Page 18 - Chow Life - Winter 2025
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Blisters and burns – are often caused by paws on With all of that said, AKC requires every breed
steaming hot asphalt. standard to describe the feet of every breed as part
of the seven traits of dog conformation (ears, head,
Given all of the above, most dogs have healthy paws neck, front, back, rear, tail). More specifically, breed
that are tough and able to adapt to the many surfaces standards are expected to describe a breeds feet
and terrains they are exposed to during their including their size, shape and appearance. A few
lifetime. examples:
There are, however, some notable differences Airedale Terriers have feet that are small, round and
between the feet of humans and dogs. For example, compact with a good depth of pad, well [cushioned];
dogs stay barefooted all their lives, and unlike the toes moderately arched, not turned either in or
humans, who use footwear, theyhave feet which out.
allows them to traverse rocky and grassy knolls, cold
snow and hot concrete and they do it all barefooted. Afghan Hounds should have toes well-arched;
This difference makes us appreciate the wonders of feet covered with long thick hair; fine in texture;
having dogs with good paws. Unlike our feet, their pads that are unusually large and well down on the
feet are intricate working organisms capable of ground.
handling many jobs regardless of the temperature
and lack of protection from the various terrains and Collies have comparatively small feet that are oval in
conditions they encounter. shape with soles that are well padded and tough, and
toes well-arched and close together.
Greyhounds have feet that are close, rather more
hare than cat feet, well-knuckled up with good
strong claws.
AKC identifies eight breeds that are known to have
webbed feet:
1.Newfoundlands have feet that are big, with toes
that are webbed to help them propel in water.
2.Portuguese Water Dogs have a curly waterproof
coat and feet that are wide and webbed to help them
paddle
3.Otterhounds have a water-resistant coat and
webbed feet to help them swim.
4.German Shorthaired Pointers are hunting dogs
with webbed feet that are compact, close-knitted
and round to spoon-shaped to help them swim
in rivers and ponds where they hunt. 5.Labrador
Retrievers have webbed feet so they can paddle
in water to retrieve game. They also are good
swimmers.
6.Dachshunds are webbed-footed small dogs that
originally were used for hunting badgers. This
demand requires feet that can chase, dig, and dive
into holes. Their paddle paws help them dig and
grip.
7.Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are web-footed hunting
dogs that are expected to be powerful swimmers
against cold currents.
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