The dew claw is a primitive digit that doesn't actually serve any purpose. Many breeders have them removed so that they do not become ingrowing or snag when the dog is older.
Lots of dogs have a "dew claw"; it is not specific to any breed.
They are used to help hold bones etc. while eating. Some dogs with larger dewclaws use them for better balance when running. Some dogs do not use them at all. It depends on the size of the dog and breed.
On a typical paw, like a dog, they will have four main toes, and one dew-claw on the inside. Most dogs only have dew claws on the front feet, but some are born with back dew-claws. Veterinarians usually remove dew claws from the back feet, and sometimes from the front, as they are are often injured and sometimes ripped off by the dog's every day life.
border collies, Maltese, Aussie shepards, and maybe the blue heeler.
Dogs have four toes on their front and back paws. However, a little higher up on the leg is the dew claw, which looks a little like a thumb if you have a good imagination. Some dogs are born with dew claws on their front and/or hind legs. If the fifth toe you're talking about sits a little higher up, it is a dew claw. Most dogs born with them have them removed by the breeder when they are puppies or their owners opt to have them removed during spay/neuter surgery.
Lots of dogs have a "dew claw"; it is not specific to any breed.
Dogs have a small, primitive digit (fifth toe) on the inside of their front legs. This is called a dew claw. As the dog does not need it, many breeders pay for a vet to remove it, hence dew claw removal.
On working dogs yes, i can see the purpose of having them removed to prevent serious injury. On pet dogs i do not see the purpose. Yes, the can grow and curl causing the dog a lot of needless pain, but, they can be cut and monitored to ensure this does not happen!
Not at all. They are like a persons thumbs. Now, it will hurt the dog if you try to pull on it or if you clip it to short. Usually you don't have to do anything to the dogs dew claw.
They are used to help hold bones etc. while eating. Some dogs with larger dewclaws use them for better balance when running. Some dogs do not use them at all. It depends on the size of the dog and breed.
It could possibly be irritated. You should check with you veterinarian. It may have to be removed.
The dew claw is on the back of the front leg about an inch above the foot of a dog. Some people have them removed when the dogs are puppies. If not, you will feel a nail, just like a dog's toenails, protruding from that area. It is said that it is called the dew claw because it merely touches the dew on the grass as a dog walks.
On a typical paw, like a dog, they will have four main toes, and one dew-claw on the inside. Most dogs only have dew claws on the front feet, but some are born with back dew-claws. Veterinarians usually remove dew claws from the back feet, and sometimes from the front, as they are are often injured and sometimes ripped off by the dog's every day life.
It's called the dew claw.
border collies, Maltese, Aussie shepards, and maybe the blue heeler.
Dogs have four toes on their front and back paws. However, a little higher up on the leg is the dew claw, which looks a little like a thumb if you have a good imagination. Some dogs are born with dew claws on their front and/or hind legs. If the fifth toe you're talking about sits a little higher up, it is a dew claw. Most dogs born with them have them removed by the breeder when they are puppies or their owners opt to have them removed during spay/neuter surgery.
Dew claws on the back legs are rarer but not unusual. All dogs have atleast two dew claws unless they are removed. They serve no functional purpose and are just primitive digits.