Webbed feet — Dogs

The story behind the answer

Webbed feet is correct because the skin between the dog’s toes clearly stretches, increasing surface area like a natural flipper. This adaptation boosts propulsion and stability in water, helping strong swimmers such as Labrador Retrievers, Newfoundlands, and Portuguese Water Dogs retrieve and work in aquatic environments.

Beyond swimming, webbing helps dogs move over soft, muddy, or sandy ground by distributing weight more evenly. Remember it by thinking “duck feet for dogs”—the webbing acts like mini flippers, not to be confused with “paddle-shaped paws” (overall shape), “flattened toes” (not a typical canine trait), or a “water-repellent coat” (a fur characteristic).