Do American Pitbull Terriers Have Webbed Feet?

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One of the most interesting things about dogs is how many breeds exist, there are tons of breeds and mixed breeds, all with different traits that make them each unique.

A trait that’s common among certain dog breeds is webbed feet.

But do American Pitbull Terriers have webbed paws?

American Pitbull Terriers don’t have webbed feet. Paw webbing is a trait passed down from dogs bred to swim, run on rugged terrains, or live in harsh climates. Since American Pitbull Terriers weren’t bred for these activities, they don’t have webbed feet. 

This article will tell you more about why some dogs have webbed feet and why American Pitbull Terriers typically don’t. It will also touch on the few exceptions to this rule, so be sure to read until the end!

Why Some Dogs Have Webbed Feet

While many dog breeds have skin between their toes, not all have proper webbed feet. Webbing is a characteristic that is only present in specific dog breeds.

Dogs with webbed paws have a highly developed, thick membrane between each toe on their feet.

Webbed paws are most beneficial for dogs bred to swim. The extra surface area on their paws helps them easily push through the water.

Dogs with webbed toes have more agility in the water and can move through the water more quickly.

In addition to water dogs, canines who live in harsh terrains, like areas with a lot of mud or snow, also benefit from having webbing between their toes. Again, the surface area of their paws makes a difference and gives them more stability when running in these environments.

Some popular dog breeds with webbed feet include:

• Labrador Retriever
• Newfoundland
• Dachshund
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Poodle

Why Some American Pitbull Terriers Have Webbed Paws

If you look at the paws of your Pit, you’ll likely notice a thin connective tissue. However, this thin tissue is common among most dog breeds and isn’t proper webbing.

Since Pitbull Terriers weren’t bred to be water dogs, American Pitbull Terriers don’t have webbed feet.

However, there are instances when your Pit may have actual webs between its toes.

Genetic Mutations in Dogs

Toe webbing in an American Pitbull Terrier could result from a genetic mutation.

As with all animals, genetic mutations in canines can present themselves in various ways. While some genetic mutations can be pretty severe, such as genetic diseases or cancer, others are relatively harmless and primarily cosmetic.

The genes of a purebred dog are not diversified. Because of the inbreeding required to make a purebred dog, it’s common for purebreds to have genetic mutations.

It’s likely a harmless mutation if your purebred American Pitbull Terrier has webbed feet. However, if you have any concerns about other possible mutations, you should talk to your vet during your Pit’s next checkup.

Mixed Breeds and Webbed Feet

Your American Pitbull may also have webbed feet if they aren’t purebred. Your pet may be mixed with another dog breed known to have this trait.

My American bully has webbed feet!:

For example, according to the American Kennel Club, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed. Labs also have webbed feet since they were bred to be water dogs.

Their popularity and wide availability make them perfect for breeding mixed dogs.

The Labrabull is a mix between a Pitbull and a Labrador Retriever.

They’re incredibly loyal, energetic dogs who love spending time with family and playing outside and in the water.

Thanks to their Labrador lineage, it’s also common for Labrabulls to have webbed feet.

Breeding American Pitbulls with other dogs is fairly common, so mixed dogs with this trait aren’t hard to find. Here are some other common American Pit mixed breeds that may have webbed feet:

• Dox Bull: A Dox Bull is a cross between an American Pitbull and a Dachshund. This ball of energy is the size of a Dachshund but has the temperament of a Pitbull.
• Beagle Pit: The Beagle Pit is a mixed breed between a Beagle and an American Pitbull. Beagle Pits are medium-sized dogs that are loving and affectionate.
• Bullboxer: The Bullboxer is a medium to large-sized dog mix between an American Pitbull and a Boxer. These dogs are great companions but benefit from training and socialization.
• Pitsky: Pitsky is a mix of an American Pitbull and a Husky. These dogs vary in size and are playful, affectionate, and love to play outside.
• Pit Heeler: The Pit Heeler is a mix between an American Pitbull and a Blue Heeler. These medium-sized dogs are a relatively new breed and make for a great family pet.

How To Care for Dogs With Webbed Paws

If your pup has webbed paws, you’ll want to take extra care to keep them clean and to keep your puppy healthy. Webbed paws can make playtime more fun, but they can also be a breeding ground for bacteria.

Here are a few things you should do if your dog has webbed feet:

Check for Ticks

Ticks love to hide in dog ears, armpits, and other areas where they can get direct skin contact.

If your pup has webbing between its toes, it’s likely to be an excellent spot for a tick to hide.

Be sure to keep your dog up to date on their flea and tick medicine and check for ticks after playing outside.

Clean Your Dog’s Paws Regularly

Webbing is also a great place for bacteria and other parasites to hide.

Be sure to regularly and thoroughly clean your pups’ paws to ensure that nothing is hiding out that could potentially harm your dog.

Cleaning is essential after playing outside or walking in mud or on snow.

Have Your Dogs Play in the Water

Playing in the water is one of the best things you can do for a pup with webbed feet. Chances are, they’ll love chasing toys, diving for rocks, or just swimming around with their owner.

If you need some water toys to play with, check out these options from Amazon.com:

• Hyper Pet Foam Bone: This foam toy floats on water for lake fetch with your dog.
• Segzwlor Lightweight Pool Fetch Rope: This dog toy floats on the water and has a rope on the end so you can play tug of war when your pup gets back to the dock.
• ChuckIt! Paraflight Water Frisbee: The ChuckIt! water frisbee is great for swimmers who want a little bit of a challenge when in the water. 

Play Fetch

In addition to water sports, dogs with webbed feet also love playing outside. Because of their extra stability, they can run on all kinds of terrain, including mud and snow.

This means that no matter the season, the play doesn’t stop! Chewy.com has some great toy options for your webbed pup:

• Chuckit! Fetch Ball Dog Toy: This ChuckIt! ball is large and brightly colored, so it won’t get lost in bad weather.
• Nerf Dog Light Up Dog Toy: This Nerf dog football comes with an LED light that shines when you shake it.
• Hyper Pet GoDogGo Fetch Machine: If it’s cold outside but your dog wants to play, check out this rechargeable fetch machine. You can launch the ball for your pup with remote control, and he can get all the exercise he needs.

Final Thoughts

While American Pitbull Terriers are not a webbed feet breed, they may express this trait if your dog is a mix or has a genetic abnormality.

If your Pitbull does have webbed feet, be sure to clean them regularly and take them swimming in the warmer months!