When i was cutting my dogs claws yesterday I notice one by his ankle what is that claw for ?

Question

When i was cutting my dogs claws yesterday I notice one by his ankle what is that claw for ?

Answer 1

Nothing absolutely nothing, Their called dew claws

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dewclaw

Answer 2

It's called a dewclaw.  Some breeders remove them.  It's not necessary as long as you keep it clipped as well.  

Dogs have them perhaps as remnants of a less developed paw, and some people even claim that their dogs use their dewclaws as kind of a thumb; they're one of those disputed doggy things.  Northern breeds like the Great Pyrenees will have double dewclaws.  In that case, a working dog could use them for extra traction in the snow and ice.

Answer 3

That would be the duke claw, I'm not sure I remember what it is for, but have no fear, it is perfectly normal! =]

Answer 4

I believe it may be the dewclaw which is often removed shortly after birth. The dew claw was once needed to aid dogs who worked and hunted for survival.

Answer 5

The are called dew claws The ones on the front if they have appropriate attachment are generally used to assist in the manipulation of objects such as bones, and in grooming.   The ones on the rear, on breeds that have them, are generally used to aid in traction on steep surfaces if fully attached.  Most breeds do not have rear dew claws and those that do tend to be dogs that developed in mountainous environments or be ancestors of breeds that did.   That said it is not uncommon, especially on the rear ones, for them not to be fully attached.  When not fully attached  it is generally best to removed them as they have a tendency to get torn or otherwise injured.    In many breeds the dew claws are also removed  based on the breed standard.

Answer 6

Hi Great Question.

We own Shelties and we have them removed (the de-claws) removed when we have the pups spayed or nutered.

Dogs use to use them in the wild for hunting and hold down their pray.  However, since we have domesticated our pups, they are really unnecessary and sometimes cause pain in the pup if the owner does not keep up with cutting them.  Most vets will ask at the time you initially bring them in, if you want them removed at the same time.

Have a great weekend.

Blessings, Patti

Answer 7

It's called a dewclaw and;

Dogs almost always have dewclaws on the inside of the front legs and occasionally on the hind legs. Unlike the front dewclaws, the rear dewclaws tend to have little bone or muscle structure in most breeds. Occasionally some dogs will even have more than one dewclaw on the same foot; often at least one of these dewclaws will be poorly connected to the leg and may require a dewclaw removal. When a dog has extra dewclaws in addition to the usual one on each front leg, the dog is said to "double dewclawed." There is some debate about whether the dewclaw helps dogs to gain traction when they run because, in some dogs, the dewclaw makes contact when they are running and the nail on the dewclaw often wears down in the same way that the toenails on their other toes do, from friction with running surfaces. However, in many dogs, the dewclaws never make contact with the ground; in this case, the dewclaw's nail never wears away, and it must be trimmed to keep it at a safe length.

The dewclaws are not dead appendages. They can be used to lightly grip bones and other items that dogs hold with the paws

Answer 8

it is called a dew claw and is useless realy,if it is a  working dog your vet may remove it for you if it's a problem for him-her,so it doesnt get caught  whilst working and get ripped off.

Answer 9

My dog has dew claws on its hind legs. A long time ago they were used as mountain dogs and the dewclaws would help them climb, keep traction, etc. Though they aren't really used much these days.