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We’re a nation of dog lovers, with around one-in-three households including at least one four-legged friend.
By far the most popular pet in the UK, they make for wonderful companions, all the while improving both our mental and physical health - and that’s a scientific fact.
The army of dog owners continues to grow, with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
There’s also always the option of adopting a dog from a dog shelter for a minimal fee - for example from the Dogs Trust.
One thing to consider is that some dogs have webbed feet - an attribute more commonly associated with birds and aquatic mammals.
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.
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 12 of the breeds of dog that have webbed feet.
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9. Otterhound
Thankfully the Otterhound is no longer used to hunt the cute aquatic mammals from which they got their name. When they did though, they were greatly assisted in their task by having the same webbed feet as their prey. | Canva/Getty Images
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10. German Short-Haired Pointer
Another dog bred to hunt, the German Short-Haired Pointer has quite small ‘scoop-like’ webbed paws for paddling through water with ease. Their close cousins the German Wire-Haired Pointer also have webbed feet. | Canva/Getty Images
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11. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Small but mighty, Tollers use webbed feet to chase and retrieve waterfowl. They have boundless energy, high intelligence, and a thick coat built for cold-water hunting. | Canva/Getty Images
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12. Field Spaniel
Field Spaniels have webbed feet to aid in navigating wet, marshy terrain. This medium-sized breed loves water and combines an affectionate nature with solid hunting instincts. | Canva/Getty Images