As with any breed, there are many interesting aspects of an Aussie that you may be wondering.
One such curiosity is whether Australian Shepherds have webbed feet.
The Australian dog has no webbed feet. We will look into the function of webbed feet in dogs, and whether this breed displays this trait.
What is Webbed feet?
To actually know whether Australian Shepherds have webbed feet, it’s essential to understand what webbed feet are and their purpose.
Webbed feet are characterized by the presence of skin between the toes, creating a “web-like” structure.
This trait is common in various aquatic and semi-aquatic animals, helping in swimming by providing more surface area to push against the water.
The webbed foot is a bird foot with skins between the toes. It is a specialized limb with membranes that helps in aquatic animals to swim and move around the water.
Webbed feet are seen in breeds that were historically bred for water-related tasks. Examples include the Labrador Retriever, known for retrieving game from water, and the Portuguese Water Dog, which was used by fishermen for tasks in and around the water.
Webbed feet improve a dog’s swimming ability, making it easier and more efficient for them to move through the water.
Physical Traits of Australian Shepherds
Australian Shepherds were originally bred in the United States, despite their misleading name, to work as herding dogs.
Their primary role was to herd livestock, which involved a lot of running, jumping, and agility rather than swimming.
Their physical traits, including their paws, grew up to suit these functions.
A typical Australian Shepherd’s paw is built for traction and endurance on varied terrains, from grassy fields to rocky paths.
While their paws are strong and well-padded to handle the rigors of herding, they are not specifically adapted for swimming.
Do Australian Shepherds have webbed feet?
In general, Australian Shepherds do not have webbed feet to the extent seen in breeds like the Labrador Retriever or the Portuguese Water Dog.
However, it’s not uncommon for Australian Shepherds to exhibit slight webbing between their toes.
This minor webbing can help them with general tasks and movements, but it is not the pronounced webbing designed for proficient swimming.
Functions of Slight Webbing in Australian Shepherds
- The slight webbing in Australian Shepherds can help provide better traction and stability. This is beneficial when they are running and working through various terrains while herding.
- Australian Shepherds are known for their digging behavior. The slight webbing can aid in this activity, allowing them to dig more efficiently.
- While not specifically for swimming, the minor webbing can assist in overall movement, making their steps more fluid and less jarring, which is advantageous during long hours of herding.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD’S AND WATER BREEDS
To further understand the difference, it’s helpful to compare Australian Shepherds to breeds with prominent webbing.
Breeds like the Labrador Retriever have significant webbing that is almost like a built-in paddle, making them excellent swimmers.
They were bred to retrieve the game from water, and their webbed feet are a key adaptation for this task.
On the other hand, Australian Shepherds, with their slight webbing, are not particularly adept swimmers compared to these water breeds.
They can swim, and some may even enjoy it, but they are not naturally equipped for thorough water activities.
Their paws are more suited for the land-based activities they were bred for.
HOW TO CARE FOR THEIR PAWS
Regardless of the extent of webbing, taking care of an Australian Shepherd’s paws is crucial.
- Regularly check their paws for any signs of injury, infection, or foreign objects lodged between their toes.
- Keep their nails trimmed to avoid discomfort and potential injury.
- Using paw balm can help keep their pads moisturized and protected, especially if they are frequently on rough terrain.
- After outdoor activities, especially in muddy or dirty areas, clean their paws to prevent infections or irritations.
- In extreme weather conditions, such as hot pavement or icy surfaces, consider protective footwear to prevent burns or frostbite.
Takeaway
Australian Shepherds do not possess the well-known webbed feet characteristic of breeds especially adapted for swimming, they do have some slight webbing that supports their primary activities.
This minor webbing can help with traction, stability, and digging, but it is not a significant adaptation for water activities.
Understanding the unique physical traits of Australian Shepherds helps owners better appreciate and care for their pets.
While they may not be the best swimmers, they are the one of the best working dogs on land.
Read Next: