Do Chow Chows Have Webbed Feet? (Explained)

Webbed feet are feet that have a layer of skin between the toes. Most dogs initially bred to be hunting or retrieving dogs have this trait. Webbed feet significantly improve a dog’s ability to swim and speed too.

Since Chow Chows were once used as hunting dogs, you would expect them to have webbed feet. The answer to whether Chow Chows have webbed feet will be discussed below. 

Do Chow Chows Have Webbed Feet?

No, Chow Chows do not have webbed feet. Chow Chows are one of the oldest breeds in the world. Although they were once used as hunting dogs, their original purpose was to work as guard dogs. Therefore they were not bred to have webbed feet.

Does A Chow Chow Mixed Breed Have A Webbed Feet?

While purebred Chow Chows do not have webbed feet, a Chow Chow mixed breed might have webbed feet. Whether the mixed breed has webbed feet or not depends on the breed that they are mixed with. If the other parent has webbed feet, the Chow Chow mixed breed might have webbed feet.

Why Do Dogs Have Webbed Feet?

Webbed feet help to maintain balance in wet areas. When dogs with webbed feet run across a muddy or slick surface, they are less likely to sink or slip than a dog who does not have webbed feet. Hence, most retrieving and hunting dogs tend to have webbed feet, so they are not hindered by a lack of balance while working.

What Can A Dog With Webbed Feet Do?

Dogs with webbed feet are exceptional swimmers, and their webbed feet allow them to swim more efficiently, and Webbed feet allow dogs to balance and walk more comfortably on muddy surfaces. Dogs with webbed feet also tend to be exceptional diggers.

What Things Can A Dog Without A Webbed Feet Can’t Do?

Dogs who do not have webbed feet have less stability than dogs with webbed feet, and this is especially true when walking on slippery or moist surfaces. Dogs who do not have webbed feet are also not natural swimmers.

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How To Tell If Your Dog Has Webbed Feet?

You can tell your dog has webbed feet by closely examining them. If you notice a layer of skin connecting their toes, they have webbed feet. This layer of skin may be thin in some breeds and prominent in others. 

Can Dogs Without Webbed Feet Swim?

Yes, dogs without webbed feet can swim. However, the fact that they do not have webbed feet means they are not a natural swimmer, so they may not pick up on swimming as easily as dogs with webbed feet. Your dog may take a bit longer to learn or seem less confident in the water.

Conclusion

Chow Cows do not have webbed feet. However, a Chow Chow mixed breed may have webbed feet. Since they do not have webbed feet, Chow Chows are not the most excellent swimmers, and they may need help to balance themselves on slippery or muddy surfaces. However, do not be discouraged.

Your Chow Chow may not be a natural swimmer, but they can still swim. With patience and a watchful eye, your Chow Cow can enjoy swimming too.

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