Have you ever noticed a small extra toe on the back of a dog’s leg and wondered why it’s there? Those little toes are called rear dewclaws, and not every dog has them.

If you’re curious about which dog breeds have rear dewclaws and why they matter, you’re in the right place. Understanding these special claws can help you take better care of your dog’s paws and spot potential health issues early. Keep reading to discover the breeds that carry this unique feature and what it means for your furry friend.

Rear Dewclaws Explained

Rear dewclaws are extra toes found on the back legs of some dogs. Not all dog breeds have them. These claws can vary in size and shape.

Understanding rear dewclaws helps dog owners care for their pets better. They may affect a dog’s movement and health.

What Are Rear Dewclaws

Rear dewclaws are small claws located on the inside of a dog’s hind legs. They do not touch the ground like the main toes. Some dogs have one rear dewclaw on each leg, some have two, and others have none.

• They are often higher up than front dewclaws.
• Rear dewclaws can be loose or attached by bone.
• Sometimes they are removed when the dog is young.
• Not all breeds naturally grow rear dewclaws.

Purpose And Function

Rear dewclaws help dogs with stability and gripping. They can give extra traction when running or climbing. In some breeds, they are stronger and more useful.

Function	Description
Stability	Helps dog keep balance during fast movements
Traction	Provides grip on slippery or rough surfaces
Support	Assists in climbing and turning sharply
Protection	Prevents injury by helping paw avoid twisting

Dog Breeds With Rear Dewclaws

Rear dewclaws are extra toes found on the back legs of some dogs. Not all breeds have them, but some do naturally. These claws can help with climbing and stability.

Knowing which dog breeds have rear dewclaws helps owners care for their pets properly. It also explains some unique traits in these dogs.

Common Breeds

Many well-known dog breeds have rear dewclaws. These claws may be removed in some dogs, but they are natural in others.

• Great Pyrenees
• Norwegian Lundehund
• Beauceron
• Saint Bernard
• Appenzeller

These breeds often have double dewclaws on their hind legs. The extra claws help them grip rough or steep surfaces better.

Rare And Unique Breeds

Some rare dog breeds also have rear dewclaws. These breeds are less common but have interesting histories and uses.

Breed	Origin	Rear Dewclaws
Norwegian Lundehund	Norway	Six toes, including double rear dewclaws
Beauceron	France	Double rear dewclaws
Appenzeller	Switzerland	Double rear dewclaws
Gran Mastín de Borínquen	Puerto Rico	Rear dewclaws present

Genetics Behind Rear Dewclaws

Rear dewclaws are extra toes found on the back legs of some dogs. Not all dogs have them, and their presence depends on genetics. Understanding the genetic background helps explain why some breeds keep rear dewclaws.

The genes that control rear dewclaws vary by breed. These traits can be passed down through families. Some breeds have strong genetic patterns for rear dewclaws, while others rarely have them.

Inheritance Patterns

Rear dewclaws are inherited traits that follow simple genetic rules. Usually, one or more genes decide if a dog will have rear dewclaws. These genes can be dominant or recessive.

Dominant genes mean only one parent needs to pass the gene for rear dewclaws to appear. Recessive genes need both parents to pass the gene. This explains why some puppies have rear dewclaws and others do not.

• Dominant gene: rear dewclaws appear if one parent has it
• Recessive gene: both parents must carry the gene for dewclaws
• Incomplete dominance can cause variable dewclaw development

Breed-specific Traits

Certain dog breeds often have rear dewclaws due to their genetic makeup. For example, the Great Pyrenees usually have double rear dewclaws on each hind leg. This trait is rare in other breeds.

Other breeds like the Beauceron and Norwegian Lundehund also carry genes for rear dewclaws. These traits help with balance and movement in their natural environments.

• Great Pyrenees: often has double rear dewclaws
• Beauceron: usually has rear dewclaws on both back legs
• Norwegian Lundehund: has multiple rear dewclaws for climbing
• Most other breeds: rear dewclaws are rare or absent

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Health And Care Of Rear Dewclaws

Rear dewclaws are extra toes found on the back legs of some dog breeds. Not all dogs have them. These claws can affect your dog’s health and comfort.

Proper care of rear dewclaws helps prevent injuries and infections. Understanding common issues and grooming needs is important for dog owners.

Potential Health Issues

Rear dewclaws can cause health problems if ignored. They may get caught on objects, leading to tears or breaks. Infections can occur if the area is not clean.

• Injuries like cuts or torn claws are common.
• Ingrown nails can cause pain and swelling.
• Infections may develop from dirt and bacteria.
• Arthritis can affect the dewclaw joint in older dogs.

Grooming And Maintenance Tips

Regular grooming keeps rear dewclaws healthy. Trim the claws carefully to avoid overgrowth and injury. Clean the area to prevent infections.

Grooming Task	Frequency	Notes
Claw trimming	Every 3-4 weeks	Use sharp clippers and avoid quick
Cleaning dewclaw area	Weekly	Use mild soap and water
Check for injuries	Daily	Look for cuts, swelling, or redness
Consult vet	As needed	If signs of infection or pain appear

Dewclaws In Working And Sporting Dogs

Many working and sporting dogs have rear dewclaws. These extra toes are located higher on the back legs. They may look like small nails or extra toes.

Rear dewclaws can serve special roles for these dogs. They may help with balance and traction during activities.

Functional Advantages

Rear dewclaws help dogs in many ways. They improve grip when dogs run or turn quickly. This support is important for dogs that do hard work or compete in sports.

• Increase traction on slippery surfaces
• Help dogs climb or dig better
• Provide extra stability during fast movements
• Protect legs by preventing over-rotation

Breed Standards And Competitions

Many breed standards mention dewclaws. Some require rear dewclaws to be present. Others allow removal depending on the dog’s purpose.

Breed	Rear Dewclaw Status	Competition Rule
Great Pyrenees	Usually present	Must be left intact
Beauceron	Double dewclaws common	Required for show
Border Collie	Often removed	Removal accepted
German Shepherd	Sometimes present	Varies by club

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Credit: paradepets.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Dog Breeds Commonly Have Rear Dewclaws?

Breeds like Great Pyrenees, Briards, and Saint Bernards often have rear dewclaws. These extra claws help with stability and grip on rough terrain. Rear dewclaws are less common but important in some working and herding breeds.

Are Rear Dewclaws Functional Or Just Extra Toes?

Rear dewclaws can provide extra traction and help with agility. They are not just vestigial but assist in climbing and running. In some breeds, they play a crucial role in movement and balance.

Should Rear Dewclaws Be Removed In Dogs?

Removing rear dewclaws depends on the dog’s activity and health. Many vets recommend keeping them unless they cause injury. Proper care and trimming prevent problems without needing removal.

How Can I Identify Rear Dewclaws On My Dog?

Rear dewclaws are located higher on the inside of the hind legs. They look like small, extra nails separate from the main paw pads. Checking your dog’s hind legs closely helps spot them.

Conclusion

Rear dewclaws appear in several dog breeds, but not all. Some breeds have them naturally; others do not. Knowing which dogs have rear dewclaws helps with care and grooming. These claws may need trimming to avoid problems. Always check your dog’s paws regularly for any issues.

Understanding rear dewclaws keeps your dog healthy and comfortable. Keep learning about your pet’s unique traits. Small details like dewclaws matter for good pet care. Stay attentive and enjoy a happy, healthy dog.