How to Identify Dog Paw Prints

It can be an exciting experience to discover animal tracks in snow, dirt and sand. Canine paw prints can be easily mistaken for other species, such as the coyote, wolf, fox and cat. Canine prints reflect five distinct markings from their paw "pads." The shape, angle and size of these pads assist in paw print identification. By following basic interpretation measures, it is easy to correctly identify a dog's paw print.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog tracks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Examine all the paw tracks in the area. The accuracy of each print can be affected by the speed with which the animal traveled and the elevation of the terrain. Study all paw prints for a more accurate identification.

    • 2

      Consider the territory. Should you be hiking in the mountains, be wary of dangerous animals (such as a bear) that may have left the animal tracks. If you spot paw prints in the snow of your neighborhood, the likelihood is greater that the tracks belong to a domestic dog or local coyote.

    • 3

      Evaluate the animal paw print as a whole. Dog paw prints will generally reveal larger front feet and smaller hind feet. Dog tracks are longer in overall shape than they are wide; Some tracks make a perfect circle. Additionally, tracks may not extend in a straight line.

    • 4

      Count the toes on each individual print. Dogs have four toes on each foot. Do not be confused by the larger pad on the bottom of the print, as this is the "heel" pad.

    • 5

      Analyze the shape and alignment of the toes on each paw print. Dog tracks will reveal the front two toes as very close together. Look at the shape of the outer toes--If the print is from a dog paw, these two toes can look like loose triangles.

    • 6

      Look for claw marks. Canines have claws on each toe; Search for small, triangular markings above each toe pad marking. Claw marks are almost always evident in canine tracks. If you don't spot any triangular markings, look for toes that have distinct points at the top, as this may reflect the animal's claws.

    • 7

      Study the heel pad. Canine paw prints will display sharper outer edges on the heel pad. Additionally, the bottom line of the heel pad will reveal a double hump, called a "lobe."