If you have ever owned a Great Pyrenees or encountered one, you would have noticed something peculiar: the dogs have an extra toe on their hind legs. What has been referred to in other animals as a double dewclaw serves no evil purpose in this breed; it merely is a striking characteristic of the breed. 

However, it is expected of the Great Pyrenees and is a characteristic that defines this breed. But why do they have it? Here, the question is, what is its use, how is it used, and what should be done about it? In this blog post, you will get the answers that will shed more light on one of the outstanding features of the BAFwG: the gentle giant.

What Are Dewclaws?

Second, we need to move on to the extra toe. But to get better acquainted with it, let’s first discuss dewclaws. Dewclaws are small toes on a dog’s leg, a bit higher than the other. All AKC dog breeds have four dewclaws on their front legs and two on the hind, with rear dewclaws optional. These digits are situated higher up and are not used in walking, as are the newly described digits.

In most breeds, only the hind leg dewclaws are present, which are usually not functional, making them uncommon. But the news could be better when it comes to Great Pyrenees. The split toenails on their hind legs are not just useful but characteristic of the breed as well.

Why Do Great Pyrenees Have Double Dewclaws?

1. Evolution and Breed History

The Great Pyrenees is a very old breed of dog that has developed in the Pyrenees Mountains region, which separates France and Spain. These dogs were designed to protect lambs, sheep, and goats, among other livestock, from predators such as wolves, bears, and even human jackals. This meant using the products at work, which involved traveling over rocky and steep terrains characterized by drastic weather conditions.

The extra two dewclaws were initially useful because they helped the dog grab onto slippery or rocky ground types better. This trait stabilized over the years, making this breed the perfect companion for loyal and effective livestock protection dogs.

2. Functional Importance

While the double dewclaws seen in many other breeds are apt to be mere ornaments, that of the Great Pyrenees is anything but flashy. They play an active role in helping the dog:

• Balance: The surplus toes offer the dog better balance when herding, moving across irregular terrains, or even up steep gradients.
• Traction: It performs like little spikes that give a good hold when placed on more slippery or even rocky terrains to act like cleats.
• Protection: At other times, the double dewclaws may be functional as they serve as a shield for the leg to rule out contact with the harsh ground.

The Genetics Behind Double Dewclaws

Great Pyrenees breeds are born with double dewclaws, and they are genetically inclined. This breed’s genes determine if they will have them, and the double dewclaws dominate this breed. However, hypothyroidism is common in most purebred Great Pyrenees, and so most of them will have them.

There are instances where Great Pyrenees may be crossbred or have genetic differences; they don’t always come with double dew claws. For example, while the Great Pyrenees or the Saint Bernard are easily recognizable, the AKC breed standards have specific demands that, among other things, require the presence of double dewclaws.

Do All Great Pyrenees Have Double Dewclaws?

Subject to exceptions, double dewclaws remain an inherent hallmark of the breed regimen today. Some Great Pyrenees might even have one dewclaw at the back legs or no dewclaw at all.

A dog may have all the other qualities of this breed but does not have a double dewclaw, so it does not fit the service requirements of a show dog. But this does not make them less endearing or functional as pets and buddies.

Are Double Dewclaws Useful in Modern Times?

Modern Great Pyrenees are often used as family dogs in suburban and city conditions, so they do not need to climb mountain surfaces. Even so, their double dewclaws remain functional in several scenarios:

1. Outdoor Activities: The additional toes can assist dogs that belong to families who love walking or engaging in some outdoor activities such as hiking, as their Great Pyrenees will be able to balance on terrains that are irregular more often than not.
2. Playtime: Additional dewclaws offer the dogs balance during aggressive play and sudden turns.
3. Heritage Connection: While many cattalo owners use their animals for livestock guarding, the extra pair of big toes still echo the breed’s origin and function.

Caring for Your Great Pyrenees’ Extra Toes

Having two dewclaws is rare and serves a purpose; however, as with most unusual structures, they need to be looked after so that they do not cause the animal any problems. Here’s how to keep them in great condition:

1. Nail Maintenance

These claws are unusual because they seldom come in contact with the ground and do not wear down naturally as common nails do. An overgrown dewclaw can grow back into the skin and become painful or infected.

• Dewclaw nails should also be trimmed once in 3 to 4 weeks, just like other nails of your dog.
• This way, you can ensure that you use a pet nail clipper or grinder to trim the nails properly.

2. Check for Injuries

Dewclaws are often injured easily because a bony case does not protect them. It can easily get caught on objects, including carpets, furniture, or branches, during certain activities, such as overlooked exercises outside territories.

• Observing the dewclaws makes it possible to notice if the claws are injured or inflamed if the dog is wincing in pain every time the claws are being trimmed, or when the dog has a scratch reflex.
• Do wound care on any slight injuries sustained and check out for signs of an infection.

3. Monitor Loose Dewclaws

Some dogs may be born with floppy or loosely attached double dewclaws. However, it is not usually an issue; it does raise the likelihood of getting hurt. If the dewclaws appear floppy, you should talk to your veterinarian.

4. General Hygiene

They recommended that you ensure the area around the dewclaws is clean from debris. Daily grooming can avoid accumulations of those materials that may cause diseases.

When Is Dewclaw Removal Necessary?

Surgical removal of dewclaw is ordinarily not encouraged for this breed of dog, except for specific medical purposes. It requires the amputation of the dewclaws, which are sensitive and tender and may cause the dog a lot of pain; adding to this, it may lead to more complications.

Situations Where Removal May Be Considered:

• They are painful conditions that persist and do not heal, injuries that keep reappearing, or infections that continue to recur.
• Dewclaws that are loose or poorly attached in the urge to create frequent issues.
• Horse saddle recommendations are derived from the health status.

It is necessary to ask your veterinarian every time because the company’s employees may be right, saying that it is high time to remove something, but the pet’s life can be in danger after that.

Fun Facts About Double Dewclaws

• Historical Beliefs: In some cultures, extra front toes or double dewclaws were considered lucky, or the canine was a working dog.
• Unique Among Breeds: Not many breeds have double dewclaws on the rear limbs, but those that do are efficient at making quick about-turns and may sometimes have that extra dewclaw on one hind leg. The Briard and the Icelandic Sheepdog are two more breeds for which this mixed perception is held.
• Durable Design: Great Pyrenees’ double dewclaws are, in fact, stronger and better attached than single ones in other breeds.

A Closer Look at Your Great Pyrenees’ Heritage

You ask why the Great Pyrenees have double dewclaws. The Great Pyrenees are a breeding breed developed to work in cold, mountainous regions. Perhaps not surprisingly, all these traits are rooted in this breed’s past: their dense and oily coat, size, and, of course, those six toes.

Every time you focus on your Great Pyrenees dog, you see years of development and breeding, turning them into one of the most extraordinary dogs on the face of this planet.

Last but Not Least

The two small toes that you can observe on the rear limbs of the Great Pyrenees are not just an unusual feature but represent more. They are a functional necessity, as well as past and genetic characteristics of the breed. The breed’s primitive double dewclaws were developed from its ancestors, the Pyrenees Mountain livestock herders, and are still a feature today.

Grooming of the Great Pyrenees’ dual dew claws is easy but vital. They will be happy and healthy if groomed, cleaned nails, trimmed, and watched for scratches. The appendages should not be amputated unless there is a medical reason that makes it possible. Otherwise, it is absurd to have these cute toes amputated.

 

If you understand and realize this characteristic, you will have a better relationship with your dog and their history. Your Great Pyrenees is not just your dog and isn’t just any old dog—they have the extra toe to show for it and are part of the noble line of pedigree dogs.