What are rear dew claws and which dog breeds have them?
Rear dew claws dog breeds: Rear dew claws are extra digits located on the back of a dog’s leg, just above the paw. Not all dog breeds have them, but they are more commonly found in breeds that were developed for specific purposes such as hunting, herding, or working in rugged terrain.
Some breeds that are known to have rear dew claws include the Great Pyrenees, Saint Bernard, Briard, Anatolian Shepherd, Norwegian Lundehund, and some breeds of spaniels, such as the English Springer Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel.
Rear dew claws can serve a functional purpose, such as providing extra traction when a dog is running or climbing, or helping them to grip objects when they are working. However, in many cases, they are vestigial and have no practical use.
Some breeders choose to remove them shortly after birth, while others leave them intact. It is important to note that removing dew claws can be a controversial practice, and should only be done by a licensed veterinarian using appropriate anesthesia and pain management techniques.
Which dog breeds have rear dewclaws?
There are several dog breeds that have rear dewclaws, including:
- Great Pyrenees
- Saint Bernard
- Briard
- Anatolian Shepherd
- Portuguese Sheepdog
- Spanish Mastiff
- Beauceron
- Belgian Tervuren
- Norwegian Lundehund
- Estrela Mountain Dog
Here are some additional dog breeds that can have rear dewclaws:
- Basenji
- Cão de Castro Laboreiro
- Catalonian Sheepdog
- Entlebucher Mountain Dog
- Finnish Lapphund
- Icelandic Sheepdog
- Maremma Sheepdog
- Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Puma
- Pyrenean Mastiff
Again, it’s important to keep in mind that not all dogs within these breeds will have rear dewclaws and that some may have had them removed for various reasons. It’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or breeder if you have any questions about your specific dog’s dewclaws.
The debate around the purpose of rear dew claws
The purpose of rear dew claws in dogs is a subject of debate among experts and breeders. Some argue that they serve a functional purpose, while others believe that they are vestigial and have no practical use.
Those who believe that rear dew claws are functional argue that they provide extra traction and stability when a dog is running or climbing.
They also suggest that rear dew claws may help a dog grip objects when they are working, such as when they are herding or retrieving.
On the other hand, those who believe that rear dew claws are vestigial argue that they are remnants of a digit that was once necessary for dogs’ survival in the wild.
They suggest that as dogs evolved and became domesticated, the rear dew claw became less important and eventually lost its practical use.
Ultimately, the purpose of rear dew claws in dogs may vary depending on the breed and individual dog. Some dogs may use them for functional purposes, while others may not.
It is important for dog owners to be aware of their dog’s anatomy and any potential issues that may arise with rear dew claws, such as injury or infection.
Advantages and disadvantages of rear dew claws in dog breeds
There are potential advantages and disadvantages to having rear dew claws in dog breeds. Here are some of the main points:
Advantages:
Extra grip and traction: Rear dew claws may provide dogs with extra grip and traction when running, climbing, or working on uneven terrain.
Balance and stability: Some argue that rear dew claws help dogs maintain balance and stability, especially when making sudden turns or changes in direction.
Help with certain tasks: For some working breeds, such as those used for herding or hunting, rear dew claws may be useful for gripping and holding objects.
Disadvantages:
Injury: Rear dew claws can be prone to injury, especially if they are not kept trimmed or if a dog engages in high-impact activities.
Infection: If rear dew claws are not kept clean, they can become infected, which can be painful and require veterinary treatment.
Interference with movement: Some argue that rear dew claws can get in the way of a dog’s movement or become caught on objects, which can be uncomfortable or even dangerous.
It is important to note that the potential advantages and disadvantages of rear dewclaws may vary depending on the breed and individual dog.
Ultimately, the decision to remove rear dewclaws should be made in consultation with a licensed veterinarian and based on the individual dog’s anatomy, lifestyle, and potential risks.
Evolution of rear dew claws in certain dog breeds
The evolution of rear dew claws in certain dog breeds is not well understood, and there is still much debate about how they developed over time.
However, there are several theories that have been proposed to explain their presence in certain breeds.
One theory is that rear dew claws are a vestigial trait that was inherited from dogs’ wild ancestors. In the wild, dew claws may have served a functional purpose, such as helping dogs to climb rocky terrain or grip prey while hunting.
Over time, as dogs became domesticated and their lifestyles changed, rear dew claws may have lost their practical use but were retained as a remnant of their evolutionary history.
Another theory is that rear dew claws developed as a result of selective breeding by humans. Some dog breeds were developed for specific purposes, such as herding or hunting, and rear dew claws may have been selectively bred into these breeds because they provided an advantage in performing those tasks.
It is important to note that the evolution of rear dew claws in dog breeds is not well documented and likely varies from breed to breed. Further research is needed to better understand how they developed and what role they play in the function and behavior of different breeds.
How to care for rear dew claws in dogs
Proper care for rear dew claws in dogs is essential to keep them healthy and prevent injury or infection. Here are some tips for caring for your dog’s rear dew claws:
Keep them trimmed: Rear dew claws can become overgrown if not trimmed regularly, which can cause them to snag on objects or become torn, leading to injury or infection. Trim them regularly using a pair of sharp, clean scissors or clippers.
Check for signs of injury or infection: Regularly check your dog’s rear dew claws for signs of injury or infection, such as redness, swelling, discharge, or a foul odor. If you notice any of these signs, consult with your veterinarian.
Clean them regularly: Clean your dog’s rear dew claws regularly with a mild antiseptic solution and warm water. Be sure to dry them thoroughly afterward to prevent moisture buildup.
Be mindful of activities: Be mindful of your dog’s activities and lifestyle, as certain activities such as running, jumping, or rough play can increase the risk of injury to the rear dew claws. Take precautions to protect your dog’s paws, such as using booties or paw wax.
Consider removal: In some cases, rear dew claws may be prone to injury or infection or may interfere with a dog’s movement. In these cases, removal may be recommended. However, it’s important to consult with a licensed veterinarian before considering removal, as it can be a complex and potentially risky procedure.
By following these tips, you can help ensure your dog’s rear dew claws stay healthy and free from injury or infection.
Final thoughts on rear dew claws in dog breeds – should they be removed or left intact?
The decision of whether to remove rear dew claws in dog breeds is a matter of debate and should be based on a careful assessment of the individual dog’s anatomy, lifestyle, and potential risks. While there are potential advantages to having rear dew claws, such as extra grip and traction and aiding in certain tasks, there are also potential risks, such as injury or infection.
If the dog is not at risk of injury or infection, the rear dewclaws may be left intact. However, if the dog is at risk or if the rear dew claws are interfering with their movement or comfort, removal may be recommended.
It’s important to consult with a licensed veterinarian before making a decision on whether to remove rear dew claws, as it can be a complex and potentially risky procedure.
Ultimately, the decision whether to remove or keep rear dew claws in dog breeds should be made on a case-by-case basis, with the welfare and safety of the individual dog as the top priority.
Final thoughts on rear dew claws in dog breeds – should they be removed or left intact?
The decision whether to remove rear dew claws in dog breeds is a matter of debate and should be based on a careful assessment of the individual dog’s anatomy, lifestyle, and potential risks. While there are potential advantages to having rear dew claws, such as extra grip and traction and aiding in certain tasks, there are also potential risks, such as injury or infection.
If the dog is not at risk of injury or infection, the rear dewclaws may be left intact. However, if the dog is at risk or if the rear dew claws are interfering with their movement or comfort, removal may be recommended. It’s important to consult with a licensed veterinarian before making a decision on whether to remove rear dew claws, as it can be a complex and potentially risky procedure.
Ultimately, the decision whether to remove or keep rear dew claws in dog breeds should be made on a case-by-case basis, with the welfare and safety of the individual dog as the top priority.
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