Bernese Mountain Dogs traditionally have rear dew claws, which are little claws located below the paw on their rear legs. While some dog breeds have their dewclaws removed as puppies, it’s considered standard practice for Bernese Mountain Dogs to keep them. Dewclaws can serve as an additional thumb or toe-like appendage, which can give your pup better grip, balance, and mobility.
Are you considering a Bernese Mountain Dog as your next pet? You may be wondering if they have rear dew claws. The answer is yes; it is typical for Bernese Mountain Dogs to have rear dewclaws.
In this article, we’ll discuss the role of these dewclaws and how they are typically removed. We will also tackle the ongoing debate around rear dewclaws in Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Keep reading to learn more about these unique features!
The Role of Rear Dew Claws
Rear dew claws can be seen as an important feature of a Bernese mountain dog, such as in the case of ‘Fido’, who uses his rear dew claws to help grip surfaces and climb hills. The presence of these extra digits is often seen as a desirable trait for breeders, especially when considering ethical breeding practices.
Tail docking, for example, is not necessary if the breed has naturally short tails due to the presence of rear dew claws. This is why many people prefer Bernese mountain dogs over other breeds that require tail docking or ear cropping for show purposes.
Some organizations have even gone so far as to include rear dew claw confirmation in their breeding standards for this particular breed. As such, it’s important to understand what exactly constitutes a rear dew claw on a Bernese mountain dog and how it relates to overall health and well-being of the animal.
A rear dew claw is essentially an extra digit located at the back part of the paw, just above where the toes are typically found on most four-legged animals. On Bernese Mountain Dogs specifically, they are usually identified by their thick fur covering them and their blackish coloration compared to other parts on the paw. They also tend to appear slightly thicker than regular paws and may contain more fur than normal near them due to increased activity from using them while walking or running around.
It’s worth noting that although they may look different from regular paws, they usually do not cause any problems unless they are damaged or injured during playtime or exercise with other animals or humans. In these cases, proper treatment should be sought out immediately in order to prevent any long-term complications from arising.
Otherwise, having rear dew claws serve as an important asset for Bernese mountain dogs since they provide additional traction when navigating rough terrain or slippery surfaces.
What is a Dew Claw?
A dew claw is an extra digit that gives four-legged animals like Bernese Mountain Dogs added grip, allowing them to traverse challenging terrain with ease – a true paw of power!
It typically refers to the vestigial toe found on the inner side of the leg, above the carpal pad. This structure is most commonly found in domesticated canines, but it’s also present in some wild species such as coyotes and foxes. The anatomy of a dew claw consists of two phalanges (bones) connected by tendons and ligaments.
The function of these claws allows dogs to climb trees, dig holes for dens or food stores, and grasp onto slippery surfaces. In terms of size and shape, dew claws vary from breed to breed – some are more prominent than others and may even be double-jointed. Interestingly enough, there are also breeds that don’t have rear dew claws at all!
For example, Beagles are born without them while Poodles either have single or double rear dewclaws depending on their lineage. The presence or absence of rear dewclaws will heavily depend on a dog’s genetics and ancestry. Each breed has its own unique set of traits that separate it from other canine species.
In general though, if you’re looking for a dog with strong climbing abilities or superior gripping power then you should look into breeds with visible rear dewclaw markings such as Bernese Mountain Dogs – they usually possess two fully formed digits instead of one! It’s important to note that having two rear dewclaws doesn’t necessarily equate to better performance when traversing tough terrain; rather it provides additional stability when needed during activities like running or jumping over obstacles.
While these extra digits might not seem necessary at first glance, they actually play an integral role in helping dogs maintain their balance and agility in various conditions.
Do All Bernese Mountain Dogs Have Rear Dew Claws?
With their impressive grip and added stability, Bernese Mountain Dogs are renowned for their double rear dewclaws! Generally speaking, all Bernese Mountain Dogs have two rear dewclaws which can make a big difference in the breeding implications and temperament impacts of the breed.
The presence of these additional claws adds an extra level of stability and traction when running or climbing that other breeds may not possess. In addition, the rear dewclaw gives this breed a unique physical feature to set it apart from its contemporaries.
Rear dewclaws are present at birth but not all dogs keep them as they grow up. This is because some breeders prefer to remove the rear dewclaw due to potential safety risks associated with having them intact.
For example, if left unchecked for too long, the nails on the rear dewclaw can overgrow and become ingrown which could cause health issues if left untreated. While this is possible with any dog breed, Bernese Mountain Dogs seem more prone to developing this issue due to their size and active lifestyle.
In order to prevent potential health issues from occurring down the line, many responsible pet owners choose to have their pup’s rear dewclaws removed by a veterinarian during puppyhood or shortly after adoption. This procedure is relatively quick and painless so most puppies should recover quickly after surgery without any lasting effects.
It’s important for pet owners who are interested in doing this procedure to research experienced veterinarians who specialize in performing such operations on larger dogs like Bernese Mountain Dogs before making any decisions about removing their pup’s rear dewclaws.
Removing your pup’s rear dewclaws is an important decision that requires quite a bit of consideration before taking action – whether it’s done out of precaution or simply for aesthetic purposes – so take your time when researching reliable information about what’s best for your particular pet situation.
With careful planning and preparation, you should be able to rest assured knowing that you made an informed decision about how best care for your beloved Bernese Mountain Dog companion!
How are Rear Dew Claws Removed?
You may be wondering how rear dewclaws are removed from Bernese Mountain Dogs, and the answer is that it’s typically done by a veterinarian in a relatively quick and painless procedure. The most common method of removing dewclaws involves either laser surgery or bandage scissor techniques.
During the procedure, the veterinarian will use local anesthesia to reduce any discomfort for the dog. The entire process typically takes about fifteen minutes but can vary depending on the individual circumstances.
In addition to removal, it is important for owners to be aware of potential risks associated with dewclaw trauma such as infection or nerve damage if not handled properly and post-surgery care should be taken seriously. Regular follow up visits with a veterinarian are recommended after the surgery has been completed to ensure everything is healing correctly. This includes checking for signs of infection or inflammation as well as regular cleaning and bandage changes if necessary.
The debate around rear dew claws remains ongoing, especially since some countries have outlawed their removal due to animal welfare concerns. Some opponents argue that they serve an important purpose in providing traction when running while others point out that they could potentially get caught on objects which could cause injury or even death in some cases.
Ultimately, whether or not to remove them should be discussed between an owner and their vet based on individual circumstances so that both parties can make an informed decision together.
Removing rear dew claws from Bernese Mountain Dogs is generally considered safe when done by a professional veterinarian who understands proper technique and post-operative care protocols. It’s important for owners to understand all the risks associated with this procedure before deciding whether or not it’s right for their pet so they can make an informed decision together with their vet.
The Debate Around Rear Dew Claws
Understanding the debate around the presence of rear dewclaws on Bernese Mountain Dogs is essential for anyone considering this procedure, so you can make an informed decision with your vet.
Breeders’ views on the matter vary widely, with some believing that removing them is necessary to maintain breed standards and others arguing that it should be left up to individual owners.
The ancestral origins of rear dewclaws are also a point of contention, as some believe they are vestigial digits from ancient canine ancestors while others argue that they serve a purpose in modern dogs.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not require removal of rear dewclaws for Bernese Mountain Dogs, but many breeders choose to do so anyway. This is because they believe that having fewer toes makes the dog look more aesthetically pleasing and helps them conform to breed standards.
However, there are those who argue against this practice due to potential risks associated with surgery and possible complications such as infection or nerve damage.
On the other hand, some people believe that rear dewclaws have an important function in modern dogs and should not be removed unless absolutely necessary. They argue that these extra digits provide stability when running or climbing and help protect tendons from injury during activities like agility training or herding livestock.
Additionally, proponents of leaving rear dewclaws intact suggest that removing them could lead to long-term joint problems due to changes in gait caused by their absence.
No matter which side of the debate you fall on, it’s important to discuss all options thoroughly with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet’s health care needs. Your vet will be able to provide advice based on their experience and knowledge about what is best for your particular dog’s situation.
Conclusion
It’s clear that rear dew claws are a part of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Whether you choose to keep them or not is up to you, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with removing them.
It can be a difficult decision for any pet owner, but in the end, consider what’s best for your furry friend. Ultimately, Bernese Mountain Dogs are beautiful animals and make great companions.
With proper care and attention, they’ll bring joy and love into your life for years to come! Their unique features like their rear dew claws just add to their character and charm.
