Do pitbulls have double dew claws?

Answered by James Kissner

Pitbulls do not have double dew claws. They typically have a single dewclaw on each hind leg, just like most other dog breeds. The dewclaw is a small, non-functional digit located on the inside of the leg, above the paw. It is believed to be a remnant of an ancestral digit that was once used for grasping or climbing.

However, it is important to note that not all individual pitbulls will have dewclaws. Some may have had them removed at a young age for various reasons, such as preventing potential injuries or due to breed standards in certain dog shows. Dewclaw removal is a common practice in many dog breeds, not just pitbulls.

While the dewclaws of a pitbull are typically single, there are some rare cases where a pitbull might have double dewclaws. Double dewclaws refer to the presence of two dewclaws on the same leg. This is more commonly seen in certain breeds such as the Great Pyrenees or the Briard. However, it is not a common trait in pitbulls.

It’s worth mentioning that the presence or absence of dewclaws does not affect a pitbull’s ability to perform its usual activities or impact its overall health. Dewclaws are often seen as vestigial and are not used for weight-bearing or essential functions. However, they can sometimes be prone to injury if they get caught on something or if they are not properly maintained.

Pitbulls typically have a single dewclaw on each hind leg, but there may be rare cases where they have double dewclaws. However, the presence or absence of dewclaws does not significantly impact a pitbull’s life or ability to function.