A breed’s function is often revealed by the size of their feet. Breeds from cold climates, such as the Alaskan Malamute and St. Bernard, have magnificent big paws for good reasons: A greater surface area provides better tread on snow and ice, but also act like snowshoes by distributing their weight across a greater surface area and preventing them from sinking into the snow (a quality known as “flotation”). Fur between the toes are an advantage when walking over snow by protecting a dog’s feet while pulling sleds.

Webbed toes can also contribute to the size of a foot, a clear asset to breeds that swim and tread water, such as Newfoundlands and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.

Small feet, on the other hand, are advantageous to breeds that live and work on rocky terrain by allowing the dog to cling to small cracks or crevices. Compact feet also require less energy to lift allowing a dog to conserve energy and increase his endurance in while work, so some sporting and working breeds will have small feet. The possible exception to this is the six toed Norwegian Lundehund which works among rocks, but whose incredible feet spread out for better gripping.

“Welcome” by Paul Doyle
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