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double dew claws
great pyrenees
Found [17] Posts :: Page 1 of 1
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Posted: 9:20:00 PM 7/9/2005
My 12 wk old pyr does not have double dew claws on her back legs she is not a registered pup but has all the looks and charitrastics of the breed does not having the double dewclaw mean shes not purebread? Bonnie
Posted: 9:30:48 PM 7/9/2005
yes. ALL pyrenees have double rear dewclaws. it is a staple of the breed. can you post a picture of her on http://www.dogster.com so we may see what she is ? or try photobucket.com
Posted: 9:42:12 PM 7/9/2005
Some of the breeders remove the dewclaw. I don't know why but I read this somewhere before.
Posted: 10:00:12 PM 7/9/2005
There is not a breeder who knows the breed standard that would remove the double dew claws on a Pyr.

It is a breed standard, period. SOME Pyrs may throw a recessive gene and have a missing dew claw (a single) on one leg, but to be missing all dew claws on the hind legs would mean that her pedigree would be suspect. Sorry.

That doesn't mean that she will not turn out to be a beatiful girl with all the other Pyr traits.

You obviously are not concerned about showing or breeding her, so don't worry about it.
Posted: 10:03:36 PM 7/9/2005
"There is not a breeder who knows the breed standard that would remove the double dew claws on a Pyr. "

Sorry! I read somewhere that some breeders take off the dewclaws on some dogs.
Posted: 10:09:20 PM 7/9/2005
No problem and you're right, some breeds DO have them removed.

In the case of the Pyrs though, they are bred to roam vast mountain tracts, guarding flocks. The double dew claw is used as a "thumb", to help climb the mountains, which is why it is breed standard.
Posted: 10:15:06 PM 7/9/2005
I always wondered what the dewclaw is there for? Pyrmom, you mentioned it's use as a "thumb" to climb, is that all it's meant to do or is there another purpose for this "growth"? Sorry, I just don't like looking at them on dogs unless I can't see them...I find them very ugly, except on a Pyr you can't really see them because of the amount of fur they have...
Posted: 11:45:54 PM 7/9/2005
Most breeds have them removed because they can be a nuisance...getting caught on things, eye injury from rubbing their face with their paws, etc. Though dewclaws are a mandatory standard on the Pyrs....not sure on this one, but I believe they must have them to show conformation, or am I mistaken? (Pyr mom would know this one)
Posted: 11:50:44 PM 7/9/2005
"Each foreleg carries a single dewclaw. Front Feet--Rounded, close-cupped, well padded, toes well arched.

The rear feet, like the forefeet, are rounded, close-cupped, well padded with toes well arched. Fault--Absence of double dewclaws on each rear leg."

www.akc.org

Yeah it's a fault.
Posted: 12:36:45 AM 7/10/2005
Can any breed of dog have a double dewclaw on their back feet or is it a pyr trait? My pit mix Sun has a double dewclaw on her back right foot.
Posted: 12:47:11 AM 7/10/2005
I had a German Shepherd Dog that had a dewclaw on one hind leg.
Posted: 12:59:59 AM 7/10/2005
GSD-
" Dewclaws on the forelegs may be removed, but are normally left on.

The metatarsus (the unit between the hock joint and the foot) is short, strong and tightly articulated. The dewclaws, if any, should be removed from the hind legs. Feet as in front."

www.akc.org
Posted: 1:59:21 AM 7/10/2005
I don't know if Pyrmom read my question or not, but I still don't think I got a direct answer...What are declews for? Why do dogs have them? Is it the same as having an apendix or other useless organ? I'm still unsure and I've owned dogs for the most part of my life...hehehe...guess I'm just "dewclaw stupid"...

:P
Posted: 2:15:28 AM 7/10/2005
Beaucerons, and Lundehunds are like pyrs and have double dewclaws.

It has been debated useful vs useless by many prominent people in the dog world. I thought this snippet on usefulness of rear dewclaws was interesting "I am sure that vets see some torn small digits, especially the less-developed rear ones, but I have seen countless active dogs break through crusty snow, ice, and very rough brush, on the sleeve in bite work, and both hunt and lure course over broken ground with no torn first digits on the forelimb. I have also observed innumerable dogs using that first digit in manipulating bones, sticks up to the size of logs, balls, and other toys. I have seen many dogs use them to get out objects that were stuck between their teeth, and even to remove (gingerly) material from the eyelids. I have watched them scratch their muzzles with these little claws, grasp the Schutzhund sleeve, and do other useful, functional things with them. I respectfully submit that you might get a second opinion, especially from an experienced dog trainer/breeder, if your vet wants to remove them. "

Apparently Dr's Foster and Smith have said they are useless, and there are back and forth opinions, but if you aren't showing and require removal due to breed standard, it seems better to leave them alone... I've heard horror stories of ripping, but they seem useful.

http://www.inkabijou.co.uk/dewclaw.htm
Posted: 3:09:58 AM 7/10/2005
Okay. Let us look at the dogs foot.

Like the cat, the dog walks on what would be the tip of our fingers.

Dew claws on dogs and cats are thumbs on us.

Many breeds of dog the dew claw has become nothing more then a memory, kinda like snakes that have spurs on their sides.

In the pyr, the dew claw is a developed didget with a bone and muscle control. They use them for extra support on the mountain side. Its another toe not a growth.
Posted: 7:02:49 AM 7/10/2005
lpn, Mafia & Icyhound, thanks for the informative responses. I think you guys answerd pretty much any question anyone could have on the dew claws.

canucktigger, pyrmom was long in bed when you posted your question! lol

njchmin remember all those discussions on mixing breeds and the random assingment of breed traits? Think what you have on you pit/x is a result of that.
Posted: 11:08:00 AM 7/10/2005
Thanks guys that was really informative!

I was not aware that some dogs are able to control their dewclaws and use them as digits, that's amazing!

Pyrmom, it's OK, I was supposed to be in bed but I couldn't sleep because the cats were playing around and the dog was jealous so she started chasing them and I had to get up to make sure they behaved...argh, they better let me sleep tonight! LOL
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Found [17] Posts :: Page 1 of 1
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