Dew Claw Removal

OK, I have to ask a really dumb question. :o

Are dewclaws the pads that I feel just below the back of my pup's front knees? Neither of my pups have these on the back - only the front.
 
they actually arent that pronounced on shelties...they tend to be hidden. 2 of mine still have their front ones...and they are a PITA to trim...they never got them caught on anything. I'll try to get a picture of them to post.
 
Thanks guys! So apparently my guys both have their dew claws removed. Nasty looking thing! :sadsmile:

Wonder what genetic feature kept this in the dog breeds???? It does not seem to have any useful use!
 
Some shelties are born with dew claws, some or not. Emma has WHOPPING dew claws which the breeder did not remove and we have chosen not to put her through a surgery just for dew claws. When we have her spayed we will most likely have the dew claws removed then. Figaro, Sasha, and Indy do not have dewclaws. For Figgy, he was born without them. As to the other two either they did not have them from birth or the breeder had them removed at a very young age.

We will be taking our pups in on Monday for a vet check and to have dew claws removed from the 5 pups that have them (4 born with no dewclaws at all, yeah!). One of the pups has "double dews", it was the same with the last litter. The vet took them off and it was no big deal. We are breeding dogs that are aimed at the agility crowd; but I still feel that the dewclaws are a problem and so we elect to have the procedure done with the very young pups when its less invasive, less costly, and a simpler procedure.
 
HopeShelties said:
If the breeder is showing conformation, the rears are always removed. You can not show a dog in conformation with rear dews, so any conformation breeder would automatically want them removed.
It doesn't neccessarily mean that a breeder is a bad breeder for not having them removed, but it does say they don't show conformation, and are probably just a pet breeder.
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Actually, I'm going to disagree with you on this, Stacey. Pres has her rear dew claw. That doesn't make Sherri a pet breeder. You know that she shows. Also, it is not a disqualification. Per AKC, "should be" ...not... must be or required....

http://www.akc.org/breeds/shetland_sheepdog/

Hindquarters
The thigh should be broad and muscular. The thighbone should be set into the pelvis at a right angle corresponding to the angle of the shoulder blade and upper arm. Stifle bones join the thighbone and should be distinctly angled at the stifle joint. The overall length of the stifle should at least equal the length of the thighbone, and preferably should slightly exceed it. Hock joint should be clean-cut, angular, sinewy, with good bone and strong ligamentation. The hock (metatarsus) should be short and straight viewed from all angles. Dewclaws should be removed. Faults-- Narrow thighs. Cow-hocks. Hocks turning out. Poorly defined hock joint. Feet as in forequarters.
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Per UKC, they "may be removed"...

http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/Breeds/ShetlandSheepdog

HINDQUARTERS

  • The hindquarters are broad and muscular. In profile, the croup slopes slightly. The angulation of the hindquarters is in balance with the angulation of the forequarters.

    HIND LEGS - The stifles are well bent, and the hocks are well let down. Hock joint is clean cut. When the dog is standing, the short, strong rear pasterns are perpendicular to the ground and, viewed from the rear, parallel to one another.

    Faults: Poorly muscled thighs; poorly defined hock joint; hocks turning in or out.
FEET


  • Feet are compact, well knit, and oval in shape. Toes are well arched and pads are thick and hard. Nails are strong. Dewclaws may be removed.

    Faults: Feet turning in or out; round, splay or hare foot.
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Neither of these clubs consider that a disqualification, so the statement that, "You can not show a dog in conformation with rear dews" isn't true. You can. It's not desired, but you're not going to get disqualified. :smile2:
 
Hi! This is my first posting here. Nice to meet you all! I used to breed show quality shelties and always removed the back dew claws myself. It's best for showing and also because they can't tear them off later on and hurt the dog. It is amazingly simple and easy on the pups. I used my book "Sheltie Talk" and when the mother was in labor I would take one puppy at a time into the bathroom and cut off the dewclaws with a hemostat. The sound was horrible, but the puppy was so little that the most blood I ever saw was one large drop. I've seen a lot more blood just cutting back a black claw. The puppy would whine a little, which would make the mother look up. I would show the puppy to her and put it back to nuzzle and that was it! I still think it is the most pain free way to do it.
 
More power to you Crystal for being able to do the removal yourself. I'm a Physical Therapist and so my medical knowledge is there but I AM a therapist so that I never, never have to do an invasive procedure, draw blood, etc.
:dead:

Yeah, I'm a wimp. They are so little and helpless. :cry: I'm going to let the vet take the dewclaws tomorrow. :uhoh:
 
Crystal1 said:
Hi! This is my first posting here. Nice to meet you all! I used to breed show quality shelties and always removed the back dew claws myself. It's best for showing and also because they can't tear them off later on and hurt the dog. It is amazingly simple and easy on the pups. I used my book "Sheltie Talk" and when the mother was in labor I would take one puppy at a time into the bathroom and cut off the dewclaws with a hemostat. The sound was horrible, but the puppy was so little that the most blood I ever saw was one large drop. I've seen a lot more blood just cutting back a black claw. The puppy would whine a little, which would make the mother look up. I would show the puppy to her and put it back to nuzzle and that was it! I still think it is the most pain free way to do it.
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Welcome Cyrstal! Are you another of our "lurkers?" Come out, come out, whereever you are! We love new Sheltie forum members! Don't be shy to introduce yourself to the team! We love your pictures and stories!
 
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