As responsible breeders, we believe every decision we make should prioritize the health and well-being of our puppies. One question we often receive from new puppy families is about dew claws—whether they should be removed and why we choose to leave them intact.
This is an important and sometimes misunderstood topic. With growing awareness in the veterinary field about the function and value of dew claws, we want to explain why we do not remove them and share the research behind our decision.
🐾 What Are Dew Claws?
Dew claws are the small digits located on the inner side of a dog’s front legs, slightly above the paw. While some dogs may have rear dew claws as well, front dew claws are almost always attached by bone, ligaments, and tendons, and they serve a functional purpose.
According to Dr. Chris Zink, a veterinary sports medicine expert, front dew claws help stabilize the carpal (wrist) joint during movement. In her widely cited article “Do the Dew(claws)?”, Dr. Zink writes:
“The dewclaw is not a useless digit… It’s used to stabilize the leg when the dog is turning at high speeds, particularly in performance and working dogs. Removing it may increase the risk of injury.”
— Dr. Chris Zink, DVM, PhD, DACVSMR
✅ Pros of Keeping Dew Claws
Many veterinarians and breeders now support keeping dew claws intact, especially the front ones, due to the following benefits:
- Joint stability & mobility: Dew claws help stabilize the wrist joint, especially during high-speed turns or agility movements (Zink, 2013).
- Grip and manipulation: Dogs use them to grip toys, chew bones, climb out of water, or stabilize themselves on uneven surfaces.
- Lower risk of arthritis: Removing functional digits may increase the risk of arthritis or joint strain, particularly in active breeds.
- Avoiding unnecessary surgery: Dew claw removal is typically done at 3–5 days old, often without anesthesia, and is not medically necessary unless the claw is loosely attached or malformed.
⚠️ Common Concerns
While we recognize the traditional reasons for dew claw removal, most concerns can be managed with proper care:
- Risk of injury: Though dew claws can occasionally get caught, actual injuries are relatively rare in companion dogs. A 2018 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) found that dew claw injuries were significantly less common than other paw or pad injuries.
- Nail maintenance: Because dew claws don’t touch the ground, they need regular trimming to avoid overgrowth or curling—something we educate all our puppy families to do as part of routine grooming.
✂️ Early Handling to Build Nail Care Confidence
We know that nail trimming—including the dew claws—can be a challenge for many dog owners, especially if a puppy hasn’t been properly introduced to the process. That’s why we start early.
Beginning in the first few weeks of life, we handle each puppy’s paws gently and frequently. As they grow, we introduce:
- Regular nail trims with a soft, puppy-friendly trimmer
- Positive reinforcement (touch, praise, gentle treats if appropriate)
- Desensitization to clippers, Dremels, and being held for paw handling
By the time our puppies go home, they are familiar with the sensation of having their nails—and dew claws—trimmed. This early training sets the foundation for stress-free grooming and helps new families confidently continue care at home.
🐶 Why We Choose Not to Remove Dew Claws
Here’s why we’ve made the deliberate decision to leave dew claws intact on our puppies:
- They serve an important function
Research shows dew claws help stabilize the front limbs, reducing stress on joints and ligaments. Removing them may lead to long-term orthopedic issues. - We avoid unnecessary surgical procedures
Dew claw removal is rarely medically necessary and is typically performed for cosmetic or traditional reasons. We believe in limiting early-life stress and avoiding nonessential procedures. - Our puppies live happy, active lives without removal
Our puppies go to loving family homes, where they enjoy normal play, exercise, and companionship. The risk of dew claw injury in these environments is very low. - We prepare puppies for lifelong grooming
Through early exposure to nail trimming and paw handling, our puppies leave us with the skills—and confidence—they need to tolerate grooming throughout their lives.
📚 Supporting Research and References
- Zink, C. (2013). Do the Dew(claws)? – caninesports.com
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), 2018 – Analysis of canine foot injuries and dew claw incidents
- American Kennel Club (AKC) – Dew Claws: What Are They? Should You Remove Them?
Final Thoughts
The decision to keep or remove dew claws should always be based on research, purpose, and long-term health—not just tradition. After careful review of veterinary evidence and our own experience as breeders, we’re confident that keeping dew claws intact supports joint health, mobility, and comfort for our puppies throughout their lives.
And by starting early with handling and trimming, we ensure your puppy is calm, confident, and ready for a lifetime of positive grooming experiences.
Have more questions about dew claws or early puppy training? We’re always happy to chat!