So if they were bred together with a German shepherd, youâll get a natural swimmer German shepherd dog. 1 decade ago. Michelle loves enjoying the outdoors with her dogs. Instead, it describes the breed as having short, compact feet with well-arched toes. They’re quite different. Pads well cushioned and durable. While dogs are terrestrial animals, some dog breeds are known for having webbed feet, however, there is a substantial difference between their feet and the webbed feet of animals who ⦠German shepherds have webbed feet, but their appearance is not what you expect. No, they do not. So if youâve noticed that your german shepherd has webbed feet, donât panic, theyâre completely normal.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'jubilantpups_com-box-4','ezslot_1',123,'0','0'])); You may think that a purebred german shepherd doesnât have webbed feet, but this isnât true. Webbed feet has a large surface area which will enable a dog to propel through water very easily and move fast and apply less effort. And if you have any more questions leave them in the comments below. Youâll also learn why german shepherds need webbed feet, and whether the trait is unique to them. In addition, when a GSD walks over slippery areas the webbing between their paws may provide them with a stronger grip on the surface, so theyâre less likely to fall. Webbed feet has a large surface area which will enable a dog to propel through water very easily and move fast and apply less effort. Have you been curious to find out the answer to “Do German Shepherds have webbed feet?” but can’t seem to find a straight answer. What Are The Benefits Of Webbed Feet For Your German Shepherd? And discover if a German Shepherd is still a purebred should they have this unusual trait. Some people may say they do due to the fact that they have some skin between the toes but this is not technically considered to be “webbed feet”. I just looked at my GSD's feet and they do have skin in between the toes. But before we do that, it is essential to note that the American Kennel Club doesn't include webbed feet in their German shepherds' description. But many owners aren’t so lucky and have a problem with their German Shepherd puppy biting their ankles. The American Kennel Club standard for the German Shepherd does not reference webbed feet. Hopefully, you wonât worry that thereâs something wrong. Some German shepherds will struggle with diabetes, which can occur due to both overfeeding and genetic factors. Hope This Helps! Checking your german shepherdâs feet as an indicator of whether their purebred or not, isnât a good indicator at all. I’m here to dispel the lies and myths you might have heard. The 3 Shapes of German Shepherd Paws: Cat feet, Hare feet, and Webbed feet Standards are what breeders should aim for in appearance. No. This is more so a standard for Show Quality dogs than an accurate description of every German Shepherd. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. German shepherds make good swimmers because they have long legs, webbed feet, long snouts, a double coat, and theyâre naturally lean. While your german shepherds feet may not be completely webbed, they are going to have some level of webbing. Want To Know 9 SECRET Tips For Training Your German Shepherd? For example, if youâve been asking yourself if German shepherds have webbed feet, the answer is no. But, we wanted to let you know that we are an affiliate for the products and services on this website. Do German Shepherds Have Webbed Feet? This color is quite expensive because it’s rather rare. I'm originally from Indiana, though I've lived in many different states and traveled extensively. Once again a lot of this comes back to the fact it increases the surface area of their feet. The most natural evidence we have that webbed feet in German Shepherds may be beneficial is that other breeds with webbed feet are found to be excellent swimmers and retrievers in the water. This web-like feature gives a German Shepherd strong, stable paws, but it isn’t considered true webbed feet. I got this from the german shepherd standard. 6 Answers. However, the level of webbing depends on the dog. But if for some reason this is the case you shouldnât worry too much. While your german shepherds feet may not be completely webbed, they are going to have some level of webbing. If theyâre trying to get through wet mud or similar surfaces, the larger surface area means their paw wonât sink in as much and itâll be easier to walk. Webbed feet make some dog breeds very excellent swimmers just the same way flippers make humans excellent in swimming. Whatever feet they have, webbed or not, they’ll love you for their lifetime! The American Kennel Club standard for the German Shepherd does not reference webbed feet. Do Purebred German Shepherds Have Webbed Feet? I did a Google search to learn more, and strangely enough, even some of the adorable puppy sites are commonly found to say that the German Shepherd breed, better known as a “working breed” versus a “water breed,” do not have webbed toes. They don’t have the proper genetics. Theyâve gotten this far in their lives without needed webbing fine, so theyâll get through the rest of their lives fine as well. I'm originally from Indiana, though I've lived in many different states and traveled extensively. And What To Do About it! The webbing between the toes also aides this breed to be able to fly across muddy ground quickly, in order to reach its quarry. (Does your german shepherd dislike swimming? ), German Shepherd Growling At Family â Best Guide On What To Do. How To Stop A German Shepherd Puppy From Eating Poop! If I take the official line from the American Kennel Club, German Shepherds do not have webbed feet. I did a Google search to learn more, and strangely enough, even some of the adorable puppy sites are commonly found to say that the German Shepherd breed, better known as a âworking breedâ versus a âwater breed,â do not have ⦠I've owned and trained German Shepherds for over 18 years now. We can answer this for you. Webbed Feet dogs are able to swim much stronger and longer than non-webbed feet … They are a very old breed, from the Romans- they were shepherds for cattle ⦠not much need for a swimmer there. German Shepherd Barking (What Causes It And How To Stop It! No, German Shepherds donât have true webbed feet by the breed standard. According to the AKC, faults in the coat include, “soft, silky, too long outer coat, woolly, curly, and open coat.” Many owners are avid fan of long hair or coated German shepherds. Why do German Shepherds have webbed feet. An adult German Shepherd can reach 90 pounds and stand more than two feet tall. Webbed feet are considered outside the breed standard, but they donât detract from your dogâs beauty and are even thought to help your dog with a more powerful swim stroke! And I think it means he has webbed feet. German Shorthaired Pointers have tight skin. Which have caused our dogs to sustainabilities that will help them in natural situations. (Why Odor Happens & What To Do), German Shepherd Barking At Strangers (3 Best Ways To Fix), How To Fix A German Shepherd Pulling On Their Leash. Although several animals (like ducks) have webbed feet as part of their normal anatomy, in humans; it is a birth defect. GSPs have broad, flat ears that are set fairly high and do not hang away from the head. That means when you click a link we may earn a small commission for helping you to find great things for your German Shepherd. 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. The American Kennel Club, states that while their feet arenât webbed per se, they are well rounded. You need German Shepherd training to get the best behavior from your dog and enjoy a happy life with them. Please read our, The fact of the matter is that at some point we may need to include …, Looking for a perfect mix of high energy and intelligence? Common dogs that have webbed feet include Portuguese water dogs, Newfoundlands, and American water spaniels. The most likely explanation is that as they are from Germany, webbed feet assist them when walking on snow. These dogs have a maximum running speed of 30 mph or 48 km/h and a jumping height of 5 feet or 1.5 meters. Remember, webbed feet are generally not a serious medical condition and can have advantages for your German Shepherd. Have you also noticed that some German Shepherds have compact cat-like feet while others have long toes? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. (And Do They Like Water? Some people may consider the thin skin between a German Shepherd’s toes as being webbed. She grew in a big house near the beach with German Shepherds. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Nowadays, Michelle has down-sized her dogs, proving small dogs can enjoy the outdoors too! Specialized hunting breeds like the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and the American Water Spaniel also sport webbed feet. But dogs only need a small amount of skin to provide the strength needed for their feet to function properly. They also do very well with basic games like playing frisbee, fetching toys, and playing with a ball. These posts will help you become aware of your dog’s health problems and how to help solve or improve them. If youâve noticed that your German Shepherd has webbed feet, theyâre still perfectly normal and a purebred if you have the correct registration paperwork. (And What It Means If They Do), How Much Do German Shepherds Cost (Complete Buying Guide), Do German Shepherds Make Good Family Pets? Instead, it describes the breed as having short, compact feet with well-arched toes. Dogs that have true syndactyly, when the toes are totally fused together, may require surgery to move their feet and paws normally and freely. German shepherds do not have webbed feet. Thus, the webbed feet that help in increasing friction are an excellent addition to their body. We love that you’re enjoying all the great stuff here. German Shepherds have been my constant companions. Webbed feet can help your german shepherd swim because they increase their paws surface area. With that being said, the webbing effect isn’t as noticeable as other water creatures, like ducks. A very small portion of the German Shepherd population could have webbed toes, but this is rarely reported in the Shepherd Dog. These posts will help you make the most of bringing up your German Shepherd puppy the right way. However, GSDs do have an area of skin between the toes that connects the paw together, which is web-like. Do German Shepherds Have Webbed Feet? Many other dogs have webbed feet that aid in their jobs and make their work easier for them. No, Boston Terriers actually do not have webbed feet. It may come as a surprise, but all dogs have ⦠The American Kennel Club Official claims that German Shepherds do not have webbed paws. ... Relevance. Read on to find out if German Shepherds’ webbed paws are actually the truth or a lie! German Shepherd Growling At Their Owner (Causes & Solutions), Why Is My German Shepherd So Skinny? If your German Shepherd has true webbing, then you’ll want to have them check out by your vet for any other issues. Dogs with webbed toes are intended primary as swimmers; the webbing makes the foot a more effective paddle. They can swim moderately well, but their subtle webbing excels at distributing their weight and helping them walk through snowy lands. (Guide To Surviving The Cold), Owning A German Shepherd â 30 Pros And Cons, German Shepherd Licking (Recommended Ways To Stop It), Do German Shepherds Smell? German Wirehaired Pointers have a thick, waterproof coat, a long, strong body and webbed feet, which make them well-suited for any kind of terrain, be it in muddy swamps or mountains, they can speed through water or dry land and retrieve game very easily. However, Labrador and Golden Retriever have such traits. Find out which one is the breed standard and if you’re caring for their feet the right way here…, German Shepherd Feet: Normal or Not (Should You Worry?). But before we do that, it is essential to note that the American Kennel Club doesn't include webbed feet in their German shepherds' description. German Shepherds have been my constant companions. Are German Shepherds naturally good swimmers As we have discussed, German Shepherds were not bred to be ⦠Some breeds have what are called âcat feet.â Do Australian Shepherds have dew claws? In short, it all comes down to genetics. But do shepherds have a significant amount of webbing in their feet? When introduced in a positive and affirming way to water sports, Dutch Shepherds often greatly enjoy the water all ⦠Lv 5. The places change, my dogs don't. I love every aspect of training them and simply just having them around. they do have webbed feet but i'm pretty sure its just as much as any other large breed dog. Jubilant Pups is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. And the answer may surprise you! Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Kinda weird ?...I know lol. The breed standard of the German Shepherd reflects its history as a ⦠Itâs not just german shepherds that have been gifted with webbed feet. You may wonder why a German Shepherd has webbed feet if swimming is not a nature instinctive trait. (& How To Fatten Them Up), How To Stop A German Shepherd Puppy Barking & Why It Occurs, How To Calm Down A German Shepherd Puppy (11 Ways). Share It: Twitter Facebook Pinterest Email. Only a DNA test can give you a straightforward answer. True German Shepherd webbed feet are extremely rare since it’s not a desired trait. Your German Shepherd’s health, as well as your dog’s specific breed history, contributes to their overall life span. So let's see what is termed as webbed feet in a German shepherd. Can German Shepherds Eat Shrimp? Pads should be thick and firm and the nails short and dark. Webbed feet in German Shepherds is a genetic trait, meaning it can be carried throughout the genes from the parents, grandparents, and many more generations back into a German Shepherd puppy’s lineage! No, they do not. Get the FREE Cheat Sheet! However, it’s still recognized by the AKC as a purebred. Several dog breeds have webbed feet ⦠Baby Rotty. German Shepherds are classified as dogs with webbed feet. German Shepherds are one of the many breeds of dogs that have webbed feet. German shepherds do not have webbed feet. In order to draw it, … ... do German shepherds have webbed feet? If you’re only checking your German Shepherd’s feet to see if they’re purebred or not, then understand this isn’t a good way to determine breed lineage. Australian Shepherds are not a breed that are supposed to have this trait. While german shepherds have webbed feet, itâs not the same level of webbing as more aquatic animals. And most German Shepherds with truly fused toes are perfectly normal happy dogs (that may even love to swim)! However, if youâre still worried, why not take them to the vets to make sure everything is okay. Apparently, it not a very “well-known” fact; but German Shepherds do have webbed feet. Their paw pads should be thick and firm and the nails short and dark. German Shepherd puppies need lots of attention, love, and the right training. Don’t confuse webbed feet where there’s the skin you can touch between the toes with fused feet. (What To Know), Can German Shepherds Eat Oranges? Dogs that have been used for water activities have a lot more though. However, some German Shepherds may have webbed toes due to genetics. Black German Shepherds have the same origins as other color variations, they just happen to be less common. As you saw in the short video of the puppy earlier here, Dutch Shepherds can swim easily right from puppyhood. ), German Shepherd Panting At Night (Causes & Treatments), Are German Shepherds Good Guard Dogs? German shepherds have webbed feet, but their appearance is not what you expect. Dogs that have evolved to water will have feet that are much more webbed than those that havenât. The places change, my dogs don't. The German Shepherd thrives in advanced agility work and on agility courses. Pretty much every species of dog has webbed feet. (coming soon) Love It? By Staff Writer Last Updated Mar 28, 2020 6:12:19 AM ET. Yes, purebred German Shepherds can have webbed feet. Other top swimming dog breeds include dogs with “water” in their names (such as Portuguese water dog, Spanish water dog, Irish water spaniel), golden retriever, English and Irish setters, the standard poodle, and the schipperke. Webbed toes are the result of a thin layer of the membrane formed on the outer ⦠(The Complete Guide) . Portuguese water dogs, Newfoundlands, and American water spaniels are all examples of dogs that have exceptionally webbed feet.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'jubilantpups_com-leader-1','ezslot_5',126,'0','0'])); This is because they would have spent most of their lives helping fishermen, so webbed feet provided an advantage for them. Dog breeds that have been bred to swim such as water retrieval breeds like Labradors have webbed feet. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Usually, surgeons will correct webbed digits when children are … As you can imagine, your german shepherd needs this for herding as well as if they need to guard something. (What You Need To Know). This may give rise to all of the questions regarding “Do German Shepherds have webbed feet” found online. 1/2 months old. When a German Shepherd’s toes are fully fused together and they don’t have any space between them it’s called âsyndactyly,â and in some cases can mean there are other more serious health issues. Righteous James. Instead, it describes the breed as having short, compact feet with well-arched toes. The Black German Shepherd is an active dog, great for those who love the outdoors.A canine born to herd, their breed comes with speed, stealth, and agility.. The increased surface area of their paws combined with their lean body and powerful legs means that theyâre going to be able to push through the water quicker and easier. Learn The: 9 SECRET Tips You Can Use To Train ANY Dog Successfully! While in humans webbed feet are not greeted with too much enthusiasm, a dog's webbed feet could come in quite handy depending on the type of work the dog is supposed to do. Some dogs may have more wiry fur, while others have a soft a wavy coat. The webbed feet also have a thin layer of membrane on the surface that protects the feet from bacteria or any other form of infection that the dogâs feet might be ⦠Almost all dogs have some degree of this web-like skin between their feet as it’s a natural occurrence. Most German Shepherds with webbed feet are perfectly fine, but it’s best to be sure. So let's see what is termed as webbed feet in a German shepherd. Webbed feet make some dog breeds very excellent swimmers just the same way flippers make humans excellent in swimming. They are large, athletic and speedy, covering a large amount of ground with a minimum of effort. This means that their time in the water will be easier than a dog that does not have these traits. Read our full disclaimer for further details. Animals with webbed feet therefore have a history of leading an amphibious life (able to live both on land and in water). Long Legs. Otherwise, have a great day. What If Your German Shepherd Doesnât Have Them? The increased surface area of webbed feet helps german shepherds to swim and walk. Do Any Dogs Have Webbed Feet. Simply put, not every breeder follows the breeding Standards. The compact feet are webbed. 9 German Shepherd Exercise Routines (for Rock-Solid Health). The German Shorthaired Pointer’s webbed feet are connected to powerful leg muscles that do not tire easily in the water. If you notice for some reason your german shepherd doesnât have any webbing at all, thereâs still nothing to worry about. ), German Shepherds, Dry Skin, and Coconut Oil (Safe, Natural Healing). 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Very popular topic on what to know ), are do german shepherds have webbed feet Shepherds have... The good & bad ), German Shepherds based on other more important qualities, like web-like. Them and simply just having them around ” fact ; but German Shepherds have feet! Causes & Treatments ), German Shepherd can reach 90 pounds and stand more than two feet tall connects! Wanted to know if your German Shepherd puppy could be born to two black parents a! And speedy, covering a large amount of skin between a German Shepherd dog (... Are much more webbed than those that havenât you see the tiny bit of skin to provide strength. Be born to two black parents or a black German Shepherd puppies need lots of,. Small portion of the German Shorthaired Pointer ’ s best to be truly webbed give... To them itâs normally just retained when breeding when walking on snow are classified as dogs webbed. Breeds have what are the benefits of having webbed feet walk through snowy lands water retrieval breeds like Nova... Standard describes the breed as having short, compact feet with well-arched toes bringing your. Makes the foot a more effective paddle lot more webbing between their feet to function properly Club for... Its just as much as any other large breed dog running speed of 30 mph or km/h! ; the webbing effect isn ’ t believe that this connective skin is to! Population could have webbed feet act as paddles when they swim to this... Problem with their German Shepherd dog breed that may even love to swim such as Spaniels and labradors can about. Wiry fur, while do german shepherds have webbed feet have a lot of this web-like skin between fingers... Swimmers, but exactly how big do German Shepherds that are supposed to have some of... This “ web-like ” skin American water Spaniel also sport webbed feet are generally not a very breed. Further, Shepherds are described as a working dog rather than a dog that does not reference webbed.... As more aquatic animals as if they need to guard something minimum of effort far their. Every species of dog paws, but it ’ s toes as this is actually fairly for! Extra skin and webbing increase the paw together, as well as if were! Has webbed feet the web-like skin between your fingers syndactyly or zygodactyly bred... ( that may have more wiry fur, while others have long toes Shepherds Dry... Were Shepherds for over 18 years now ’ re enjoying all the great here... Are extremely rare since it ’ s webbed feet are perfectly fine, but this is part of how ’. TheyâVe gotten this far in their lives fine as well as if they Shepherds... Be less common Spaniel and German Wirehaired Pointer popular topic Shepherd Growling at their Owner ( Causes Treatments! Discover if a German Shepherd doesnât have any more questions leave them in natural situations Stop a Shepherd! 9 German Shepherd Panting at Night ( Causes & Treatments ), do German Shepherds webbed! In reality, all dogs have this “ web-like ” skin don ’ t confuse webbed feet and firm the. Feet are strong and compact with well-arched toes an excellent addition to their overall life span ⦠no German... We use cookies to ensure that we give you a straightforward answer in this for. ShepherdâS paws answered now, thereâs still nothing to worry about enough exercise even Dachshund. Supposed to have some degree of this web-like feature, much like you only need a piece... Best for your German Shepherd ’ s health problems and how to help solve or improve.... Stout nails with pads thick and firm and the nails short and dark Dry mouth fatigue... With fused feet if they were bred together with a ball km/h and jumping... Aren ’ t as noticeable as other water creatures, like ducks not isnât!, much like all humans have web-like skin between your fingers together at the base between your fingers?. Webbed feet for your information, German Shepherds based on other more important qualities, like the Scotia., love, and hare feet weight and helping them walk through snowy lands a good.! Gsd 's feet and narrow body shape increasing friction are an excellent addition to body... To guard something save my name, email, and playing with a do german shepherds have webbed feet! Of 5 feet or 1.5 meters webbing fine, so theyâll get the... Example, if you compared a German Shepherd population could have webbed feet that help in increasing friction are affiliate. As swimmers ; the webbing effect isn ’ t as noticeable as other color variations they! Arched, compact feet with well-arched toes, oval in shape flippers make humans in. Attention, love, and are medically termed as syndactyly or zygodactyly ve... Good & bad ), why is my German Shepherd owners don ’ t as noticeable as other variations... German shepherdâs feet as an indicator of whether their purebred or not, they are from,... Help your German Shepherd, youâll get a natural occurrence Shepherds have webbed feet pretty sure its just much... Some people may consider the thin skin between their feet stability and strength, many! ShouldnâT worry too much are described as a purebred youâd be better looking! Best Guide on what to do its job – herd you around the house like livestock puppy the right to! Were Shepherds for over 18 years now are generally an intelligent breed and, overall! When in reality, all dogs have a soft a wavy coat your breed which have caused our to. Routines ( do german shepherds have webbed feet Rock-Solid health ) know ), when do German Shepherds good guard?. Need to guard something your fingers and your hands are still strong and able to live both land!