Which Dog Breeds Have Rear Dewclaws? Unique Traits Explained

Many dogs have claws on their toes, but some breeds also have dewclaws on their hind legs. These dewclaws appear partway up the inside of the dog's rear legs and can be single or double sets. They are a fascinating evolutionary feature that can serve purposes ranging from extra grip to balance on tricky terrain.

This article explores the most common dog breeds with hind dewclaws, including those known for their unusual double sets, helping you understand more about your dog's unique anatomy and heritage.

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog

The Pyrenean mountain dog, also called the Great Pyrenees, often has one dewclaw on each hind leg but can sometimes have double dewclaws as well. This large, ancient French breed was bred for guarding sheep in mountainous regions. Their rear dewclaws aid in gripping rough terrain and icy surfaces, helping with balance and sharp turns.

The Beauceron

The French Beauceron is well-known for having double dewclaws on its hind legs. These dewclaws sit quite low on the leg and may assist in distributing the dog's weight more evenly, providing better traction on snow and ice which is common in their native environment.

The Norwegian Lundehund

Perhaps the most exceptional in dewclaw traits, the Norwegian Lundehund has multiple toes, including at least six toes per foot with double pairs of hind dewclaws. Their toes even have an extra joint, a unique genetic feature that offers remarkable agility for navigating mountainous terrain.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog

The Anatolian shepherd dog from Turkey is an ancient breed almost always possessing a double set of hind dewclaws. These dewclaws likely supported stability and grip while performing its traditional role protecting livestock in rugged environments.

The Briard

The French herding breed Briard commonly has double dewclaws on its hind legs. This trait provides extra traction and balance when working with sheep in challenging conditions and is possibly inherited from related breeds like the Beauceron.

The Icelandic Sheepdog

The Icelandic sheepdog is also known for having double rear dewclaws. This small to medium working breed's dewclaws likely help with stability on rough, often slippery, terrain.

Other Breeds with Rear Dewclaws

Other breeds noted for hind dewclaws include the Saint Bernard, Estrela mountain dog, and Catalan sheepdog. These are larger or giant breeds, mostly from mountainous regions, and they may have single or double hind dewclaws, playing roles in stability and movement over snow and rough ground.

Why Do Some Dogs Have Hind Dewclaws?

Hind dewclaws are thought to be evolutionary remnants or adaptations to specific working roles, especially for livestock guarding or herding in mountainous or snowy areas. They may provide extra grip, aid in balance, or help dogs make sharp turns and navigate uneven terrain more effectively.

However, these dewclaws often attach only by skin and ligaments (unlike front dewclaws which may connect to bone), so they require regular inspection and nail care to prevent injury, snagging, or infection.

Responsible Care and Ownership

If your dog has hind dewclaws, routine grooming is essential to keep them healthy. Regularly check for rough edges or signs of irritation, and trim nails as necessary. If you adopt a puppy from breeds commonly featuring hind dewclaws, ask a reputable breeder about this trait and ensure their puppies receive proper veterinary care.

Understanding the unique characteristics of breeds with hind dewclaws helps promote responsible ownership and respect for these extraordinary dogs' heritage and needs.

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Conclusion

Dewclaws on the hind legs are special and relatively uncommon traits found mostly in large, working breeds with histories rooted in mountainous and snowy regions. From the Pyrenean mountain dog to the Norwegian Lundehund, these dewclaws support dogs in their work and environment.

By caring for your dog's dewclaws properly and understanding their origins, you contribute to their wellbeing and celebrate the remarkable diversity of the canine world.