Neo with dewclaws?

[6Chix]

Hi, I'm new here. I will be picking up an absolutely amazing 4 yr old female Neo tomorrow and I have a question about dewclaws.

The woman that is giving her to me has had her since she was a pup and for some reason decided not to have the dewclaws removed. Is this normal?

The dog has been so well taken care of and socialized, she's just perfect and we can't wait, but I'm sort of worried about the dewclaw issue. I can totally see them getting caught or snagged on something on my property (heavily wooded). Not only that, but the nail curls almost directly back into her paw. They have been trimmed neatly each time we met her, but it just seems uncomfortable.

How does one deal with this? Should I even worry? Would it be too late if we did ask our vet to remove them?

 

[Smokeycat]

Both of my dogs still have their dew claws. On one they are tight to his leg and have never caught on anything. On my EM they are looser and he has caught them on blankets and such but has never hurt himself. I do worry a bit that he could seriously hurt himself if he rips one but it isn't a huge concern. If I choose to neuter him after he turns 2 in January I may ask if they can be removed as well but unless it was necessary I won't put him thru sedation just for that.

 

[6Chix]

I agree about the sedation! I wouldn't put any dog through something so dangerous for that unless it could end up being a huge problem. I lost a Great Pyrenees after his first tooth cleaning.

Thanks for your comments- this girl has loose dewclaws. I guess I will just keep an eye out. I just wasn't sure if it was common in giants because I've always known a majority of dogs to have them removed. I guess the problems associated with such large breeds and sedation could be the reason. Thanks again!

 

[neomama]

the breed standard requires they keep their dew claws, if they are gone you cannot show them

 

[6Chix]

Thanks Neomama! I didn't know that, and even though she's never been shown, if dewclaws are the standard then it makes sense as to why she has them. They're just so "dangly" that it worried me.

 

[Mooshi's Mummy]

Both my dogs have their dew claws but they are very tight to the foot and I have never had a problem with either one, in fact I barely even need to trim the nails. I wouldn't remove unless absolutely necessary.

 

[6Chix]

Thanks! I will leave them alone but I will have to trim them, should be interesting since they curl.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

My dogs have their front dew claws like Mooshi they are tight to the feet. My only concern with them being "loose" is the possibility of them ripping. It doesn't happen very often but its something to keep in mind. Otherwise I agree with MM.