Most dogs have 18 toes, five on each front paw (including the dewclaw) and four on each back paw.
Some dog breeds can have extra toes called dewclaws, and sometimes even two on each back leg. This is known as a polydactyl condition and can increase their total toe count to 20 or more. The exact number depends on the dog’s breed and genetics. These extra toes are often harmless, but sometimes they may need removal if loosely attached.
Knowing your dog’s unique paw structure can help you care for their feet better.
What are dewclaws?
A dewclaw is a thumb‑like extra toe situated higher on the inner side of a dog’s leg. Front dewclaws are jointed and help in grip during tight turns, climbing, and holding objects. Rear dewclaws vary: some are fully formed and bony, others are loose skin flaps with a nail.
Which dog breeds have dewclaws?
There are specific breeds that contain rear dewclaws. Some of them are:
- Great Pyrenees – mandatory double rear dewclaws
- Beauceron – mandatory double rear dewclaws
- Briard – mandatory double rear dewclaws
- Spanish Mastiff – common double rear dewclaws
- Norwegian Lundehund – six toes per paw, front and rear
- Anatolian Shepherd, Kuvasz, Saint Bernard – often have single rear dewclaws
- Estrela Mountain Dog – double rear dewclaws preferred in the standard.
- Pyrenean Mastiff – single or double rear dewclaws common.
- Portuguese Cattle Dog (Cao de Castro Laboreiro) – many carry single rear dewclaws.
- Catalan Sheepdog (Gos d’Atura) – single rear dewclaws appear regularly.
- Icelandic Sheepdog – single or double rear dewclaws allowed.
- Polish Tatra Sheepdog (Owczarek Podhalański) – single rear dewclaws occur.
- Portuguese Sheepdog (Cão da Serra de Aires) – rear dewclaws not unusual.
Nearly all breeds keep a single dewclaw on each front leg; only the breeds above (and mixed‑breeds carrying their genes) routinely display rear dewclaws or extras.
Which dog breed has the most toes?
The Norwegian Lundehund is a very special dog breed that can have 24 toes that is six on each paw. Most dogs have four toes and one dewclaw on each front paw, but the Lundehund has two extra toes on every paw. These extra toes have bones and joints, so they work just like the other toes.
This breed was used in Norway to hunt puffins on steep cliffs. The extra toes helped them climb rocks, walk on uneven ground, and stay balanced. They also have very flexible bodies and can bend their heads backward or spread their front legs out to the sides.
These special features make the Norwegian Lundehund one of the most unique dogs in the world. Their extra toes aren’t a problem infact they help the dog do amazing things.
Why do dogs have dewclaws?
Dewclaws serve several important functions for dogs, including these
- It helps dogs grip bones or toys between their front legs
- It provides extra traction and stabilizes the carpal (wrist) joint during high-speed turns
- Adds grip and stability on slippery surfaces like ice or when climbing out of water
- Assists dogs in scrambling up or down rocky, steep terrain
- On rocky or steep ground, dewclaws help dogs climb up or down more easily and safely
Can dewclaws be removed?
Dewclaws play important roles, so removing them is usually unnecessary unless there’s a clear medical reason. Front dewclaws have important jobs, so they shouldn’t be removed unless it’s necessary. Sometimes, a dewclaw can get badly hurt or have a disease, and then removal helps the dog. But these problems are rare, so taking off healthy front dewclaws just to be safe doesn’t make much sense.
Vets may suggest removing loose or extra rear dewclaws to avoid injury, but this doesn’t happen very often. Usually, this surgery is done when the dog is being spayed or neutered.
Some dog breeds have their front dewclaws removed to look better in dog shows. If breeders do this, it should be done by a vet when puppies are less than 5 days old, with numbing medicine. Also, removing dewclaws in some breeds, like the Great Pyrenees, can disqualify them from shows.
How to care for dewclaws?
Dewclaws need regular care just like your dog’s other nails. You can take care of dewclaws in these ways.
- Check dewclaws weekly for overgrowth, cracks, or injury.
- Trim them regularly as they don’t wear down naturally like other nails.
- Look for signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or discharge.
- If the dewclaw is loose or hangs by skin, talk to your vet.
- Clean any cuts around the dewclaw area with antiseptic.
What problems can happen if dewclaws are not trimmed?
If dewclaws are not trimmed regularly, they can grow too long and cause problems. Here are the main risks
- Dewclaws don’t touch the ground, so they can grow too long and curl into the skin, which hurts.
- Long dewclaws can get caught on things and break, causing bleeding.
- Broken dewclaws can get swollen and infected.
- If dewclaws are too long, they can make it hard or painful for dogs to walk.
- It’s harder to cut dewclaws if they grow too much.
Common questions dog parents ask
Do dewclaws grow back after removal?
No, dewclaws do not grow back after they are fully removed.
How long does it take for a dog to heal after dewclaw removal?
Puppies usually heal within 7–10 days; adults take longer and need more care.
At what age are dewclaws typically removed?
Dewclaws can be removed within the first 3–5 days of life when bones are still soft.
Should you trim your dog’s dewclaws, and how often?
Yes, you should trim your dog’s dewclaws regularly about every 3 to 4 weeks or whenever they start to grow long or curl. Since dewclaws don’t touch the ground, they don’t wear down naturally like other nails.
How do dewclaws help dogs in their daily activities?
When dogs run fast around corners or climb on rough ground, their dewclaws sometimes touch the ground. This helps them grip better and protects their front leg joint.