What Dog Breeds Have Back Dewclaws? | Claws Uncovered Facts

The Mystery of Back Dewclaws in Dogs

Back dewclaws are extra toes located higher up on a dog’s hind legs, distinct from the front dewclaws near the wrists. Unlike the more common front dewclaws, these rear digits are rarer and not present in every breed. Their presence sparks curiosity because they can offer insight into a dog’s genetics, evolutionary history, and sometimes their working capabilities.

These claws are not merely vestigial; in some breeds, they provide extra grip or stability on rough terrain. However, because they protrude and aren’t always well attached, they can be prone to injury. Understanding which dog breeds have back dewclaws helps owners care for these unique anatomical features properly.

Genetics Behind Back Dewclaws

Back dewclaws are inherited traits influenced by specific genes controlling limb development. The presence of rear dewclaws is often linked to the breed’s lineage and purpose. For example, dogs bred for herding or mountainous terrain may have them to aid in climbing or gripping slippery surfaces.

The exact genetic mechanism isn’t fully mapped out, but breeders recognize that back dewclaws appear consistently in certain lines. Some breeds have a fixed trait where nearly all individuals possess rear dewclaws, while others show variability within the breed. This suggests a dominant gene with incomplete penetrance or a polygenic trait influenced by multiple genes.

Common Dog Breeds with Back Dewclaws

Back dewclaws are most frequently found in specific breeds known for their agility, working roles, or primitive traits. Here’s a look at some of the most notable breeds where rear dewclaws are either standard or regularly occur:

• Great Pyrenees: These majestic mountain dogs almost always have double rear dewclaws on each hind leg, a breed hallmark.
• Briard: This French herding breed typically sports rear dewclaws that help with traction on uneven terrain.
• Tibetan Mastiff: Known for its rugged build and mountainous origin, this breed often carries back dewclaws.
• Norwegian Lundehund: Famous for having six toes on each foot, including multiple dewclaws on the rear legs.
• Catahoula Leopard Dog: Some individuals possess rear dewclaws, though it’s not universal across the breed.

These breeds demonstrate how back dewclaws can be a functional adaptation rather than just an oddity.

The Great Pyrenees’ Double Rear Dewclaws

The Great Pyrenees stands out because of its double rear dewclaws—two extra toes on each hind foot. This feature is so consistent that it’s part of the breed standard recognized by major kennel clubs. These extra toes provide enhanced grip and balance when traversing rocky mountain passes while guarding livestock. The double rear dewclaw is connected to the leg by bone and tendons, making it more stable than typical single dewclaws found elsewhere.

Briard and Its Traction Advantage

Briards have rear dewclaws that assist their herding duties by improving traction during quick turns and sudden stops on slippery pastures. Unlike many other breeds where rear dewclaws may be loosely attached, Briards’ rear claws tend to be firmly connected and functional. This trait has been preserved through selective breeding to maintain their effectiveness in the field.

The Role of Rear Dewclaws in Canine Mobility

While some view back dewclaws as mere evolutionary leftovers, evidence suggests they contribute to mobility and stability in certain dogs. Dogs with rear dewclaws often exhibit better balance when making sharp turns or climbing steep surfaces. The extra digits act almost like stabilizers or brakes during high-speed maneuvers.

Veterinarians note that these claws can help distribute pressure more evenly across the paw during movement. In working dogs navigating rough terrain, this can reduce strain on joints and ligaments. However, because these claws don’t typically touch the ground under normal stance, their protective benefit is situational—mostly during intense activity or uneven footing.

Anatomical Structure of Rear Dewclaws

Rear dewclaws vary widely in structure depending on breed genetics:

• Bony attachment: In breeds like the Great Pyrenees, rear dewclaws are connected by bone and tendons, making them functional digits.
• Sessile attachment: In other dogs, these claws may be attached only by skin or soft tissue and lack bones, rendering them vestigial.

The sturdier the attachment, the more likely the claw serves a purpose beyond mere decoration or a genetic quirk.

The Debate Over Removing Back Dewclaws

Removing back dewclaws is controversial among breeders and veterinarians alike. Some argue that if the claw is loosely attached and prone to snagging or injury, removal can prevent pain and infections.

Others insist that if the claw is well attached and functional—as seen with Great Pyrenees or Briards—it should remain intact to preserve natural movement advantages.

Surgical removal is often performed when:

• The claw causes repeated injuries due to snagging on objects.
• The claw grows abnormally or becomes infected.
• The breeder’s standards require removal (though this practice is declining).

Many modern canine health guidelines recommend leaving well-attached back dewclaws alone unless there’s a medical reason for removal.

Caring for Dogs With Back Dewclaws

Proper care of back dewclaws prevents complications like overgrowth, splitting nails, or infections.

Here are key tips:

• Nail trimming: Rear dewclaw nails should be trimmed regularly since they don’t wear down naturally like front nails.
• Inspection: Check claws frequently for cracks, dirt buildup, or signs of infection.
• Avoid trauma: Be mindful during outdoor activities to prevent snagging on brush or fencing.

Owners of breeds known for back dewclaws should educate themselves about this unique feature to keep their pets healthy.

A Comparative Look at Breeds With Back Dewclaws

Breed	Rear Dewclaw Type	Functional Role
Great Pyrenees	Bony double claws (both hind legs)	Aids stability & traction in mountainous terrain
Briard	Bony single claw (usually)	Traction during herding & quick turns
Tibetan Mastiff	Sessile to bony single claw (varies)	Might assist grip on rough surfaces
Norwegian Lundehund	Bony multiple extra toes including rear claws	Aids climbing steep cliffs & rocky ledges
Catahoula Leopard Dog	Sessile single claw (sometimes)	No clear function; genetic trait retention

This table highlights diversity among breeds regarding back dewclaw structure and role.

The Evolutionary Perspective of Back Dewclaws

Back dewclaws likely trace their origins to early canine ancestors who had more digits per limb than modern dogs do today. Over millions of years of evolution and selective breeding by humans, many digits were lost as dogs adapted to running efficiently with fewer toes.

However, some primitive breeds retained these extra digits because they provided survival advantages in harsh environments—like gripping icy slopes or rugged mountain terrain.

Thus, back dewclaws serve as living evidence of canine evolutionary history preserved through selective pressures tied to geography and function.

The Significance of Understanding What Dog Breeds Have Back Dewclaws?

Knowing which dog breeds have back dewclaws matters beyond curiosity—it influences how owners care for their pets and informs breeding decisions.

For example:

• If you own a Great Pyrenees pup without rear dewclaws, it could indicate genetic anomalies affecting breed purity.
• A breeder might select against removing functional back dewclaws to maintain working traits linked to stability.
• A veterinarian assessing paw injuries will consider whether an unusual claw is a normal part of anatomy or an abnormal growth requiring treatment.
• Dew claw presence impacts grooming routines—owners must trim these nails regularly if present.

This knowledge empowers better health outcomes and respect for natural canine diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What dog breeds have back dewclaws as a common trait?

Several dog breeds commonly have back dewclaws, especially those bred for working or herding. Notable examples include the Great Pyrenees, Briard, Tibetan Mastiff, Norwegian Lundehund, and occasionally the Catahoula Leopard Dog. These breeds often use their rear dewclaws for extra grip and stability.

Why do some dog breeds have back dewclaws?

Back dewclaws in certain dog breeds serve functional purposes such as aiding traction and stability on rough or uneven terrain. They are often inherited traits linked to the breed’s genetics and working roles, particularly in herding or mountainous environments.

Are back dewclaws present in all individuals of these dog breeds?

Not all individuals within breeds that can have back dewclaws will possess them. Some breeds show variability due to genetic factors, meaning rear dewclaws may be present in some dogs but absent in others within the same breed.

How do back dewclaws affect the care of dog breeds that have them?

Dogs with back dewclaws require special attention as these claws can be prone to injury or snagging due to their position and attachment. Regular inspection and trimming help prevent issues, ensuring the dewclaws remain healthy and functional.

What genetic factors influence which dog breeds have back dewclaws?

The presence of back dewclaws is influenced by specific genes controlling limb development. It appears to be a dominant trait with incomplete penetrance or a polygenic characteristic influenced by multiple genes, often linked to the breed’s lineage and purpose.