Pugmark Identification.
Canine and feline pugmarks share many similar features, that’s why canine pugmarks are often mistaken for big cat pugmarks. They both have four toes, arranged in an arch, around the large, main foot pad (plantar pad). In both species, the rear foot differs slight to the front, it is smaller and narrower, often being more elongated looking than the front foot.
However, there are some key differences that are noticeable in a GOOD QUALITY pug mark.
Do not use the absence or presence of claw marks as the only deciding factor when identifying prints.
photo shows the pugmarks of a Leopard, in Africa
Plantar Pad - leading edge.
Feline
The front edge of a feline's plantar pad has two lobes (Fig. 1) but if the print isn't well-defined, it may appear as a single lobe. In such cases, it often looks like a flat, blunt edge (Fig2).
Canine
A dog's plantar pad has a single lobe on the front edge, typically resembling the rounded tip of a triangle (Fig. 3). However, if the dog slips slightly forward while stepping, the print may appear flat and blunt (Fig 4) creating a resemblance to the front edge of a feline's plantar pad (Fig, 2).
Plantar Pad - rear edge.
Feline
Feline
Feline
The rear edge of the plantar pad has three lobes (Fig 5), but if the print isn't clear, they may appear as just two lobes (Fig 6) or even as a straight edge (Fig 7).
Canine
Feline
Feline
The rear edge has two lobes (Fig 8) but can sometimes appear as a straight edge (Fig. 9) In canines, the plantar pad of the hind feet is more bulbous and can occasionally resemble three lobes (Fig 10). While it generally differs from a feline’s three-lobed pad, it's important to remember that a distorted print can be misleading.
Claw Marks
Dog claw marks typically appear thick and blunt, while cat claw marks tend to be thin and sharp or may show as small, sharp punctures where only the tip touched the ground.
However, ground conditions can alter their appearance. In thick, wet soil, the earth may shift back around a claw mark, making a dog's thick claw impression seem thinner. Conversely, in dry or crumbly terrain, the ground can collapse or break away around a sharp claw mark, giving it the appearance of a blunt claw.
Canine pugmark, with non-typical claw marks, due to deep, wet mud.
Canine pugmarks
Deer
Roe Deer
Roe Deer
Muntjac Deer
Muntjac Deer