No Paw, No Dog

by Nannette Newbury © 2003 AKC Breed Column
Australian Shepherds and horse folks are rather synonymous. Many breeders have deep roots in the equine world; some even do horses and dogs at the same time! Consequently the old adage, “no foot no horse,” translates quite literally to “no paw, no dog.” Feet are designed to support the entire dog, either while moving or standing still, and should be considered essential.

As a working dog called upon in the past to do ranch chores, guard the house, baby-sit, move any and all sorts of livestock and do it from sun up to sundown or more in every kind of terrain imaginable, the foot of the Australian Shepherd becomes quite critical on such a versatile breed. Our breed standard denotes “feet are oval, compact with close knit, well arched toes. Pads are thick and resilient.”

While still used as a general ranch dog, additional modern uses of our breed demand even further attention to the quality and soundness of the foot, toes and pads of this remarkable dog. Today Aussies participate in agility, obedience, Frisbee competitions, Flyball, herding trials, work as therapy dogs, assistance dogs, narcotics dogs and search and rescue dogs. Feet matter.

The shape and type of foot parallels the purpose (current and original) of the Aussie. Our breed standard describes a dog that is “lithe, agile, has a smooth easy gait, possess stamina and has a ground covering stride with the ability to change direction or alter the gait instantly.” One way the Aussie maintains these breed characteristics is by the shape of the foot and the type of pad. Ranchers note that a thicker black pad is preferred over a white or light-colored pad for working in extreme heat and a sandy, rocky or abrasive environment.

McDowell Lyon (The Dog in Action) notes that a foot that has shorter digital bones (i.e., close knit and well arched) requires less power to lift, and therefore is less fatiguing. This is a foot built for endurance. The shape of the Australian Shepherd foot is also less subject to injury and requires less muscular effort (increased stamina).

Lyon continues, “if the heel pad is thick and well built up it will not only stand more shock and rough use over ground, but it will increase endurance by shortening the leverage action.” Thick pads absorb more shock and increase endurance. Rough pads allow for better traction and quick turns. Paws and pasterns work together to absorb the shock of jumping and running and provide flexibility of movement.

Curtis Brown (Dog Locomotion and Gait Analysis) writes, “ the front paw carries about 60% of the dog’s weight and should be larger in area than the rear paws by about the same amount. Modern studies indicate that the percentage of weight borne on the front feet may be closer to 75% in some breeds. The lower leg is only as good as the dog’s overall structure however, an the lower leg bears the burden of poor front and rear assemblies as the Aussie moves. Structural faults can cause gait abnormalities that in turn lead to damage to pasterns and feet.

Although minor structural problems seldom interfere with the enjoyment of a companion animal, understanding the value of feet which meet our breed standard will keep the Aussie a valuable working and performance dog.