| This is a question that is being asked with more | | | | never had any negative issue arise from dewclaws. It |
| frequency. The dewclaw is the "fifth" little claw that | | | | is my opinion that the dewclaws should not be |
| grows higher on the leg than the others. Unlike the | | | | removed as a general practice. There are always |
| other four claws that have constant contact with the | | | | situations where the removal of the dewclaws may |
| ground this claw sometimes seems to remain off the | | | | be necessary for particular dogs but as a universal |
| ground when the dog is standing. It does, however, | | | | practice it may ultimately cause more harm than good. |
| make contact with the ground while the dog is running. | | | | In fact, new research is showing that by removing the |
| Some Havanese breeders will have a vet remove the | | | | dewclaws you may be causing long term harm to |
| dewclaws from their puppies when they are just a | | | | your Havanese and promoting health problems such |
| few days old as part of their general health procedure. | | | | as joint laxity and arthritis. |
| These breeders and their social circles have tried to | | | | The following excerpt from Dr. Zink is very applicable |
| label this as a healthy and responsible practice. | | | | to the Havanese breed since Havanese are well |
| The reason for this is that dewclaw removal has been | | | | known for their "run like crazy" activity and are |
| perceived by some to offer both health and safety | | | | commonly used in agility competitions... |
| benefits for the dogs. Dewclaws have been seen as | | | | "....The dewclaws have the important function of |
| a weak claw that can sometimes become loose and | | | | reducing the torque that is applied to the front legs, |
| rip partway off or catch on objects while the dog is | | | | especially when dogs are turning at a canter... Without |
| running. The logic is that the removal of the dewclaws | | | | the gripping action of the dog's "thumbs" there is more |
| eliminates these hazards. There is still a large and very | | | | stress on the ligaments of the carpus. This may cause |
| legitimate debate, however, as to the validity of the | | | | the ligaments to stretch and tear over time, resulting in |
| claim that dewclaw removal is healthy for your | | | | joint laxity and ultimately, in arthritis." (excerpt from |
| Havanese. | | | | "Dogs in Canada" article by Chris Zink DVM.,Ph. |
| As a dog breeder of over 14 years I have personally | | | | |