 Breeds That Do (With Pictures) By Brooke Bundy Last updated: Jun 23 2023 When you think about animals with webbed. Fun Facts About the Bernese Mountain Dog. Vets do not usually refer to dogs’ feet as webbed unless it is the result of a developmental issue, something called syndactyly. Black-footed ferrets are just one of about 400 species found on the prairie. For breeds that need to navigate difficult terrain, the webbing can increase the sturdiness. Blue Heelers have no history of being bred to swim even though they are often excellent swimmers. A ringtail is full and arches over the back of the dog. While there is a fair amount of genetic variability within the breed, webbed feet are an adaptation that is breed-wide. Other skeletal problems also occur together with webbed feet and a combination of webbed feet and cleft palate has been encountered with sufficient frequency to be linked. While it’s true that some dog breeds do have webbed feet, not all dogs share this trait. 3. This makes them better swimmers! Dogs, however, don’t have overdeveloped webbed feet! This is because they’re terrestrial animals – they have evolved to be quick on the ground. However, some uncommon dog breeds also have webbed feet. No, German Shepherds don’t have true webbed feet by the breed standard. All dogs have webbed feet (sort of) Dog paws have evolved so there’s a purpose to every part. While not all breeds possess this feature, certain clues can help determine if your furry companion has webbed feet. Dogs With Webbed Feet – Gift or Curse? When two or more toes fuse together, this condition is called syndactyly or what is more commonly known as webbed feet. ”. Read more:Webbed feet in dogs serve a specific purpose: to enhance their swimming abilities. 17 Dog Breeds with Webbed Feet. Dog paws have evolved so there’s a purpose to every part. Webbed feet can lead to several health problems. Non-webbed feet can also be easier to care for, as there is no extra skin to. Some of these breeds are more commonly seen these days lounging around the house, but that doesn’t take away from their natural skills. (of an animal) having feet with skin…. Newfoundland. The world's most popular dog, the Labrador Retriever was originally used to retriever (hence the name) fish, fishing nets and even fishermen from the ice cold sea. The Blue-footed Booby Bird is a comical-looking tropical seabird with bright blue webbed feet and bluish facial skin. 9176 posts · Joined 2010. Webbed feet can be morphologically classified into four types: palmate, semipalmate, totipalmate, and lobate. We humans also have that, although our skin is much shorter compared to other mammals. Here's a closer look at 10 dogs with webbed feet. The truth is that dogs with webbed feet are prone to developing instability of their joints. more pronounced webbing than other dogs. Webbed paws help dogs swim more efficiently, but they’re also useful for digging and walking on soft or muddy surfaces. I would have no amount of stress training this breed of dog. The digital pads and metacarpal pad help to protect the joints and bone of the paw by acting as shock absorbers. Without webbed paws, the Bernese mountain dogs’ running speed may decrease. Webbed paws help dogs swim faster and with more power, as well as navigate difficult terrain more effectively. Known for its big and expressive saucer eyes, long. On a scale of one to five, the Beagle is a three when it comes to its webbing membrane. They were originally bred to hunt otters in England, hence their name. Indeed, according to research conducted by Christine Zink in 2020, cat feet are seen in dogs selectively bred to move effortlessly over rocky or. And dogs, both puppies and adult dogs with webbed feet are linked to breeds such as the Newfoundland who loves water. 1. Akin has trained more than 3,800 dogs leading his training program to evolve into one of the most accomplished hunt test programs in the country. The breed is said to be especially owner-orientated and quick to learn and train. However, GSDs do have an area of skin between the toes that connects the paw together, which is web-like. Webbed footed dogs are those built for swimming, but they are similarily proficient on land and especially boggy or slippery. Although most of the 900 million dogs that live on our planet have webbed feet, not all of them do. 8)Labrador Retriever. In this blog post, we’ll take a look. By helping ferrets, we save other prairie species too which, in turn, benefits the whole ecosystem. Even though the Bernese Mountain Dog does not have webbed feet, these dogs were built with purpose. In 2016, CJ, a three-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer, won the Best in Show award at the 140th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The English springer spaniel is a sturdy and handsome medium-sized sporting dog breed from England with a medium-length coat in a variety of colors. THe UK's most popular dog breed, the Labrador Retriever was bred to collect shot wildfowl that often landed in the water, so being a good swimmer was crucial. With its pointed and elongated large toes, his duty was to hunt foxes and badgers to protect sheep and other livestock. This means that you should plan on a long life with your dog, especially if. Although they’re tough, a lab’s foot webbing might need bandages and disinfectant if they’re cut. com) Do full-blooded Labs have webbed feet? A web-footed wonder is the most well-liked dog breed in America. To determine if your dog has webbed feet, pick up your dog’s paw and spread out his toes. Their thickly padded webbed feet make them an excellent choice for hunters in need of a retriever that doesn’t shy away from water. The head of the bird is a pale cinnamon-brown with dense white streaks. 2 v 1898 Charles Darwin Let's Have a Dog Party! 2007-09-01 Ingrid E Newkirk Dogs don't need a reason to celebrate, and neither should their guardians! With Ingrid E. (those webbed feet come in handy!). Webbed feet were formed over generations in dogs that needed the webbing for swimming or needed it for something else, including traction on rough or slippery terrain. Whatever parts the hoof and is cloven-footed and chews the cud, among the animals, you may eat. Their long bodies and short legs aren’t built for the water. Webbed feet are a characteristic of this breed. They have a waterproof, shaggy coat that gives them a lovable scruffy look. Bones and other soft tissues might also be affected. Cat-footedness is an adaptation for weight bearing and is found in many large working breed dogs. The breed is said to be especially owner-orientated and quick to learn and train. There are three different types of paws: cat feet, webbed feet, and hare feet. Dog breeds with hare feet include the Borzoi, Greyhound, and Whippet. Between the toes of a webbed paw is a thin skin membrane. In this article, we’ll look into the fascinating world of webbed feet in dogs, as well as examine the breeds that have the water. Chances are, you already know of, love, or own a Labrador retriever. Yep Dobes do have webbed feet - helps them swim. 4. Dog paws come in three basic shapes — cat, hare, and webbed — each suited and specialized to particular tasks and terrain. Considering the profound history of the Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) as a fisherman’s aid, he does have broad, webbed feet– a physical characteristic that enables him to paddle through the water in a graceful, effortless manner. Dogs walk with their toes, so having webbed feet can lead to limping and some health conditions. Though web footed, it is strong enough to grasp tightly the perch on which it nests. The Surprising Truth Revealed! Yes, dogs’ feet can be webbed, allowing them to swim more efficiently. This is because this trait is a type of genetic mutation. By this point in the list it’s probably clear that if a dog has ‘retriever’ in its name then it has webbed feet. Poodles are ranked among the best dog breeds with high swimming abilities. All dogs have webbed feet (sort of) Dog paws have evolved so there’s a purpose to every part. Zink has compared cat-footed dogs with the knobby tires of an ATV meant for improving grip on uneven surfaces. Bones and other soft tissues might also be affected. Some dogs only have webs on a few toes per foot, and some only. There are a number of breeds that have webbed paws, including Labs, poodles, dachshunds, and more. A web-footed wonder is America’s most popular dog breed. Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Yes, all poodles have webbed feet. Their past work includes delivering messages from one ship to another,. Spanish Water Dog. Better grip on slippery surfaces: The webbing. However, common breeds with webbed feet include Portuguese water dogs, Bernese mountain dogs, and dachshunds. ©Thipwan/Shutterstock. Also, with increased surface area, dogs make stronger swimming strokes, making them pass the pool easily and quickly. Webbed Feet. Final Thoughts. Drentse Patrijshond. It’s easy to guess that dogs like the Newfoundland and Portuguese water dog have webbed feet—the extra skin between their. These dogs are also known by many other names, including water dogs, swimming dogs, and duck dogs. 6. "". (42) Whatsoever goeth upon the belly. 7. Fifteen black-footed ferrets are being released into prairie dog colonies on the Fort Belknap Reservation in September 2015. Wild cats like tigers and jaguars are not. Skye Terrier. Some can swim incredibly well due to their webbed feet. But some breeds of dogs actually have webbed feet too, and for a few breeds, this is a standard breed trait that is perfectly normal and included within the breed standard. The webbing between their toes does not help with stability. Image Credit: DragoNika, Shutterstock. Poodles: The name Poodle is derived from the German word, Pudelhund, which means “puddle dog. The dachshund’s webbed feet were a desired feature for digging as much as its highly sensitive nose. Otterhound. Newfoundland. 10. Basset Hounds often have feet that turn outward, or what is known as Duck Paws. web-footed dogs: here are 10 breeds of adorable dogs that have webbed feet – from dachshund to labrador retriever The world’s most popular dog, the Labrador Retriever was originally used to retrieve (hence the name) fish, fishing nets and even fishermen from the ice cold sea. Throughout this article, you’ll also. Cat feet are round and compact, and have stronger grip for endurance. Here are 10 of the breeds of dog that have webbed feet. The primary use of webbing on animals’ feet is to help the animal move in the water with more efficiency. 10 Dog Breeds with Webbed Feet. Newkirk's Let's Have a Dog Party! you'll. Multiple Started Dogs. Temperament. However, the level of webbing depends on the dog. 1st pic is a pitbull so its normal . A dog that has hare feet doesn’t mean they are adept at the bunny hop. Labradors began and are still excellent hunting companions. He can still swim safely without 100% webbed feet. ” These dogs are outgoing, kind-hearted, intelligent, highly energetic, and love water. B) The outcome of a trade-off; Webbed feet perform poorly on land, but are very helpful in diving for food. #2 Basset Hound. Hare-footed dogs can be found in many dog breeds, including a pug, Boston terrier, dachshund, and terrier. Due to the mutation in the gene, the shrinkage fails, leading to animals having webbed toes. The PWD likely descends from the original Poodle-type breeds of Europe. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is AKC's 150th breed. Dogs with webbed feet enjoy various advantages. source: The German shorthaired pointer is a popular breed of dog that is known for its webbed feet and water repellent coat. 7. Cleft Palate. Syndactyly is diagnosed at birth, or sometimes even earlier during prenatal ultrasound screenings. Otterhound. Healthy feet are essential for proper. The Curly Coated Retriever does best in active families. 75 to 12 inches (20 to 30. Making dog paw care a regular part of your pup’s care and routine is crucial. Semi-aquatic rodents like nutria, beavers, and moles have webbed feet. Many Basset Hound owners are perplexed by their dog’s feet turning outward and wonder if will cause problems. These furry pups equipped with a curly coat and webbed toes are. They were bred to herd and drove cattle. Their toenails provide traction and help them dig. There are also some examples of breeds that were bred to walk on snow having webbed feet. They are devoted family dogs requiring regular walks and excercise to stay healthy—a good way. Webbed Feet: Just like with ducks, dogs with webbed feet have usually been bred to work in and around water. Blue-Footed Booby. Labrador paws are pretty interesting parts of our Labs! Like many of their other features, Lab paws are perfectly suited to help them in their original working roles. This 19 th -century dog breed from America was developed to help hunters. With a weather-resistant coat and webbed feet, these dogs were developed in Germany by crossbreeding the Pointer, Pudelpointer, Griffon, and Wirehaired Pointing. 5. Labs are known for their sociable, athletic personalities, but they also. . Whether it's a few days or a month, we are here! Home: Services "As the attending veterinarian for Webfoot Kennel, I see the quality of care that the staff of Webfoot Kennel provides to all of the dogs in their care. Akin's personal titles. But rare dog breeds have webbed feet, too. They certainly needed webbed feet to chase their hunt through the water. Other physical characteristics of this breed may vary between dogs. Some common breeds with webbed feet include Retrievers, Setters, and Newfoundlands. The webbing helps in making the dogs more sure-footed and prevents them from getting stuck in mushy areas. Dogs with webbed feet are generally excellent swimmers, as the membrane between their toes enables them to paddle faster and have better control of their movements — much like ducks! Webbed paws can also help dogs dig. These dogs with webbed feet each have interesting personalities and unique talents that have helped them grow in popularity over passing years. Blue footed boobies have webbed feet and are comically clumsy when they walk on land. If your American bully loves the water, don’t worry. The Otterhound is a rare breed which, as the name implies, was bred for the now-outlawed activity of otter hunting. Webbed Feet. Beauty without Vanity, Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, and all the Virtues of Man, without his Vices. 2. The black-footed ferret diet is 90% prairie dog. Webbed feet are an evolutionary trait that enhances swimming efficiency in many animals, and Labradors are no exception. ”. The thin membrane helps the. Great Danes are not water dogs, but partial webbing could have served them. Appearance . This thin tissue or skin beneath a. "The short answer is no. These membranes form a sort of flipper or paddle that moves through the water seamlessly. Three Primary Foot Morphologies of Domestic Dog Tracks: 1) Cat-footed: Many breeds of domestic dog have tracks classed as cat-footed. However, common breeds with webbed feet include Portuguese water dogs, Bernese mountain dogs, and dachshunds. Webbing enables dogs to swim, climb, and dig more easily. Webbed feet can help dogs swim more efficiently since the webbing allows them to paddle faster and be more regulated in the water. Alongside the above breeds, one major dog group to have webbed paws are Arctic breeds, including huskies, malamutes, and Chinook. 10. Here are 10 of the breeds of dog that have webbed feet. Some animals are great runners. The toes most commonly webbed. There are numerous dog breeds that possess the distinctive feature of webbed feet. ©Thipwan/Shutterstock. Whereas, non-webbed dogs have toes separate from each other, providing better grip and stability when walking on land. AmStaffs. This breed is powerful and muscular, designed for hard work. Although several animals (like ducks) have webbed feet as part of their normal anatomy, in humans; it is a birth defect. It’s easy to guess that dogs like the Newfoundland and Portuguese water dog have webbed feet—the extra skin between their toes makes them better suited for swimming. Labrador Retriever. This breed, blessed with a free, balanced, and vigorous gait, is expected to have well-arched feet that are compact and catlike. Look no further than dogs with webbed feet! Discover which breeds possess this unique physical feature and learn how it can enhance their natural abilities in the water and on land. Support. If you’re charmed by this calm and friendly dog, there are a few things you should know before bringing home one of your own. They come in all shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose: to help the animal walk, run, or climb. This is is due to a combination of natural selection and selective breeding. 6. They would help their. Great Danes do have a small degree of webbed feet which is normal to all dogs but not as prominent as dogs classified as having webbed feet. Short answer: How to tell if your dog has webbed feet:Check for skin between their toes. The genetic mutation causing webbed feet has been linked to scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine. 3 Little-Known Facts About the Catahoula Leopard Dog. A common misconception is that a dog’s paws don’t need. People were trying to crossbreed dogs into a breed that would be helpful in hunting and such. Yes, Labrador retriever webbed feet are much better for swimming than is the case with other dogs. And the webbing is there to provide stability for walking and extra help for swimming. Frogs. The fact that some breeds of dogs are born with webbed feet is a genetic mutation. Otterhound. 3)Beauceron. All dogs start life with webbed feet, but most lose the majority of their webbing early in life. Whereas, non-webbed dogs have toes separate from each other, providing better grip and stability when walking on land. The otterhound is a well-known dog breed around the United Kingdom. (27 kilograms) and are 23 to 39 inches (60 to 100 centimeters) long. Yes, all dogs have webbed feet. Selective breeding to enhance this trait has played a part in the development of certain. In fact, many breeds have paws that look very different from those with webbed feet. Other breeds with webbed feet include the Chesapeake Bay retriever, Portuguese water dog, field Spaniel, and German wirehaired pointer. For breeds that work in water, webbing between the toes allows for better propulsion when swimming, allowing them to swim faster and with more power. For example, a Goldendoodle may or may not possess this interesting feature since the Golden has separated toes. Also, the Pyrenees do not possess this quality as a distinctive characteristic. However, it is not necessary for a dog to have. It’s part of how paws are composed, just like your fingers have a bit of skin between them. The webbing helps to increase the surface area, which allows for. It is not known why some breeds have webbed feet while others don’t, but it is believed that the webbing is an adaptation that helped these water. Their toenails provide traction and help them dig. The Flat-Coated Retriever dog breed differs from the Golden Retriever breed because the former has flat fur on its outer body while the latter has a wavy coat. And whatsoever goeth upon all four. Even though webbed feet are not normal in German Shepherds, there are some benefits to having webbed feet. Dogs can develop paw problems, and some pet parents may not notice. Some popular dogs that have webbed feet include: Dachshunds – While you may not associate these pups with being strong swimmers many of them enjoy it. Pit bulls are. The webbed feet give great assistance when paddling through the water. Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Water Birds. Labrador retrievers are so well-known that they don’t need to be introduced, and most Lab owners are aware that their favorite breed is one of the most well-known dogs with webbed paws. Photo: Pixabay/MabelAmber. Today Poodle Hybrids are increasingly common. Weimaraner. Here are 10 of the breeds of dog that have webbed feet. However, it’s interesting to note that all dogs have a form of webbing to a certain degree. The Labraheeler is a hybrid with paws in both hemispheres. spanish water dog. They have a waterproof, shaggy coat that gives them a lovable scruffy look. if he has excessive skin between his toes, similar to a duck’s foot, then he has a webbed paw. However, just because dogs have webbed feet does not mean that they are naturally adept. Portuguese Water Dogs. In general, these breeds are water dogs, and webbing helps them swim. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Blue-footed boobies have webbed feet and are comically clumsy when they walk on land. German Short-Haired Pointers. While the original ancestors of the Labrador breed already had webbed paws, human breeders purposefully bred these dogs for the webbing between their fingers. In some breeds, this webbing is more pronounced and serves specific purposes, while. ” This is a defect where one or more of their digits are too closely fused to one another which can cause instability. boykin spaniel. Dogs walk with their toes, so having webbed feet can lead to limping and some health conditions. Some animals are great runners. However, that’s not the primary use for their webbed appendages. Shoes and balms are some of the best ways to tackle problems on both ends of the thermometer. What breeds of dogs don’t have webbed feet? Numerous puppies with webbed feet have been highlighted, and for good reason. Like all German pointers, GSPs have webbed feet, and are known for going after waterfowl in the water. Owner/Operator of Webb Footed Kennels, Inc. Many dog breeds have webbed-feet, and most are rescue dogs or retriever dogs. Over time, that can lead to more serious issues like severe arthritis. if he has. November 2, 2023. Capybaras. 5 Dachshunds. FREE SHIPPING on orders over $89. And the webbing is there to provide stability for walking and extra help for swimming. This genetic mutation has really come in handy for these dogs and their human companions over time. The webbing also gives the dog greater stability when walking on water or on muddy areas. In conclusion, the evolution of webbed feet in dogs is a testament to the incredible adaptability and versatility of our four-legged companions. This breed has a smooth gait that gives the impression of effortless power. If you take your hand, pick up your dog’s paw, and spread its toes apart, you will be able to. Others like Dachshunds and Cocker Spaniels may have webbing between their toes that disappears as they age. Stealing hearts in three, two, one. Dogs may have both webbed and hare feet, for instance. We think the likely answer to this clue is AVOCET. They have large webbed paws that help them swim long distances. The most popular of all breeds, this barker is known to be. Why does my dog have rabbit feet? It is formed for speed and quick movement out of a resting position, like the feet of hares or rabbits. Bernese mountain dogs’ paws should be webbed since the webbed paws enrich them with extra flexibility, balance, and swimming capabilities. The web-like feet in the dogs also help in digging. Hunting otters is now illegal in the country of England, but these pups are used to hunt other species. American Water Spaniel: This breed is specifically bred for hunting and retrieving in water, and their webbed feet aid in their swimming abilities. Several breeds of dogs have webbed feet, including: Labrador Retriever: A popular breed for hunting and retrieving in water, their webbed feet help them swim efficiently. These colorful lizards have adapted to habitats from rain forests, to deserts, to cold mountain slopes. 2. These dogs also have a sleek and muscular build, making them excellent hunters. 3. 7. The pads on the bottom of their feet protect them and provide grip as they walk. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. We found 20 possible solutions for this clue. Crab Plovers ( Dromas ardeola) The crab plover builds their nests in burrows in sandy banks. 14. Live Chat. However, that doesn’t always happen, leaving some dogs with fused or webbed toes. Additional breeds exist whose feet aren’t typically webbed. Posted by u/jamshaidyounis - 13,121 votes and 108 commentsdo cocker spaniels have webbed feet; do black labs have webbed feet; country kitchen serrano ham bone dog treat; do newfoundland dogs have webbed feet; fish based diet for dogs; feeding dogs fish oil; organic salmon oil for dogs; fish oil for husky; do cockapoos have webbed feet; do great pyrenees have webbed feet; wellness whitefish. Some dogs may even have webs that connect their toes all the way up to the toenail! When checking for webbed feet, make sure to check every toe. Photo: Pixabay/fotoronvanhal. >>During early fetal development, all our toes and fingers are webbed together. S1 E1 - The Sound of Metal. (1) Those which move by the aid of the under part of the stomach, here described as "going upon the belly," as serpents (see Genesis 3:14) and serpentine worms. The pads on the bottom of their feet protect them and provide grip as they walk. We’ll discuss the reason webbed paws are useful for sled dogs below, as well as husky-specific traits. Webbed feet aren’t seen in all canines but some amount of webbing is noticed in all of them just like the skin. In general, dogs can swim easier in calm water, but dogs with webbed feet will swim more easily in rough seas. From their ancestral roots to the modern breeds we cherish today, webbed feet have been a vital asset in helping dogs thrive in various environments. And still others like Poodles and Bichons Frisés have no. Exploring the Breeds: 18 Dogs with Webbed Feet. Newfies have large, webbed feet that resemble paddles. Similar to when a human wears flippers while swimming, a dogs webbed feet will help the dog glide through the water to retrieve the game. Webbed feet also allow dogs to walk with more balance in slippery areas. Webbed feet: Dogs with webbed feet tend to be all-terrain dogs, those who are proficient at swimming, and. Palmate feet are the most common type of webbed feet in waterbirds, where three front-facing toes (toes II, III, and IV) are entirely connected by webbing 1, 2 (Fig. Dog Paw Webbing Isn’t All That Uncommon. However, for a professional breeder, having this feature would make. The term “webbing” is not often. The answer may surprise you. The Catahoula Leopard Dog has webbed feet. Dogs that spend a lot of time in and around the water tend to have webbed paws, which help them swim efficiently. Click the card to flip 👆. by Arna Bee April 15, 2020. Gecko tails serve many purposes. Non-webbed feet do not have the skin connecting the toes, making them less adept at swimming and running on soft or sandy surfaces. Normally, over 90% of a black-footed ferret's diet consists of prairie dogs, which are hunted and killed within their burrows. The breed standard does not support webbed feet in Danes. The additional skin that connects their toes – the foot webbing – essentially increases the size of their paw, turning each foot into a natural paddle. . These dogs are large with thick fur, active, and extremely smart. 8. Some have pointed ears, while other BMCs have floppy ears. German Wire-Haired Pointers. Drentsche Patrijshond. Wipe or wash your dog’s paws as soon as they come in from outside. . otterhound. Other dog breeds have more pronounced webbing and they are often great swimmers. See morePortuguese Water Dogs. They’re also water dogs, and they have floppy ears. com. Examples of animals with webbed feet include ducks, penguins, otters, geese, flamingos, and beavers. Dachshunds are known for hunting. Yes, really! The Portie was a steadfast fishing companion that could herd fish into trawler fishing nets, retrieve lost items, and more by using their specialized webbed feet. 16+. Fishing Cats. They were originally bred to hunt otters in England, hence their name. You should take your dog to a vet for regular checkups and screening tests. The dog is not purebred, and if you paid money for a purebred pitbull, you have been ripped off. Having thin layers of connecting tissue between the toes – commonly known as webbed feet – can help dogs in a several ways. , on a Canadian web-footed dog, i. 8. Her feet look good to me, nails included. As compared to dogs that lack the webbed feet characteristic in their physical features. Webbed feet also mean bigger paws, and bigger paws can balance the weight of dogs when they doggy swim in. 1. Most notably, webbed feet help dogs to swim. Portuguese Water Dog. The world's most popular dog, the Labrador Retriever was originally used to retriever (hence the name) fish, fishing nets and even fishermen from the ice cold sea.