[SWHouston]

I trim both my guys paws, but it's mainly because they get them wet a lot. Short helps dry them out, and they don't leave such a mess when we get back from the Bayou (they jump in after a Frog or Shake a lot too)
Anyway, it's neater and their "traction" isn't inhibited by the longer hair. I have lifted the Hair just above their paws, trimmed the hair directly on them, and combed the longer hair back over, trimming it where it doesn't overhang.