Is it rare for a dog to have back dew claws?

Today, most dogs have dewclaws only on their front paws, and it is rare to find them on their back paws. However in several breeds, such as the Great Pyrenees and Briards, rear dewclaws are common, they may even have a double dewclaw! It is not uncommon for dogs with injury-prone dewclaws to have them removed.

Do purebred dogs have rear dew claws?

All dogs naturally have them on their front legs, but some breeds also have them on their rear legs as well, and some polydactyl paws are blessed with double dewclaws as well.

Should you remove rear dewclaws?

Should Dewclaws Be Removed? There is no valid medical reason for front dewclaw removal and even removal of well-developed rear dewclaws unless there’s a diseased dewclaw or dewclaw injury. Front dewclaws are a normal part of a dog’s anatomy.

What breeds have a rear dew claw?

The Pyrenean shepherd, briard and Spanish mastiff are other breeds that have breed standards that include the rear double dewclaw. The Bouvier des Flandres may be born with rear dewclaws, but the AKC standard requires they be removed for competition.

What dogs have rear double dew claws?

Certain breeds are distinctive for having double dewclaws on each hind leg. They include the Beauceron, briard, great Pyrenees and Icelandic sheepdog. The dewclaws are often referred to as vestigial appendages, meaning they no longer serve a purpose, but many dog owners would beg to differ on that subject.

Why do some dogs have back dewclaws?

A more technical term for these additional digits on the rear legs is hind-limb-specific preaxial polydactyly. Several genetic mechanisms can cause rear dewclaws; they involve the LMBR1 gene and related parts of the genome. Rear dewclaws often have no phalanx bones and are attached by skin only.

Why do dogs have back dewclaws?

The dewclaws help maintain balance and stability. You may notice this when your dog walks or climbs on uneven terrain. Dewclaws are especially helpful when getting out of water. Dewclaws can also help dogs hold or grip something they’re eating, like a delicious treat or chew toy.

What small dogs have rear dew claws?

Several dog breeds can have hind dewclaws but only a few breeds need them as part of the breed standard….The following are some of the small dog breeds with rear dewclaws.

  • 7 Small Dog Breeds with Rear Dewclaws.
  • French Bulldog.
  • Chihuahua.
  • Catalan Sheepdogs.
  • Dachshunds.
  • Briard.
  • Iceland sheepdog.

Why do dogs have dew claws on their hind legs?

The dewclaws are not dead appendages. They can be used to lightly grip bones and other items that dogs hold with the paws. In some dogs, these claws may not appear to be connected to the leg at all except by a flap of skin; in such dogs, the claws do not have a use for gripping as the claw can easily fold or turn.