Yes, it is normal for Great Pyrenees to have double dew claws. Dew claws are the fifth and often additional, outermost toe on the foot of certain mammals, such as dogs, cats, sheep, and goats. Double dew claws are common in certain breeds, including Great Pyrenees, due to the breed’s close relation to the wolf.
In addition to providing balance and stability, double dew claws give the dog extra traction when running on slippery surfaces and can serve as protection during times of injury. Furthermore, in most countries, having dew claws on the front legs is considered a mark of distinction.
That being said, if the double dew claws are causing your canine discomfort, your veterinarian may recommend removing them surgically.
Table of Contents
Why does my dog have double dew claws?
Double dew claws on dogs are an inherited trait that can occur at birth. This trait can be seen in several breeds and may be more prominent in some than in others. The double dew claw is a genetic abnormality, with at least two toenails on one foot.
They may not just be located on the inner side of the paw, they can be in the front or back too. It’s speculated that they may have had a functional use at some point in history, like with the base knuckle of a thumb giving humans the ability to grasp objects.
Dogs with double dew claws have an extra digit and higher level of traction, which may have been helpful for certain breeds. However, today, the double dew claw – if not removed – can be a source of discomfort for some dogs, as it can get snagged on things and cause pain.
The dew claw can also be prone to medical conditions such as infection, inflammation, and dehydration. Many veterinarians recommend having double dew claws removed if they are causing issues.
Should you remove a Pyrenees dew claws?
No, you should not remove a Pyrenees dew claws. The dewclaws are part of the Pyrenees anatomy and serve the same purpose as thumbs on humans, providing additional balance and grip when climbing rocks or steep slopes.
They can even be used to hold objects such as food or sticks! Removing them can lead to long-term injury or pain to the dog, such as infections, abrasions, and further unnecessary complications. In addition, the dewclaws can often look a bit unsightly and are sometimes targeted in cosmetic surgical practices, which is far from ideal and should be avoided.
The best course of action is to simply leave the dewclaws alone and embrace the natural features they offer your pup.
Why do Breeders not remove dew claws?
Dew claws are an evolutionary remnant, present on the front legs of all canines. They are similar to thumbs and are often found on cats, too. In dogs, they are usually smaller than the other toenails and may even be absent from some individuals.
While they do serve no functional purpose, they do carry a genetic component and affect the look of the dog’s feet. For this reason, many breeders choose to keep them, as it is part of the breed’s aesthetic standard.
For example, many working and livestock guardian breeds have them set higher up on the leg and surrounded by fur, and removing them would be detrimental to the look of the dog.
Furthermore, removal of the dew claws has many potential hazards. The area they are attached is delicate and can contain arteries and nerves if procedures are not done correctly. Removal done without proper sterile environments and professional personnel can be dangerous and cause infection or injury.
In some cases, the claws may grow back abnormally, leading to further issues. For this reason, many breeders prefer to leave them intact.
Are Great Pyrenees supposed to have extra toes?
No, Great Pyrenees are not supposed to have extra toes. They should have four toes on the front feet and four toes on the back feet, which is the standard for most domesticated dog breeds. However, it is not unheard of for them to have an extra toe known as a dewclaw on the inside of their front feet.
This extra toe does not normally touch the ground, nor is it regularly trimmed like the other toe nails, as it does not typically contribute to the dog’s grip. In some cases, a pup may be born with extra toes on their back feet, but this is rare and is not unique to the Great Pyrenees breed.
If you are concerned about your pup having extra toes, you should contact a veterinarian for further analysis.
Do Great Pyrenees like water?
Yes, Great Pyrenees love playing in water! In fact, they were bred to guard sheep herds near and in water, so they have adapted to being around it and even love playing in it! They have a strong, thick double coat which is waterproof, and helps protect them from water and swimming.
It helps keep them from getting cold and from getting water up their nose. They are also built for cold climates, as they originate from the Pyrenees Mountain Range between France and Spain. As a result, many even enjoy swimming in icy cold water.
Overall, Great Pyrenees are by nature quite happy playing around in, and even swimming in water. However, the amount of time spent in the water should be limited, especially in the summer months and when the temperature is warm to ensure the pup does not overheat.
Do double dew claws need to be removed?
No, double dew claws do not need to be removed. In fact, it can be beneficial to leave them in place. Double dew claws are an extra set of claws on the inside of the hind legs in some breeds of dogs.
They serve as additional protection against potentially harmful objects that the dog may walk into, as well as providing extra support when the dog is walking and running. If the breed has a tendency to pull on things, such as during agility or in hunting activities, the claws can help to keep a grip and help the dog to remain steady.
Removal of the claws may also interfere with tendons and ligaments in the feet, so it is usually in the animal’s best interest to leave them in place.
Are double dew claws rare?
Double dew claws are less common than single dew claws, but they are not especially rare. Double dew claws are typically found on some breeds of dogs, such as the Great Pyrenees and the Akbash, and typically form a second “thumb” on the back of their legs.
This second digit can cause issues with their gait and make them prone to skin irritations and other issues, and many owners elect to have the second dew claw removed. However, the double dew claw itself is not especially rare, and can be a normal feature on certain breeds of dogs.
Do dew claws have a purpose?
Yes, dew claws do have a purpose. Dew claws are the extra toes that some dogs have on their feet. They are commonly found on breeds like the Great Pyrenees and the Rottweiler.
Dew claws have evolved over time as an adaptation to improve dogs’ abilities to grasp, climb, and maintain balance on various kinds of terrain. They act as opposable thumbs for dogs, providing them with extra grip and stability when moving on various kinds of terrain.
This is particularly helpful when dogs are attempting to climb or traverse difficult or slippery surfaces.
Dew claws can also provide tactile feedback when a dog is exploring its environment or moving on unfamiliar or unsteady ground. The texture of the claws gives the dog important information about the texture of the surface it is walking on, providing it with more detailed information about its surroundings.
In addition to the above, dew claws can also provide cushioning for a dog’s feet during movement. This helps protect a dog’s feet from the impact of walking on hard surfaces and can reduce fatigue and soreness.
Overall, dew claws do indeed have a purpose. They act as opposable thumbs that help dogs grasp and maintain balance on difficult terrain, they provide tactile feedback, and they help cushion a dog’s feet and protect them from impact.
Why do hunting dogs have dew claws removed?
Hunting dogs often have their dew claws removed because they can be an impediment to the dog in their work. Dew claws are the small, vestigial toes located on the inside of the dog’s front leg, near the wrist.
They are Often considered to be troublesome appendages, as they can get in the way and get caught on the environment, especially when working in brush or grassy areas. They have no bones or joints, and tend to flop around, making it difficult for the dogs to run and maneuver successfully while hunting.
For this, and also to prevent potential damage, dew claws are often removed. By removing the dew claws, the dog can run, jump, turn and maneuver more efficiently, leading to a more successful and less dangerous hunting experience.
Do dogs need dew claws?
Generally, it is not recommended to remove a dog’s dew claws. In some cases, it is necessary, as the dew claws may be damaged, sore, or infected. It is important to assess whether or not the dew claws are helping the dog with balance and functioning.
If the dew claws are not causing any problems, they don’t need to be removed.
In some dogs, such as those with active lifestyles, the short answer is yes! The dew claws provide extra grip and stability on uneven terrain, hills, mud, etc. Dogs are able to more easily climb, dig and grip various surfaces by using their dew claws.
They also help the dog maintain balance when running. Many owners also find that it helps to have dew claws when teaching their dog commands, such as “sit” or “heel”. Not to mention that it also adds a bit of personality to your pup!.
It is important to keep in mind that if you decide to keep your dog’s dew claws, they need to be regularly trimmed and kept clean. If the dew claws are not trimmed regularly, they can become long and curl over, which can cause a variety of injuries to your pup.
Overall, dew claws can provide valuable stability and grip to a dog depending on their lifestyle, and in most cases are not necessary to be removed. If you do decide to keep your pup’s dew claws, it is important to take proper care of them.
What happens if you don’t cut dew claws?
If you do not cut dew claws, they can cause many problems. The dew claws, which are located on the inner front paws of a dog, do not touch the ground and are used mostly for balance and traction. Therefore, since the dew claws are rarely touched or worn down, they can grow very long, potentially getting caught on furniture, carpets, and other obstacles, which can cause pain and irritation to the dog.
If not regularly trimmed, the nails can become ingrown, which is a painful condition that can require veterinary care or even surgery to repair. If the nails are not trimmed, the claws can also wrap around the toe, which can lead to the development of an infection.
Cutting dew claws is one of the easiest ways to save your pup from having to deal with pain or discomfort down the road.
Do dew claws grow back?
No, dew claws do not grow back. Dew claws are essentially a type of extra toenail, located on the front feet of some animals. They typically grow about 1 inch in length and can be found near the front ankle, on the outside of the foot.
While there is a general consensus that dew claws should be removed, due to risks of injury, they cannot grow back even if they are removed. Once cut away, the claw bed is formed, making it impossible for a new claw to grow in its place.
Is it illegal to remove dew claws?
No, it is not illegal to remove dew claws. In countries such as the United States, where animal welfare is legally regulated, removing dew claws is considered legal as long it is done in a humane manner and by a qualified veterinarian or professional.
Ideally, the procedure should be done shortly after birth to ensure the pup’s comfort. Dew claws are often seen as either a cosmetic procedure or one that is done for the dog’s safety. However, there is debate over whether or not the practice is necessary or even beneficial.
Some argue that the clipping of the dew claw can contribute to long-term problems for a dog, such as arthritis due to the knife cutting the nerves in the dog’s foot. Plus, the removal of the dew claw can leave the dog’s nail vulnerable to further damage.
Ultimately, owners should research whether removing the dew claw is in the best interest of their pet and whether it is necessary or if other preventive measures, such as regular trimming, can be used instead.
Should dewclaws be removed on Great Pyrenees?
Whether or not to remove dewclaws on a Great Pyrenees is an individual choice and one that should be discussed with your veterinarian. Dewclaws are the first digit on the hind leg which is above the paw.
They are often thought to be “thumbs” but they are non-weight-bearing digits that have limited use. Generally, dewclaws are removed shortly after birth and the process is similar to trimming the nails on a dog.
It is important to note that removing dewclaws is not without risks and the process should only be done by an experienced veterinarian.
The primary concern with keeping the dewclaw is that it can become snagged on items in the environment, potentially causing injury or infection. This is a common reason for having them removed in other breeds of dogs as well.
Other cons include the difficulty of trimming the dewclaw as the thick fur of the Great Pyrenees will often cover the nail making it difficult to see and trim. Additionally, when a Great Pyrenees is out in rough terrain the dewclaw can become caught on branches, leading to the same issues as snagging mentioned earlier.
On the other hand, there may be some benefits to keeping the dewclaw such as providing extra stability and grip when descending slippery slopes or when running fast turns. Additionally, some owners have observed that their Great Pyrenees actually use the dewclaw while playing.
Most importantly, whatever your decision, consulting with your veterinarian is the best way to move forward. They can provide advice on the potential risks and benefits, as well as discuss options for achieving the desired result.
