Dew claws

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Hi. Can anyone give us some info about dew claws? Our little Sammy is 8 weeks old and we heard that dew claws have to be removed at an early age. Thanks. New to this site ...

[F, Calla & Luca]

They don't.

[Katie, John & Parker pup]

Parker has his as well and I know nothing about them so I figured they were fine if the vet hadn't mentioned anything about them! He's 7 months and hasn't had any problems with them so I am sure yours will be fine too...just keep em.

[Carol Brand]

Dew claws can rip, especially on very active dogs.  In the purebred Poodle world, reputable breeders in the US always remove them.  If you see a Poodle with dew claws intact, it is usually a sign that it came from a BYB or puppy mill because these sort of breeders either don't know how to remove them or don't want to shoulder the extra expense of having them removed by a vet.

 

I had a rescue Toy Poodle mix who had no end of trouble with his dew claws.  Based on that experience, I would always remove them.  I know that some agility folks swear that their dogs use their dew claws however, I have not seen any evidence that dogs with intact dew claws are any more successful in performance events.   

 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Our dogs have them and with the exception of Murphy spliting the nail in half and having to have the nail cut to the quick by the vet, we have not had a problem. (The nail grew back but is really funky looking BTW)

I guess there are some who feel that the chance of them catching them on something and tearing it is reason to remove them, but how often does that happen?  Also, compared to our daughters doodle, our two can hold things they are chewing on a whole lot better than her dog can so I am thinking that is what nature intended them for.

[Carol Brand]

All of my Poodles have had their dew claws removed.  My Poodles can hold things in their paws so well I don't know why they don't help with the dishes.  

 

As far as others having trouble with dew claws, it is quite common.  Have a look at this discussion:  http://www.agilityaddicts.net/agilityforum/viewtopic.php?f=40&t...

[Adina P]

Mine don't have theirs but our border collie did.  If your dog still has them at this age, there is no reason to remove them.