Hammond's research in the mid 20th c. has demonstrated that distal
extremity parts are the first to fully develop in mammals (see
differential ages for epiphyseal fusion in any common domestic
species), while the central part of the vertebral colums is "finished"
last. Also, of all tissues nerves develop first (big headed babies),
followed by bone (large paws), muscle (optimal slaughtering age for
livestock) and fat (perpetual dieting among middle aged+ humans).
Hence the huge feet of teenagers and large paws of puppies.
This connection, however, is naturally, stochastic with broad intra-
and interspecific variability. It explains, however, the popular
observation that most puppies with large paws grow into larger than
average monsters. I also saw a foal who had to suckle "squatting" at
a tender age of 3 days, because his meta- and zygpodia were far
too long to let him fit under his mother! Same problem.
Best wishes, Laszlo
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