![]() ![]() ![]() In some breeds, there are even double rear dewclaws. These dewclaws can be found on the hind legs and are a fully-formed toe, complete with a bone structure and attached to the leg by nerves and muscles. Why Do Some Dogs Have Double Dew Claws?ĭouble dewclaws are common among large working dog breeds, which have historically worked alongside their owners herding sheep. Additionally, not all kennel clubs recognize rear dewclaws as standard for each breed. It’s important to note that the presence of rear dewclaws can vary within each breed, and not all dogs of a specific breed will have rear dewclaws. It’s part of the AKC breed standards for the beauceron, actually, to have their double rear dewclaws intact for the show ring because they are functional double dewclaws. Icelandic Sheepdog (double preferred rear dewclaws).Anatolian Shepherd (double rear dewclaws).East Siberian Laika (double rear dewclaws).Estrela Mountain Dog (single or double rear dewclaws).Norwegian Lundehund (they actually have extra toes!).Pyrenean Shepherd (single or double claws).However, some dog breeds that have rear dewclaws tend to be flock guardian breeds and a smattering of other working dogs but they include: This prevents injury in later life (but we’ll discuss this later!!). Well, actually, all dogs are born with them, usually the vet or breeder snip them off when they’re tiny puppies. It’s odd when we see dogs with rear dewclaws because we’re really not used to seeing it. Then, your dog will also use them to help their grip when they’re eating bones or chews too. Additionally, dew claws may also be used by some dogs for tasks such as climbing, scratching, or cleaning their teeth. For this reason, dogs who compete in agility or other dog sports can benefit from having front dewclaws. The dewclaw digs into the ground providing support to the limb when dogs turn. Dewclaws also help stabilize the carpus (the wrist) of the lead leg by touching the ground when a dog is in a gallop or canter. At high speeds (especially when turning) or on slippery surfaces, these dewclaws provide extra traction and help stabilize the carpal (wrist) joint. When dogs run, their front feet often bend to the point where their dewclaws contact the ground. Dewclaws that are attached by bone to a dog’s front foot have a definite purpose. Why Do Dogs Have Dewclaws?ĭewclaws are the fifth digit on a dog’s paw which is located higher up the leg than the other four toes. The presence or absence of dew claws can vary by breed and may even be removed by some breeders or owners for various reasons. Not all dogs have dew claws, and some may have them on only their front or rear legs, while others may have them on both. On the rear legs, dew claws are found higher up on the leg, usually just above the paw but closer to the body than on the front legs. On the front legs, dew claws are found on the inside of the leg, usually just above the paw. Dew claws are the “thumbs” of a dog’s paws and are located higher up on the leg than the other toes. See this beauceron puppy’s dewclaws? how cool is that?! Where Are A Dog’s Dewclaws?ĭogs have dew claws on their front and/or hind legs. Trimming the nails regularly can prevent such injuries. However, dewclaws can also be prone to injuries such as overgrowth, ingrown, infected, torn, or broken dewclaws. It also provides support to the limb when dogs turn, which is why dogs who compete in agility or other dog sports can benefit from having front dewclaws. The dewclaw helps stabilize the carpus (the wrist) of the lead leg by touching the ground when a dog is in a gallop or canter. The dewclaws are essentially the thumbs and big toes of the dog world, and they correspond to our thumbs. Dogs and cats are typically born with two front dewclaws, but some may have one or more dewclaws on the rear limbs as well. So which dog breeds do have dewclaws, naturally, on their back legs? What Is A Dewclaw?Ī dewclaw is a small toe located on the inside of a dog’s front or back leg near the wrist area, and it is non-weight-bearing. Not all dogs require dew claws (or hind dewclaws) as part of the breed standard, but it can be really beneficial for dogs that are involved in things like agility, or might need extra grip on rough terrain.Ĭommonly, we leave the extra digit on our dog’s legs at the front, but the back dewclaws are most often removed if they should be present. Why Do Great Pyrenees Have Double Dew Claws: Understanding These Unique Claws ![]()
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