Dew claws

7624 Views 8 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Mikey T, May 25, 2011

Havensbane

Discussion Starter · Aug 20, 2007

My 6 1/2 mo. old rescue basset Fred, has had his dew claws removed...is this a standard practice, or is this an indication that he came from a breeder intending for him to hunt.

I can't imagine a back yard breeder going to the extra expense of having them removed, although, if they are supposed to be, I know they probably would.

Save

1 - 9 of 9 Posts

emc

· #2 · Aug 20, 2007

I don't know how common a practice it is but some people remove the dew claws of dogs because they tend to get in the way, e.g. get caught on stuff and are difficult to trim.

Digital Paint Pet Portraits
http://dogshop.50webs.com

Save

Dean

· #3 · Aug 20, 2007

Just who says they should be removed??? The "reputable" breeders??? "I do it, so the world should !!!!"
The only intelligent reason for removing dew claws is the possibility of having them get caught in the brush. There are field breeders who automaticly remove them -- backyard breeders even -- cost $0
I have never had dew claws removed and in many years of running bassets inthe field, I have never seen a dew claw torn off. One hound did get a toe nail caught in a kennel and lost the nail.

Save

Havensbane

Discussion Starter · #4 · Aug 21, 2007

Thanks Dean! I'm glad you don't remove dew claws. It sounds unnecessary.

I guess who ever did Fred's must have thought it was the thing to do...probably no good reason.

Save

[email protected]

· #5 · May 25, 2011

ok I have the answer!!! Both of my parents (and step parents have owned Bassett Hounds my whole life) and dew claws usually are clipped and is easier when they are about 1-2 days old when they are still loose and not bone yet. The reason for this is not only because they get caught on brush or whatever else. ALSO because the nail curls sharp and can curl into the pad on the toe. I have a basset hound mix and hers do that too and are super hard to clip.

Save

Soundtrack

· #6 · May 25, 2011

Dean said:
Just who says they should be removed??? The "reputable" breeders??? "I do it, so the world should !!!!"
The only intelligent reason for removing dew claws is the possibility of having them get caught in the brush. There are field breeders who automaticly remove them -- backyard breeders even -- cost $0
I have never had dew claws removed and in many years of running bassets inthe field, I have never seen a dew claw torn off. One hound did get a toe nail caught in a kennel and lost the nail.

Actually, most of the bassets I've seen with dewclaws removed are NOT from "reputable breeders" and are not well-bred (I don't know about the hunting dogs because I don't see many). I don't remove them, nor does anyone I can think of offhand. While I've seen dewclaw issues on other breeds of dog, I've never had any with a basset. The dewclaws on bassets are pretty sturdy.