Do Golden Retrievers Have Webbed Feet?

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Do Golden Retrievers have webbed feet? Countless Youtube videos show Golden’s affinity for water through their adorable dives. But does this preference have structural, biological implications? And if it was a result of evolution, do other dogs that like water have webbed feet too?

So, do Golden Retrievers have webbed feet? Yes. By definition, webbed feet are a trait “characterized by the fusion of two or more digits of the feet.” Indeed, Golden Retrievers have webbed feet. They have paws, which are essentially fused digits. Now, Golden Retrievers’ ability to swim has improved thanks to this trait.

But why did this breed benefit off of the ability to swim despite them spending most of their lives on land? To understand the reason behind this evolutionary trait, we must look deeper. What were Golden Retrievers like as a breed and what makes them so special?

What is Webbing Usually For?

Webbing can be commonly found in vertebrates that live or spend a lot of time by or on water. Typical examples include ducks, geese, and frogs.

These webbings are beneficial for aquatic locomotion for animals that are only semi-aquatic. Webbings, unlike full fins that fish possess, can also function on land.

Why do Golden Retrievers Have Webbed Feet?

Golden Retrievers are a part of the Sporting Dogs Group.

They were and are usually out in the field, hunting and “retrieving” targets. If a target ends up in the water, like ducks or birds, the Golden Retriever swims to the caught target and drags it up on land.

Given Golden Retrievers large stature and add to that the weight of the caught game, the webbed feet help them navigate through the water.

Golden Retriever’s webbed feet is a man-made trait, as humans selectively bred.

Moreover, their webbed feet do not only operate as great paddles. In fact, they play a large role in their ability to dig small holes to hide objects.

This, unlike the webbed feet trait, is most likely a phenotype developed over the course of natural selection. Though it may not seem as though it is an essential trait to survival, it allows for dogs to hide important resources, giving them an upper hand in many different aspects.

However, this is only a scientific claim. This trait could also have been developed selectively. After all, dogs have been domesticated for the majority of the time!

All About Golden Retrievers and Water

Golden Retrievers love water.

You and I know it.

But there is a particular reason why they’re so willing to dive and splash on the beach while other domesticated animals, like cats, aren’t really the same.

This is because Golden Retrievers have double-coated fur, meaning they have an extra layer that, one, keeps the body warm underwater, and two, makes sure most of the water isn’t absorbed by the rest of the fur.

Thanks to this trait, dogs, especially double-coated ones like Golden Retrievers, are able to swim without much cost!

As much fun as your Golden Retrievers have in pools and beaches, entertainment isn’t the sole advantage of keeping your dog close to water.

In fact, swimming serves as an excellent form of exercise, especially for your dog’s joints. If your dog isn’t necessarily in walking condition but still have to stay active to find a way to release all the energy, I strongly recommend you going for a swim!

How To Take Care Of Your Golden Retriever’s Webbed Feet (Paws)

1. Why Paws are so Important

It’s essential that your Golden Retriever’s (or any dog’s paws for that matter) paws are taken care of.

Paws do give advantages in regards to having a better grip and general locomotion, but they have so many other benefits that are crucial for your pet’s well-being. 

One example of such an advantage is that the soft part of the paws make sure the bones and joints stay safe.

Thanks to the cushioning effect, dogs are able to protect themselves from overloading their joints with excessive force when running. The bones are safer from shock and injury after taking hard-landings, allowing for dogs to be the active creatures they are.

Paws play a large role in managing temperature, as dogs sweat through their paws. Injuries on their paws mean injuries on their sweat glands, which would interfere with thermal homeostasis.

Now that’s really bad!

2. Trim the Nails

It’s very important to keep your dog’s nails trimmed regularly. If it seems like a daunting task for you to complete by yourself, don’t worry!

There are institutions that specialize in “pawdicure”, where they groom your dog’s nails for you. Some indicators that can tell you that ti’s time for a trim are when the nails click against the floor while your pet walks or when the nail beds of your dog is agitated.

It’s essential that your dog’s nails are frequently cut.

Nails that are too long make it very difficult for dogs to walk around, especially against hard-wooden floors that some houses have. It may cause too much stress on the nail bed, making running/walking very painful! 

3. Paw Pads Must Stay Moist

I also strongly recommend that you keep your paw pads moist using paw waxes and balms.

You must be especially careful during summer and winter times:

  • When the pavements get very hot during the summer, it sucks the moisture on your dog’s paws up.
  • When it’s too cold, snow, ice, and wind also dry their paws up. When paw pads are too dry, the paws crack, crippling the mobility of your dog.

Therefore, it’s important to keep your paw pads moist.

First, shea butter is a homemade remedy that works amazingly with dog paws. All-natural, this solution would make it safe for dogs even if they lick it off their paws. Calendulas work best if your pet already has agitated paws because it’s known to have anti-inflammatory properties!

4. Hair Around Paws

Usually, having long hair around paws (on top, in between toes, and on the bottom) is harmful for dogs because dirt, snow, and other objects can harden and cause pain.

It would be the equivalent of you walking around with a sharp piece of rock on the bottom of your socks. 

I’m sure we all understand that this might be quite uncomfortable for our dogs. To remedy this problem, usually, brushes are enough.

Brushing against the hair helps getting rid of the dirt/other objects stuck in the fur. If you would like to fully trim the paw hair, I suggest taking your dog to a salon, since they are able to do so in safe conditions.

Related Questions

What dog breeds have webbed feet?

Dog breeds with webbed feet include Newfoundland, Portuguese Water Dog, American Water Spaniel, German Wirehaired Pointer, Dachshund, Weimaraner, Otterhound, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Redbone Coonhound, and the Nova Scotia Duck Trolling Retriever.

What do I do when there is a cut in my dog’s paw?

1. Clean the wound
2. Control bleeding (stop hemorrhage)
3. Apply bandages
4. Change the bandage every once in a while
5. Avoid excessive physical strain

How do I keep my Golden Retriever active?

Golden Retrievers are very active. They used to be dogs that were brought out to the hunting field to help hunters retrieve their hunted game. For puppies, however, the exercise should be only 1 to 2 hours a day. Moderate walks and quick trips to a park work best. Golden Retrievers also love to play catch!

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