Dew claws

[Alison Neale]

I have a five month old puppy with rear dew claws. I have booked her in at the vets for them removing as I am worried about her injuring them when out on the moors etc. I am now having second thoughts just wanted others opinions as to what they would do. I have never had a dog with dew claws before so I am torn between what to do for the best for her. Any advice very gratefully received. My vet also wanted to spay her at the same time which is completely out of the question she is only a baby and will only be spayed if there are medical reasons.

[Torie Lancaster]

Hi Alison...I can honestly say I have never seen a Irish Setter with rear dew claws.  I would have them off as apart from being unsightly, they can get caught and torn which would be very painful. All the Setters I own now have their front dew claws intact and so far they have had no problems. All my previous setters had all dew claws removed.  I must say I prefer the cleaner look of no dew claws at all.  So glad you are ignoring your vets advice about spaying your puppy :)

[Georgina]

Me too, it's the first time I have ever heard of rear dew claws on an Irish. How is she bred, interesting to know.  Like Torie I would have them removed but make sure the vet does a clean op and removes them totally.  The only dog I knew who had them removed was a pyranean mountain dog and the vet made a real mess of them (they were actually double dew claws).It took weeks and weeks to men because they partly grew back but deformed so they were growing into the dogs leg.  Very painful.  So ask him how many times they have done this particular op.    The vets do make me so cross when they suggest spaying a puppy and agree with your viewpoint.

 Love the photograph of the English and the puppy, they are so lovely aren't they.

[Jutta]

Pyrenean Mountain Dogs should have their dew claws on hind legs: Standard - 'Strongly made double dewclaws on each hind leg; lack of this identifying characteristic totally undesirable.' -

I have seen rear dew claws on Beagles and Mixed Breeds, never on Setters. And I preferred the clean look of no dew claws as well.

[Georgina]

He was only a pet and his owner had difficulty grooming him because he could be a bit grumpy and she was worried that the claws would ingrow.  She could manage apart from them hence her decision which she came to regret.   She excercised him with her horses and they rode over moors and through forestry and another concern was that he would rip them off because of the rough terrain.  He was a funny old thing, loved being with the family but loved the horses more!!

[Fran Griffin]

My first Irish Setter had her rear dew claws and lived to 13 years without ever having a problem.  She damaged her tail lots hunting in cover....... she was more a candidate for tail docking than having those claws removed.  My friend has a border collie whom the vet suggested removing his rear dew claws.  My friend was told they would forever be causing problems. Are they?  Nope, despite all his hunting and other antics too.  Not even as much as a speck of blood. 

[Eva]

As far ad I know drew claws should be removed 3-5 days after birth, why did you wait so long? Now I probably would take the risk and let the dog be.

[Teresa]

My guard dog has duble dew claws in both rear legs, and the previous one had double in one leg a just one in the other. They live loose on the farm, go around dirt, fences, wood and whatever comes in their way. Never had a problem with any of them and plan on letting Trigo be just like he is...