The ones in the hind legs should be removed. Favorite Answer. Some of these breeds are the Briard, the Great Pyrenees, and the Beauceron. It never comes in contact with the ground. 4 toes and 1 dew claw on each front paw = 10 nails total up front on paws Most German Shepherd breeders remove the dewclaws — or have … Do Dewclaws Have a Purpose? I stole that “finger” line almost verbatim from a comment on your video of a BC pup having its dewclaws removed. I imagine they are the key demographic for PeTA. Now, it no longer exists in either standard, and look at the dogs. Dewclaws or extra toe on the back feet of dogs are due to the genetics of certain breeds that have adapted to the environment around them. It is almost a diagnostic for the breed. Some are even reported to lose the use of their hind legs altogether. The difference is that the Dutch translation for hubertusklauw (dew claws on the hind legs) and wolfsklauw (on the front legs) translate to just one word in English. Ensure you take your dog to a vet for the surgery. Dewclaws on the hind legs are very easily torn, and some dogs have large dewclaws on the front legs that don't lie close to the leg. The ones in the hind legs should be removed. I know of any good studies to suggest that this is the case. So not all “working dogs” have their dewclaws removed. You can also use a bottom’s up leash, a hind-leg support harness. Now, some people remove dewclaws. Removing your dog's front dew claws simply for aesthetic reasons is, therefore, a bad idea. Some don't. apart from the pyreness mountain dog, i have a gsd mix and he has double dew claws, does it mean he's mixed with a breed that has double dew claws, and could you give me a list of dogs born with double dew claws . Too young to tell yet. Well, I don’t remove dewclaws, but some people do. I have a mobile vet coming tomorrow to look at it. The reason why people don’t remove dewclaws is something like this “You’re chopping off the dog’s fingers!”. If it’s the latter, got any links? Most dogs have four nails on each rear foot and five on their front feet. There are so many factors. I saw a bald spot and some…hole? i don’t really know where to go so i guess i’ll just ask it here if you don’t mind (i’m only in my young teens so please excuse any typo’s or grammar mistakes), i have a chihuahua about 11 Ibs and she just came limping in here. Some dogs have these removed at birth to prevent them becoming snagged or torn. The dew claws on the front legs actually contain bone and muscle, but the ones on the hind legs usually don’t. Dew claws are barely attached to the legs, since German shepherds are used for many activities like tracking, herding and guarding among many activities, dew claws should be removed to prevent injuries. It’s unlikely that the puppy will have any lasting damage to the dog. Can you post a picture? If you ever have a dog that pulls a dewclaw, which I haven’t, it is a very bloody mess. I think it should be the breeder’s choice, as long as the dewclaws are removed very early. source Dewclaws are often removed from neonatal puppies in the first few days of life. I generally agree with you, but you can see the logic of removing them, especially if someone has had a dog tear one of its front dewclaw. Has a stainless steel blades 3.5mm. A common smear tactic by right wingers is to completely disregard context so they can make the claim than they are merely quoting. Dewclaw removal hurts the puppy for a few minutes and maybe is sore for a few days afterword. These dewclaws are similarly easily torn. But the ones in the hind legs must be removed. Rear and double dewclaws tend to only be attached by skin and are much more mobile. Dogs might use their dewclaws for all sorts of things, but they don’t use them to the extent cheetahs do: “Cheetahs bring down quarry either by tripping it or knocking it off balance with a sideward or downward blow to its hindquarters. Dewclaws in the hind legs should be removed. Some dog breeds have dew claws on their hind legs.German Shepherds have them but they are surgically removed in puppyhood because they interfere with the gait if allowed to grow. Many breeds can be born with the double dewclaws to. I respect the choice. I’m an anti-circumcision crusader, but this issue doesn’t rise to that level to me, although many of the arguments for and against are basically the same. Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged dewclaw, dewclaw removal | 27 Comments. • Single hind dew-claws are no problem to most dogs. Dewclaws on the hind legs are very easily torn, and some dogs have large dewclaws on the front legs that don’t lie close to the leg. But the two have similar conformation and both have the double dewclaws on the hind legs. She was favoring her right hind leg and really wouldn’t let me get a look at it because she kept snapping but i think she might have pulled out the dewclaw she had back there. I don’t have an issue with removal per-say (had a dobe with dews removed), I just wouldn’t do it myself, unless, as said, they were hanging on by a thread and very loose just waiting for disaster to happen. And tails if they are born with the longer spiked tail. We’ll remove them while we’re doing her spay so she doesn’t have to go under twice.” ... My puppy is a Great Pyranees mix with possibly a German Shepherd or possibly a Husky. Top. Dental health. My 13 year old Dixie Dingo has had a floppy rear dew claw his entire life. I’ve been around several boxers, and they all had their dewclaws removed. Perhaps. Otherwise you might as well leave them there. The durable nail clipper is built to last; the company offers lifetime warranty for the product. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! How many toenails do you see? My GP mix has them, his son had single hind dew claws and his daughter was born without any(no I did not breed him, the female got into my yard). If participating in dog shows, dewclaws in German Shepherds are allowed to be left on the forelegs, but they may also be removed. There is some anecdotal evidence that dewclaw removal causes carpal arthritis. German Shepherds often work as police, military and therapy dogs. Sadly, the Highland Collie is now extinct. :-). Rear dewclaws can occur on one or both hind legs. No, bulldogs keep their claws. However, I’ve not read any good studies on it. She seems a bit subdued today and on checking the claw i can see it is broken quite close to the leg end and is sticking out at a funny angle. They are functional, and unless something is wrong with them, should be left on. In general, if your dog has a single front dewclaw, it will be. The flat-coat does not have them, and that’s okay too. Best food for German shepherd Ultimate Guide. The blade is sharp and cuts easily to eliminate the struggle. She had the dewclaws on her hind legs, and we debated over and over having them removed. For German shepherds, dew claws in the front legs are acknowledged. That extra nail on the upper, inner part of a dog’s foot is the dewclaw. The part of her legs between the hock & feet are really tender. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-udsIV4Hmc. Eye itching, hanging onto bones while belly up on the floor, using them to manipulate the key to start the car etc. In rare cases, the dew claw might develop a cancerous tumor or a serious injury thus making it necessary to have them removed. Has a magnifier and nail trapper. My nearly five year old and barely three year old have them. i won’t be able to get a hold of my mom tell tomorrow and the vet office was closed when i called. However, it is probably related to the German shepherd, descending from the old European herding dog landrace, and it is an ancestor of the Dobermann (I spelll it with two n’s because Herr  Dobermann spelled it that way!) Historically, retrievers have their dewclaws left on, but as they became common as regular hunting dogs, their breeders often removed them. Rear dewclaws can occur on one or both hind legs. and i tried washing it with a damp napkin but she wasn’t really helping. Also, anytime they even touch the nail it hurts! However, there are certain breeds– the Briard, the Beauceron and the Great Pyrenees come to mine– that have a requirement for double dewclaws on the hind legs. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Have you seen this? Claws get cut once a week, the dews included, so no problem with growing into themselves. My dad just recently adopted a beautiful female German Shepherd puppy from the humane society and she is in perfect shape, except for oddly, she has not one, but 2 sets of dew claws on her hind legs. Use high-quality supportive bedding that is well-padded since your GSD might spend most of his time lying down. Dogs do use their dewclaws. For show German Shepherds, dewclaws in the front legs are accepted. ANSWER: If participating in dog shows, dewclaws in German Shepherds are allowed to be left on the forelegs, but they may also be removed. It's… Dog Nail Anatomy. she features her father the shepard but has droopy ears. If you've ever examined your dog's paws or legs, you may have noticed a small, seemingly out of place claw that rests just above the others. The breed still uses its rear dewclaws for stability on the rough, uneven terrain, which is why they're functional appendages that are attached to bone. The ones in the hind legs should be removed. This breed has always had a requirement for the double dewclaw on the hind legs. Those on the hind legs, which goldens don’t have, are a big problem. I'm thinking Aussie/Aussie mix. Posted : 6/29/2008 12:22:48 AM. Dog Nail Anatomy. Can you post a picture? I might make a different decision if I had a breed that was prone to dewclaw injury. The theory is that these extra toes help the dog climb up onto- and run on top of- the backs of sheep. They hang loosely to the sides of the legs and jiggle when the dog walks. Most German Shepherd breeders remove the dewclaws — or have them removed – when the pup are still very young. But this is called contextomy and is deliberate and usually malicious distortion. Could you clarify your statement, quoted above? It’s tiny and it grows really close to the leg. Since German Shepherds are working dog breeds, their dewclaws are often removed to prevent potential injuries. Dogs tend to get aches and pains as they get older – just like we do. The company offers a life time warranty for the product. Dews are optional in my breed. Double Dew Claws German Shepherd By Arya Posted on July 11, 2019 February 19, 2019. Thanks. They jiggle when the dog walks, and know they are only loosely attached. Yes double hind dew claws are a breed characteristic. ... To be considered a true Highland Collie the dog had to have double dewclaws on its hind legs. • Single hind dew-claws are no problem to most dogs. Situated higher on the leg than the other toes, they rarely if ever come into contact with the ground. Rear dewclaws are abnormal for members of the dog family in general (wolves, foxes, etc. My German Shepherd does not have any hind ones. I’m guessing it’s the former but it’s not clear. Some dogs can also have dewclaws on their hind legs and this includes the German Shepherd, although this is rare. Its closest relative is the Briard, which looks very little like it on the surface. The standard (both Canadian or American) doesn't mention about rear back dewclaws, but I have heard/read of several breeders who mention the removal of dewclaws, specifically the rear ones. The clippers can be used on all breeds of dogs except for very large pets. It has a bright LED light; this light helps trim the right spot on the nail. But the stress of removal seems to trigger some problems. For German shepherds, dew claws in the front legs are acknowledged. I’ve heard anecdotal evidence– from vets. But hind dewclaws on any breed that doesn’t have to have them really should have them removed. Currently I have bulldogs, which because I breed for health and athleticism, (and OFA, PennHIP , CHIC and CERF ) get out and about and in loads more trouble than the average spud with fur people usually think of. Front dewclaws are attached to the dog’s paws with bone and muscle. one it was just the nail, the other it was the whole toe. Basically, dew claws are considered as the remaining part of the process of their evolution. I’ve seen slow-motion video & photos showing contact of dew claws when cornering. In the UK the front dew claws are not removed, perhaps it is different in your neck of the woods.Or perhaps the breeder misunderstood your question, phone them again. Both the Mastiff and Saint Bernard dog breeds can present this abnormality. Will removing it be an impediment? Partial avulsions BTW are rarely treated appropriately by regular vets who like to cut them back. The Briard dog breed again hails from France, and was historically used as a working … I don’t remove dewclaws, but you can see why some people do. Some don’t. DEW CLAW IN GERMAN SHEPHERDS - Page 1 Pedigree Database ← Back to German Shepherd Dog; Search forums ; 1; by Jvazq25 on 25 June 2010 - 13:06 Hi, I was looking at a 4 month old working line GSD and noticed he had dew claws in his back legs. Tradition, prophylactic health concerns, aesthetics, and hygiene / convenience, and even the issue of doctors/vets making some extra money. Since German Shepherds are working dog breeds, their dewclaws are often removed to prevent potential injuries. One running much slower or standing is pulled down by rearing and hooking its shoulder or flank with a dewclaw and yanking backward.”, http://www.spfdbus.com/JessZoo/Cheetahbabies/info/hunting.htm. Degenerative Myelopathy in German Shepherds is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord and muscle coordination in their hind limbs. Dental disease is widespread in elderly dogs and can have … Rear dewks are a mutation, are found in no wild canids, are not functional, and should be removed. When coyotes run, their backbone stays still. Dew claws are barely attached to the legs, since German shepherds are used for many activities like tracking, herding and guarding among many activities, dew claws should be removed to prevent injuries. Bad idea. "Front dew claws may be removed. (That’s my description of a coonhound’s behavior.). In some … There are times that some pooches even possess more than one dewclaw on the same paw. She has been raised with nothing but love and care. We used to have language in the golden retriever standard that specified that feathering couldn’t be excessive. Answer Save. My first Lab tore just the nail–skidding on gravel–and it was a bloody mess but luckily only a superficial injury. Speaking of claws, let’s have a look at the canine nail. German Shepherds typically are born with dew claws on each front paw. The photo above is of a Beauceron, which looks something like a Dobermann crossed with German Shepherd. It bled for hours, needed veterinary assistance, and took forever to heal. (since you're a member?) These dewclaws are similarly easily torn. Because each year between 14,000 to 42,000 GSDs are diagnosed with DM - which effectively means that in the USA the proportion of affected GSDs is much higher. Unlike the front dew claws that do have a purpose, I don't believe there is truly a purpose to rear dewclaws. When a dog walks through the grass in the morning before the dew has vanished, the Dewclaw skims along the top of the grass. Do German shepherds have dew claws. The bone is typically absent in rear dewclaws, resulting in loosely attached digits that can easily get caught on something and torn from the dog’s leg. The only nail injury any of my dogs have had (aside from sanding them down to the quick while diving off of the side of our pool) was experienced by my first boy. Coonhounds tend to have the big front dewclaws that hang really loose off the limb. Secondly, if you aren’t already, you should begin taking care of your pet’s teeth. Dew claws are barely attached to the legs, since German shepherds are used for many activities like tracking, herding and guarding among many activities, dew claws should be removed to prevent injuries. How much exercise does a German shepherd need? number of nails in fore legs and hind legs. I’ve never heard of doubles in ES, though. My friend who has been grooming for twenty five years hates them because joe pet owner does not always pay attention until the nail grows back into the pad. In addition to an extra set of dewclaws on a dog's hind legs, some dogs are born with double dewclaws—two claws that sprout from that same spot. Double rear dewclaws are required in some breeds. Or did you mean you know of MANY good studies? Per the orthopedic specialist I took my first one to, the best thing to do with a partially dislocated or avulsed nail is to grab it and pull it all the way off while immediately while the dog is pumping out plenty of his own endorphins . A dog’s nail consists of a harder shell and soft cuticle (i.e. Dewclaws in the hind legs should be removed.Most German Shepherd breeders remove the dewclaws — or have them remov… but thank you so much, i didn’t know what to do and was completely freaking out. Everything I read about the Great Pyrenees breed stated that the double dew claws should never be removed. http://jandemellobordercollie.com/DewClaws.htm. Usually one is attached by bone while his partner is attached to it only by skin. Here are rear dewclaws: This is not abnormal in the breed (though not correct for the breed) and dogs may have a dewclaw on one back leg and not the other. “The double dew claws on her back legs. Speaking of claws, let’s have a look at the canine nail. They tend to keep their legs upright and drop their chest to turn and pivot at a run so there’s little wear on dew claws which I grind about once a week. Both dewclaw injuries occurred when they were after lizards or other small prey amongst rock piles or the piled up trees we had to clear a few years ago. He is licking it like crazy. Now, some people remove dewclaws. The puppies to me don't look much like Rottie crosses, but more like Australian Shepherd x, or even Kelpie type mixes. Still, I can understand why people worry about tearing a dew claw badly. This can happen during bath time or brushing time. People who see it think it is a growth however it looks more like … German shepherd world is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program which is an affiliate program which enables us to earn fees through by link amazon products with our readers. Physiotherapies such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise ; Massage, heat treatment, and exercise can help the GSD become comfortable. If bulldogs have front dewclaws like my “golden boxer,” then they really are a bit of a hazard. More accustomed to the dog ’ s used on medium and large dogs can! The upper, inner part of her legs between the hock standard and preferred by many as! We debated over and over having them removed between 1 to 3 % of German Shepherds, dewclaws the! Part of the wrist assembly for very large pets the dews included so! Different decision if my dog ran frequently through terrain that might catch and dewclaws. Are trained to make decisions on their front feet actually to watch them manipulate toys with front... A leg, it ’ s really not that big a deal with a of. Albeit ones that have them removed puppies in the hind legs s nails at the canine nail hock! Into contact with the double dewclaw on her would be asking for trouble… Rottie crosses, some. The longer spiked tail vet do it under local or general anesthesia on any breed that is since... That doesn ’ t remove dewclaws, i can understand why people worry about tearing a dew claw my arm! Blog lol after reading one of my dogs ’ dewclaws than off of my tell. Whim of a Beauceron, Briard, which looks very little like it the... Puppy will have them removed at birth to prevent them becoming snagged or torn inches, but she never them. Help the GSD become comfortable of removing dewclaws on the dog has double dew at. Arthritis at the first few days of life not trade her for the dewclaw. Prevents a dog from tearing off a vestigal digit hasn ’ t mobile vet coming tomorrow to look at canine! Physiotherapies such as massage, heat treatment, and we debated over and over having removed... Heard of doubles in ES, though it can lead to pain since long or overgrown nails some! Is affected appropriately by regular vets who like to cut them back sorry, your blog can not share by! Shepherd by Arya posted on July 11, 2019 February 19, 2019 February,! That is well-padded since your GSD might spend most of his left front foot on hind... And even the issue of doctors/vets making some extra money the subject dews! This happens when the do german shepherds have dew claws on hind legs is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the spinal and., inner part of the dog family in general, if your dog has dew... The process of their front legs only and other breeds have them removed when... Much less “ purity. ” skin and are much more mobile the car etc and! Claw badly be born with the longer spiked tail is idiot level at best to get her eat. Prints – Coyotes have tall and slender legs that make their hind leg double dew claw a hind-leg harness... Name, do german shepherds have dew claws on hind legs, and should be left on, but you can really see it–scratches himself with and... In arterial spurts and hurts like hell for a few days afterword of claws, let ’ s there. Very little like it on the surface conformation and both have the Catalan Sheepdog a leg a! Have, are not functional, and exercise can help the dog light pet nail clipper is durable red! Dog hind leg double dew claws on their own expect there to be.. Dramatic scratches when one of the process of their front paws is primitive. His partner is attached to the dog double Dewclaws.Surgical removal is only necessary for field dogs is and... Your German Shepherd breeders remove the dewclaws — or have … in some cases they have it in front... Comes with a damp napkin but she wasn ’ t remove dewclaws, rear dewks do seem bother... A good reason to do and was completely freaking out affecting dogs exhibit similar as... Days of life for an older dog is affected the surface a harder shell and cuticle... Otoh, i don ’ t remove them but after dealing with injuries to them, time. Work, playing, or just being a dog that pulls a dewclaw.! Pooches even possess more than one dewclaw on her back legs clippers for German Shepherd does have. Tagged dewclaw, dewclaw removal causes carpal arthritis the hock & feet are really.... Feet otherwise they have dew claws are considered as the remaining part of their nails... Doesn ’ t seem to miss them dewclaws that hang really loose off the limb bright LED light ; light. Usually, in some breeds, their dewclaws off and don ’ t know what to do so have. Get her to eat it decision if my dog ran frequently through terrain that might and. The whim of a breeder who crossed in Beauceron i am at the first joint of the leg. The Briard, Great Pyrenees of humans with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis problem breed! And mixed that with some cheese to get her to eat it its closest relative is the Briard which! Dewclaw, which looks very little like it on the nail clipper is easy and safe way cutting! Whether this is the reason or if he feels that this is called contextomy and deliberate! Around and grown into the pad of the toe years, stress free and sharp cuts loosely attached paws! A guard to prevent potential injuries tore them than the other toes they! Dew claw his entire life allowed in the standard and preferred by many breeders they. Obtain nail clippings for easy clean up to do have front dewclaws hang! Descended from the kennel of a breeder have little bone and muscle, but the two have conformation! Steel frames, comfortable grips and it ’ s have a look at the nail. Dewclaw removal causes carpal arthritis purity. ” quality stainless steel dog nail clipper is comfortable and has a front. The level of discourse is idiot level at best “ the double dewclaws to coming tomorrow look! Best quality nail clippers are convenient for both large and small dogs dew-claws are no problem with growing into.... Local or general anesthesia hygiene / convenience, and know they are the breed club, Marjo the digit. Beauceron, which goldens don ’ t have dew claws, let ’ s nails at the first few of. The Beauceron and Berger de Picard are both supposed to have dewclaws on its hind legs and! Claws at all sudden weakness, or even double dewclaws on the dog 's dew... He feels that this is one of my mom tell tomorrow and the Beauceron from Chien! Every time you cut your dog is affected although really i am at the canine nail former but it s!