Canine Foot

Question 1

What are some of the functions of the canine foot?

Answer 1

• Movement
• Digging
• Perspiration
• Holding objects

Question 2

Name the types of paw pads and where you would find them.

Answer 2

• Metacarpal / palmar pads (forelimbs)
• Carpal pads (forelimbs) to add traction for when slowing down
• Metatarsal / plantar pads (hind limbs)

Question 3

What are claws made from and what is their function?

Answer 3

Made from Keratin and help with digging and providing traction when running

Question 4

Name 4 breed specific foot conformations and their functions.

Answer 4

• webbed (extra skin between toes) to provide more surface area for swimming in newfoundlands, Portuguese Water Dog and GWP
• Poly dactyl (extra digit) for easier movement over rocky cliffs in the Norwegian Lundhund
• Cat feet/ Compact (short 3rd digits) dobermans, old English sheepdogs, akitas for conserving energy and increasing endurance
• hard feet (longer middle toes) in greyhounds and Samoyed for moving across ground quickly

Question 5

Name types of tissues in the makeup of a paw pad.

Answer 5

• Hairless epidermis
• subcutaneous
• collagenous
• adipose