Webbed feet

by Gregory Reimer
(Edmonton, AB. Canada)

Luv your site. Very informative and confirms much I have researched on this majestic breed. And if you send them on a spa day for a comb out, the full monte, their live expectancy increases by a good three to five years. The reason they tend to live shorter lives is because of the work environment. They mat and develop sores easy which can bring them down through infection. They are great even in the house, we have three with round beds and blankets in front of the fire place on the cold winter nights.

My question is; which breed in their blood line give them the webbed feet? Can not find the answer for the life of me.

Comments for Webbed feet

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Sep 10, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		swimmers
by: Anonymous

"Swimmers" they are not! " Mountain climbers" they are!! Are your own Pyrs pure bred, from a reputable breeder who can trace their dog's lineage way back to its original home? If yours are not pure, then the webbed feet you think you see could only come from a water breed influence...Newfoundland, Labrador, Retriever etc.

The pure Pyrenees is not a swimmer, and very few will even engage in real swimming behaviour, preferring to splash about in water only up to their bellies. It's the coolness they crave, not the activity of swimming.

Ours always seems to be mystified that his feet seem to disappear beneath the seemingly solid surface...so he sticks his face in the water to find out were the feet went to! Hilarious!! But he will not swim.

What your dog's do have is a very mobile, very wide foot with extra long toes. The feet will change their shape according to the surface they are walking on. On a very smooth slippery surface the nails seem to retract and the entire paw arch upwards in the center, so that the feet are almost like a suction cup with only his large pads in contact with the ice.

On a mountain side surface called "scree" the feet spread out very wide and the nails are extended, to aid the dog to be in balance while walking on that very rough, rocky and slippery surface.

Everything about their feet is exquisitely suited to their work as guardians of the flock on mountainous terrain. They are consummate hikers and climbers. They are capable of astonishing feats of great strength, agility, and swiftness, but with a house guardian Pyr this is only rarely seen. And if it is, the sight is a jaw-dropping "I can't believe what my dog just did!" variety.

So perhaps you can stop looking for what isn't there in your Pyr's lineage...take them out for a hike on a frozen lake and watch them romp on ice in perfect balance while the Labradors skitter about trying to use their nails for grip. Or, take them on a hike in deep snow...you'll need to strap on your snow-shoes, but your Pyr's will show you they have their own.

As has been said a time or two on these pages, the Pyrenees in its pure state, and even the Pyr mixes, are physically amazing creatures. Don't get me started on their loyalty, empathy, compassion, confidence, self-awareness, courage....
Sep 11, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
by: Great Pyrenees Club

Actually, we would love to get you started on their loyalty, empathy, compassion, confidence, self-awareness, courage....

Pyrs are amazing creatures and we believe you have stories to share with us.
Sep 15, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Webbed Feet
by: Donna

Webbed feet has already been very well-addressed.

As for shorter life spans due to mats and sores, this should not happen.

These dogs still need to be brought in for care. They need to be checked over for sores and get any other required vet care and be groomed. Mats are very painful for a dog.

They work hard and deserve respect. There is no excuse for neglecting a working dog.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Great Pyrenees Questions.

CLICK TO FOSTER A PYR
PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE


Breaking News

RSS

  1. Heaving breathing in pups

    May 08, 21 12:25 PM

    My husband and I recently lost our American Pitbull terrier to cancer when I came across an ad for Great Pyrenees/Border Collie mixed puppies. We brought

    Read More

  2. Indy

    May 02, 21 09:44 AM

    *ADOPTED* DOB: February 19, 2020 Indy is an Akbash mix. Indy needed more time than her family could give her. They made the tough decision to surrender

    Read More

  3. Charlie

    Apr 28, 21 10:06 AM

    Charlie, only 7-years-old, Hound?/Pyr mix, came to us when his owner felt that he was depressed after moving from the country to the city. She wanted to

    Read More

  4. Disinterested in Owners

    Apr 20, 21 03:59 PM

    Our 10+ year old female Pyrenees has recently become very distant and even runs from us when we try to pet her or give her a treat. We have had her since

    Read More

  5. Fecal Incontinence

    Apr 15, 21 11:52 AM

    my daughter just rescued a 7 yo male hes pooping in his sleep and while sleeping his back half will shake and at times his tail moves to please hel

    Read More

  6. Harmonius living with parent and pup?

    Apr 13, 21 09:11 AM

    We have a male and female and they just had their first litter. Is it a good ideal to keep one of their pups? Or will they fight?

    Read More

  7. Constipation

    Apr 08, 21 08:45 AM

    My PYR is two years old, I just rescued him from a bad situation, he is constipated, is this an issue with the breed or an issue specific to this PYR

    Read More

  8. Pregnant?

    Apr 05, 21 01:32 PM

    What is the lengthy of gestation for a Pyrenese? Today would be 50 days and there's no sign of weight gain or puppies showing/moving. Do these dogs take

    Read More