The dew claw is an interesting anatomical feature found on dogs and many other mammals. But why is it called a “dew claw”? In this article, we’ll explore the possible origins of this name and look at the purpose and function of the dew claw.
What is a Dew Claw?
The dew claw is located on the inside of a dog’s front and sometimes rear legs. It’s placed fairly high up on the leg, actually a few inches above the rest of the toes. Most dogs have dew claws on the front legs, and sometimes on the back legs as well.
Unlike the other toes on a dog’s paw, the dew claw does not actually touch the ground while walking. It sits raised just above the ground. The claw itself is still made of bone and keratin, just like regular claws. However, unlike regular claws, the dew claw is not used for grasping or digging and does not touch the ground.
Possible Origins of the Name
There are a few theories about why this digit is called a “dew claw”:
Theory 1: Brushing dew from grass
One idea is that the dew claw brushes dew away from the grass as a dog walks through tall vegetation. Since it dangles low but does not actually touch the ground, it could essentially “wipe” dew from the grass and leaves.
This might explain how it got this name, since the dew claw would brush away dew. However, this theory does not have much hard evidence to support it.
Theory 2: Ancestral remnants
Another theory is that the “dew claw” name refers to it being a remnant of a lost ancestral trait. In ancestral canines, the dew claw may have been more functional and played a role in grasping prey or traction. Over time, as dogs evolved, the dew claw became less useful and more vestigial.
Calling it a “dew claw” could indicate that it’s more of an ancestral relic than a functional digit. However, this theory is also speculative.
Theory 3: Association with other traits
A third idea is that the dew claw got its name simply by being associated with other traits that contain “dew” in their names. For example:
- Dewlap – loose folds of skin under the neck
- Dew poisoning – overexposure to moisture
- Rose dew – type of fungus growth
Since these other dog traits have “dew” in their names, people may have also started calling the weird vestigial digit a “dew claw” as well, by association.
The Purpose of Dew Claws
So what purpose does the dew claw actually serve for dogs? Here are some of the proposed functions:
Gripping and traction
Some experts believe the dew claw helps dogs grip bones and other items. The muscle structure around the dew claw allows it to function similarly to a thumb for grasping. It may also provide traction and grip when dogs turn while running.
Stability for turning
The dew claw may provide extra stability for dogs when they need to turn suddenly. Since it sits a little higher up on the leg, when a dog pivots, the dew claw can help steady the leg and prevent twisting injuries.
Link to ligaments
The dew claw has connections to ligaments and tendons in the leg, so it may enhance stability in the nearby ankle joint and foot. However, there is debate over how much the dew claw really stabilizes these structures.
Rudimentary thumb
Some anatomists believe the dew claw represents an evolutionary remnant of what was once a five-toed limb in ancestral dogs. The dew claw may be all that remains of the reduced first digit, similar to a human thumb.
Sensory function
The dew claws are still equipped with nerves and connective tissue, so they may provide sensory feedback to dogs as they walk and run. Some experts believe the dew claw helps dogs sense their limb position.
Dew Claw Surgery
Sometimes dew claws are removed surgically in a procedure called an “onychectomy.” There are a few reasons this surgery may be performed:
- Injury prevention – Removing dew claws may avoid future injuries
- Pain – Damaged dew claws can be painful
- Breed standards – Some breed standards call for dew claw removal
- Aesthetics – Personal preference for the dog’s appearance
However, there is a lot of controversy around removing dew claws. Opponents argue that the procedure may be unnecessary or even cruel in most cases. They believe the dew claw serves a purpose and removing it prevents normal functioning. There are pros and cons on both sides of the issue.
Dew Claw Removal Surgery Data
Here are some statistics on dew claw removal surgery in dogs:
| Measure | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Cost range | $30 – $75 per claw |
| Age performed | 2 – 5 days old |
| Anesthesia needed? | Yes, general anesthesia |
| Recovery time | 2 weeks |
| Risks | Infection, bleeding, re-growth of nail |
As the table shows, dew claw removal is generally performed at 2-5 days old before the bones fully ossify. It carries surgical risks like any procedure and the dog will need anesthesia.
Breeds With Dew Claws
Most dog breeds have dew claws on the front legs. However, some breeds also have them on the rear legs, including:
- Afghan Hound
- Australian Shepherd
- Beauceron
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Briard
- Great Pyrenees
- Komondor
- Kuvasz
- Norwegian Lundehund
- Poodle
- Portuguese Sheepdog
- Spanish Mastiff
- St. Bernard
Certain breeds, such as Greyhounds, have very small dew claws that sit higher up on the leg. Others like Labs and Goldens have larger dew claws since they were bred for retrieving in vegetation.
Popular Breeds and Dew Claws
Here is a table summarizing which popular breeds have rear dew claws:
| Breed | Front Dew Claws? | Rear Dew Claws? |
|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | Yes | No |
| German Shepherd | Yes | No |
| Golden Retriever | Yes | No |
| French Bulldog | Yes | No |
| Bulldog | Yes | No |
| Beagle | Yes | No |
| Rottweiler | Yes | Sometimes |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Yes | No |
| Boxer | Yes | No |
| Siberian Husky | Yes | Sometimes |
As the table demonstrates, most popular breeds have front dew claws but lack rear dew claws. The rear dew claw is more common in breeds historically used as working dogs.
Conclusion
While the origins of the name are murky, the “dew claw” is an interesting anatomical trait of many dogs. It’s uncertain how much purpose this vestigial digit serves today. However, it remains a topic of debate among vets and experts. Some see it as useless while others believe it may still play a role in dog mobility and function.
Hopefully this article shed some light on the background of the dew claw and the theories around its naming. It’s just one of the many fascinating parts of canine anatomy.