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The Beauceron, a breed known for its intelligence and versatility, has some unique characteristics when it comes to their dew claws.
Beaucerons are born with five toes on each front paw and four toes on each back paw, which includes their dew claws.
Their dew claws are typically removed surgically at a young age, usually between 4 to 10 days old, to prevent health issues and injuries.
This practice is common among many breeds, including the Beauceron, to prevent the dew claw from growing back and causing problems.
Beauceron Thoughts
Some Beaucerons are born with double dewclaws, but it's not a guarantee. This is evident from the experiences shared by dog owners in the comments section.
Lizzi shared some photos of her Beauceron on Facebook, showing that even with double dewclaws, nail length can vary.
Khalled asked a great question: Does every single Beauceron have to be born with double dewclaws? Unfortunately, the answer is no.
Slimjean's Beaucy only had double dewclaws on one side, and they decided to have it removed. It's great to hear that she's a sweet and smart dog!
Here are some examples of Beauceron dewclaw situations:
Dewclaw Removal
Dewclaw removal is a common practice in some breeds, including the Beauceron. It's typically done when the puppies are newborns, around two to five days of age.
The argument for removal is that dewclaws are a weak digit that can easily catch on something and break, leading to painful injuries and potential infection.
This can be prevented by keeping dewclaws trimmed, especially in breeds with heavy coats that may hide them. Dewclaws do not get worn down as readily as other toenails.
However, some veterinarians report a higher incidence of foot and carpal injuries, arthritis, and tendonitis in dogs whose dewclaws have been removed. This suggests that removing dewclaws may not be the best option for all dogs.
In some cases, dewclaws can be removed at the time of a traumatic injury, but this is not a recommended practice. It's generally better to keep dewclaws intact and maintain them properly.
Recommended read: Breeds of Dogs with Rear Dew Claws
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do beaucerons have double dew claws?
Beaucerons have double dew claws to aid in herding and guarding, helping them navigate rough terrain and chase predators. This unique feature supports their dual-purpose role as herding and guarding dogs.
Are you supposed to remove dog's dew claws?
No, removing a dog's dewclaw is not recommended unless medically necessary, as it serves important purposes for the dog's health and well-being. Consider consulting a veterinarian for more information on dewclaw care and potential removal.
Sources
- https://nationalpurebreddogday.com/the-beaucerons-magnificent-dewclaws/
- https://retrieverman.wordpress.com/2009/04/02/dewclaws-on-the-hind-legs/
- https://www.carbineboxers.com/dewclaws
- https://www.dognews.com/merry-fitzgerald-dvm-discusses-dewclaw-removal-nail-disease-symmetric-lupoid-onychodystrophy-SLO
- https://www.joiedeviebeaucerons.com/faq
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