What Dog Breeds Have Double Dewclaws? | Claws Uncovered Facts

Understanding Double Dewclaws in Dogs

Dewclaws are the small, thumb-like claws located slightly higher up on a dog’s leg than their regular paws. Most dogs have a single dewclaw on each front leg, but some breeds possess double dewclaws—two claws on the inner side of their hind legs, or occasionally on the front legs. These extra claws aren’t just genetic quirks; they often serve practical purposes tied to the dog’s original work or environment.

Double dewclaws are relatively rare but notable in specific breeds. Unlike regular dewclaws, which may be vestigial and sometimes removed to prevent injury, double dewclaws often remain intact because they provide additional stability or traction. This trait is especially prevalent in working dogs bred for rugged terrain or herding.

Which Dog Breeds Have Double Dewclaws?

The presence of double dewclaws is a distinctive feature in only a handful of dog breeds worldwide. These breeds usually have a history involving mountainous or rough terrain where extra grip was advantageous. Here’s a list of the most recognized breeds with double dewclaws:

• Great Pyrenees: Known for guarding livestock in the Pyrenees Mountains, this breed typically has double dewclaws on its hind legs.
• Beauceron: A French herding dog with double dewclaws that function as an extra set of toes for balance and agility.
• Norwegian Lundehund: This rare breed has multiple extra toes, including double dewclaws, which help it climb rocky cliffs.
• Tibetan Mastiff: Some individuals carry double dewclaws as part of their adaptation to mountainous terrain.
• Briard: Another French herding breed known for having double dewclaws on their hind legs.

These breeds share a common thread: their double dewclaws enhance traction and stability in challenging environments.

The Great Pyrenees: A Classic Example

The Great Pyrenees stands out as one of the most well-known breeds with permanent double dewclaws. These dogs were bred to guard sheep across steep mountain slopes where slipping could be fatal. The extra claws act like natural crampons, allowing them to maintain grip while running or climbing.

Veterinarians often advise against removing these dewclaws unless there’s an injury because they contribute significantly to the dog’s mobility and balance. The breed standard even acknowledges these double claws as part of the ideal physical traits.

The Beauceron’s Functional Claw Design

The Beauceron is another fascinating example. Originating from France, this breed is prized for its intelligence and agility in herding sheep over uneven ground. The Beauceron sports two well-developed dewclaws on each hind leg that move independently from each other.

This unique anatomical feature enhances their ability to make sharp turns and sudden stops without losing footing—a crucial advantage when managing fast-moving livestock.

The Genetics Behind Double Dewclaws

Double dewclaws don’t appear randomly; they’re inherited traits influenced by specific genes. The exact genetic mechanisms remain partly mysterious, but studies suggest that particular gene expressions control limb development during embryonic growth.

In breeds like the Norwegian Lundehund, mutations cause polydactyly—a condition where dogs develop extra toes beyond the usual five on front paws and four on rear paws. This breed can have up to six toes per paw, including multiple dewclaws.

For Great Pyrenees and Beaucerons, selective breeding over centuries preserved these extra claws because they offered functional advantages rather than being mere anomalies.

Polydactyly vs. Double Dewclaw

It’s important to differentiate between polydactyly (extra digits) and true double dewclaw formation. Polydactyly results in additional fully formed toes with bones and joints that function similarly to normal digits.

Double dewclaws are typically smaller and less mobile but still attached by bone rather than just skin or soft tissue. They usually appear only on one side of the leg (the inside), unlike full polydactyly which can affect multiple sides.

The Role of Double Dewclaws in Canine Mobility

Many people assume that all extra claws are useless leftovers from evolution or even potential hazards needing removal. However, double dewclaws serve practical roles in certain dogs:

• Traction: Extra claws improve grip during running, climbing, or turning sharply.
• Stability: They help distribute weight more evenly across uneven surfaces.
• Balance: Dogs with double dewclaws can better maintain balance when navigating slippery or rugged terrain.

For example, herding dogs tasked with chasing fast-moving sheep benefit immensely from this added stability during quick pivots or sudden stops.

Why Some Dewclaws Are Removed

Not all breeds keep their dewclaws intact; many pet owners opt for removal shortly after birth due to concerns about snagging or injury—especially if the claw isn’t firmly attached by bone.

However, removing double dewclaws from breeds designed to have them can cause discomfort or reduce mobility. In working dogs with heavy activity demands, keeping these claws intact is generally advised unless veterinary issues arise.

A Detailed Comparison Table: Dog Breeds With Double Dewclaws

Breed	Dewclaw Location	Main Functionality
Great Pyrenees	Double hind leg dewclaws	Enhanced traction on rocky mountain terrain for livestock guarding
Beauceron	Double hind leg dewclaws (move independently)	Aids quick direction changes during herding work
Norwegian Lundehund	Multiple extra toes including double front & hind leg dewclaws	Climbing steep cliffs; exceptional foot flexibility & grip
Tibetan Mastiff	Occasional double hind leg dewclaws	Adds stability during mountain guarding duties
Briard	Double hind leg dewclaws (well developed)	Aids balance and traction while herding sheep over rough ground

Caring for Dogs With Double Dewclaws

Owners of dogs sporting double dewclaws should pay special attention during grooming and health checks. Since these claws are positioned slightly higher than normal paws, they might not wear down naturally through walking as much as other nails do.

Here are some care tips:

• Nail trimming: Regular clipping prevents overgrowth which can cause pain or snagging.
• Inspection: Check frequently for injuries like splits or infections since these claws may catch on debris.
• Paw hygiene: Clean around the area thoroughly after outdoor activities to avoid dirt buildup between claw pads.
• Lameness monitoring: Watch for limping signs indicating discomfort related to claw issues.

Veterinarians recommend keeping these claws intact unless there’s a medical reason for removal because they contribute significantly to your dog’s comfort and movement efficiency.

The Historical Perspective Behind Double Dewclaw Breeds

Most breeds with double dewclaws come from regions where survival depended heavily on navigating tough landscapes—mountainsides, cliffsides, or uneven farmlands.

The Great Pyrenees guarded flocks against predators like wolves in high-altitude areas where slipping was dangerous. Their paw adaptations reflect centuries of natural selection favoring traits enhancing surefootedness.

Similarly, the Norwegian Lundehund evolved among rocky Norwegian coasts hunting puffins nesting in cliff crevices. Their multiple toes—including several sets of functional dewclaws—allow extreme flexibility unseen in other dog breeds.

This evolutionary background explains why breeders preserved these traits rather than removing them as superfluous features like many modern pet owners might do today.

The Debate Over Removing Double Dewclaws: Pros and Cons

While some pet owners opt for cosmetic removal of any extra nails shortly after birth due to fears about injury risks or aesthetics, many experts caution against this practice when it comes to established breed standards involving double dewclaws:

Pros of Removal:

• Might reduce risk of snagging if poorly attached claw exists.
• Easier grooming without extra nails requiring trimming.
• Aesthetic preference for some owners who dislike “extra” toes.

Cons of Removal:

• Painful procedure if done improperly; risk increases if done too late.
• Loses natural traction benefits impacting balance & agility.
• Might cause long-term discomfort altering gait mechanics.

For working dogs especially—where performance depends heavily on paw integrity—the consensus favors preserving well-formed double dewclaws unless veterinary advice suggests otherwise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What dog breeds have double dewclaws on their hind legs?

Double dewclaws on the hind legs are most commonly found in breeds like the Great Pyrenees, Beauceron, Norwegian Lundehund, Tibetan Mastiff, and Briard. These extra claws provide additional traction and stability, especially in rugged or mountainous terrain.

Why do some dog breeds have double dewclaws?

Double dewclaws serve functional purposes beyond genetics. They enhance grip and balance, particularly for working dogs navigating rough or steep terrain. This trait helps breeds maintain stability while herding or guarding livestock.

Are double dewclaws common in all dog breeds?

No, double dewclaws are relatively rare and appear only in a few specific breeds. Most dogs have a single dewclaw on each front leg, but only certain breeds possess the distinctive double dewclaws, usually on their hind legs.

Should double dewclaws be removed from dogs?

Veterinarians generally advise against removing double dewclaws unless they cause injury. Unlike regular dewclaws that may be vestigial, double dewclaws often contribute to a dog’s mobility and balance, making them important for certain working breeds.

How do double dewclaws benefit dog breeds like the Great Pyrenees?

In breeds like the Great Pyrenees, double dewclaws act like natural crampons, providing extra grip on steep mountain slopes. This adaptation helps these dogs guard livestock effectively by preventing slips and enhancing their agility in challenging environments.