DEW CLAWS, do they have to be removed? if so why?
I have a gsd puppy now 12 weeks and a friend mentioned this about dew claws?
To be really honest i dont exactly know what these are and the reason most gsd have them removed?
sam

No they don't have to be removed. Many dogs do have them removed (my own included) because they can be a right nuisance, getting caught and damaging people, clothing and not least hurting the dog. That said, some dogs never have any trouble from them. If they are going to be removed, it is usually done when the pup is about 3 days old, so your pup being the age s/he is (sorry, I can't remember if you have a dog or bitch) I would leave well alone unless they cause trouble, because it would involve a general anaesthetic, stitches, bandaging etc. Just make sure you keep the nails well trimmed when you do the rest of them (I do my dogs once a week) because they don't wear down naturally.
:)

thankyou for your input

Hi sam I breed gsds I personally have never had a problem with dew claws just remember to keep a check on the length of them and clip as necessary. Indy

Hi sam
it depends really.Tara was always getting her hind ones caught so i had front & hind whipped off. nellie had big but floppy ones but never a problem so i just had them off when she was spayed BUT as she uses her front paws alot i left the front ones on,because she uses them for holding stuff! flynn didnt have any hind ones!!!! fantastic! he uses his front ones alot so i will leave them alone. i keep them trimmed. easy to do!