Myra, I'd agree that by far, in *most* circumstances or environments, the
dew claw has little or no use. And Leanne is right that in many (if not
most) cases its position can't be controlled - what I've been getting at is
that when traction is needed in "extreme" activities (e.g., if the dog has
to come to a sudden stop or make a sudden turn when running at high speeds
over rough terrain), it's the presence of the *claw* of this vestigial toe
that *can contribute* (even though its position can't be controlled).
In discussing this, I'd like to clarify that I myself am completely
*neutral* about whether or not dew claws should be removed. My pet Cavalier
has his; so did my previous dog, so for almost 20 years I've been used to
checking/clipping them regularly. But if they had been removed by the
breeder, that would have been fine with me!! I do know they're easier to
overlook than the other claws, so it's convenient for owners if they've been
removed, and it prevents the kind of harmful accidents that can result if
they've been neglected and allowed to grow long. I've written about why
they exist in the first place, *not* because I condemn their removal (far
from it!).
Alida
Subject: Re: skip unless you want to read about dew claw / opposable thumb /
big toe
Alida asks: "What think you?"
I actually think that the dewclaw is a useless appendage that has no
function whatever. That is why I remove them. However, I was asking about
the people who say that the dew claw is "useful" to the dog, in what way it
is useful. Since primates are the only species who are known to have an
opposable thumb, I am questioning in what way the canine front dew claw can
be useful. On a large dog, it is several inches away from the other toes.
Myra Savant
From: Leanne Bertani <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: dew claw
All dewclaws are not the same. In cases where the dewclaw is vestigial
("floppy"), it is absolutely useless, because its position cannot be
controlled.
Leanne
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