Having thin layers of connecting tissue between the toes – commonly known as webbed feet – can help dogs in a several ways.
Most obviously, it helps them swim more efficiently, meaning many dogs bred to retrieve items from water are web-footed. The shape of the foot means that they can paddle quicker, displacing more water than otherwise would be possible, and be more controlled in their movements.
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It also helps dogs dig faster, while the greater surface area created makes it easier to walk on surfaces like sand, snow and mud.
This means that web-footed pups are also prized by hunters and those looking for the perfect search and rescue dogs for all terrains.
Here are 10 of the breeds of dog that have webbed feet.
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5. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
By this point in the list it's probably clear that if a dog has 'retriever' in its name then it has webbed feet. Another example is the curly haired Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Golden Retriever
What is true for the Labrador Retriever is also often true for their close cousins the Golden Retriever. That's certainly the case with their webbed feet, although they tend to be slightly less webbed than the Lab. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Weimaraner
Bred to be an all-terrain hunting dog, the Weimaraner's long legs and webbed feet make it comfortable running on all surfaces before confidently jumping into the water when required. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Irish Water Spaniel
As the name may suggest, there are few things the Irish Water Spaniel enjoys more than going for a dip in a river, lake or sea - aided by their webbed paws. Photo: Canva/Getty Images