Adrienne is a certified dog trainer and former veterinarian assistant who partners with some of the best veterinarians worldwide.
Dogs come in a wide array of different colors, shapes, and sizes, so its not surprising that they also have different types of feet. Apparently, Mother Nature wasnt satisfied with simply giving dogs a standard set of paws. While some types of feet are desired by owners of pedigree dogs because they match the breed standard, other types are highly undesirable because they are considered major faults.
Just like people are prone to debilitating conditions, such as fallen arches or plantar fasciitis, canines also have their own set of problems.
You dont have to be a dog show judge or own a pedigree breed to get to know dog feet. This brief guide will introduce you to some common and not-so-common types of paws that are seen in canines around the world.
I know what you might be thinking, but dogs with this type of feet dont have retractable claws! According to the American Kennel Club, a dog with a cat foot simply has a paw that is neat and round, characterized by high-arched toes that are closely held together. As the name implies, this type of foot is nicely rounded and compact and highly resembles those seen in cats.
With short third digital bones, these paws help increase a dogs endurance because they require less energy to lift off the ground. They also give dogs a good grip and help prevent injuries when they walk on rough terrains.
These catlike paws are, therefore, often found in working dogs that are bred to have good endurance in the field. Depending on the breed, cat feet may be a highly desirable trait or a major fault.
Do Jack Russells Have Webbed Paws?
Jack Russell Terriers do not have webbed feet. Even though they do generally enjoy swimming and being in the water they were bred for hunting land animals and not animals in the water.
Water breed dogs like Cocker Spaniels have webbed feet in order to help them swim. f you separate your cocker spaniel’s toes you should be able to see the unique connected skin and tissue that causes the paws to be webbed.
There are several reasons why your Jack Russell may be having issues with its paw(s). Factors such as cuts, tears, dry or cracked paw pads, and nails, bacterial and fungal infections, burns, allergies, bug bites, etc. It is normally pretty easy to tell if your dog is struggling with a paw issue, these are some behaviors and symptoms that indicate you may want to have your dog’s paw(s) looked at:
Although these symptoms are normally easily treatable, it is important to get the dog help right away seeing as some of these symptoms could be painful to your dog.
If your Jack Russell Terrier bites or licks its paws a lot there are most likely some underlying issues causing it. The most common being allergies, fungus, or irritation. You will need to investigate and exam the whole picture to know how to help your Jack Russell.
Pro Tip: This article goes in-depth on what to do about your Jack Russell excessively licking his paws. Jack Russell Terrier Obsessive Licking (Quick Solutions Guide)
Some Jack Russell owners have noticed that their dog’s paws turn out at an angle. Most of the time a slight turn is nothing to worry about. If your dog still runs and walks normally they may be just turning their paws when sitting to get a more comfortable position.
You should only be concerned if the turning seems to be getting progressively worse or if it seems to be causing your dog pain. Your vet will be the best person to help your monitor your dog’s paw position and examine whether or not it should be a concern.
Pro Tip: Sometimes it’s hard to tell if your dog’s features change because it happens so slowly you don’t really notice. Try taking a picture of them sitting and standing every week for a few months then you will be able to tell if your dog’s out-turned legs/paws have changed. You will also have better info to share with your vet.
Jack Russell Terrier Paw Pad Burns
Although dog paws are very resilient, hot surfaces are one of the most dangerous encounters for the well-being of a dog’s paw pad. It is best to avoid hot pavement, gravel, dirt, blacktop, streets, parking lots, and any other surfaces that are hot, and take precautions such as:
There are several telling signs that your dog may have burnt paws, these include:
If your dog’s paws have been subject to burn there are several immediate actions you should take:
It is best to visit a vet right away if your dog’s paws have been burned. The vet can offer solutions that will prevent further damage, infection, or discomfort to the paw(s).
Thankfully if a paw burn is given time to heal there should not be any long-term damage to the paw pad. Depending on the severity of the burn, healing can take up to 21 days or even longer in some cases.
Do different dog breeds have different paws?
Doberman Pinschers have hare feet by Shutterstock. 3. Dewclaws: Also spelled “dew claws,” the smallest claw on a dog’s foreleg are similar, but not equivalent to, the human thumb. … Some, but not all, have dewclaws on their hind legs, and a few breeds are born with double dewclaws on their hind legs.
FAQ
How can you tell if a dog is a Jack Russell?
They originated on the coast or Portugal, where they were bred to help fishermen. Their curly, waterproof coat and athletic endurance mean they can stay in the water for a long time. And of course, their wide, webbed feet make them excellent doggy paddlers!
Why are Jack Russells so special?