What dog breeds have dew claws on hind legs?

Answered by Willian Lymon

There are several dog breeds that have dew claws on their hind legs. One such breed is the Pyrenean shepherd. These dogs are known for their agility and herding abilities, and their breed standard includes the presence of rear double dewclaws. These extra toes can be found on the hind legs of Pyrenean shepherds and are considered to be a characteristic feature of the breed.

Another breed that has rear double dewclaws is the briard. Briards are large, powerful dogs that were originally bred as herding dogs in France. Like the Pyrenean shepherd, the briard breed standard includes the presence of rear dewclaws. These extra toes can provide additional traction and stability when the dogs are working in rough terrain or on slippery surfaces.

The Spanish mastiff is yet another breed that has rear double dewclaws. These dogs are known for their size and strength, and they were traditionally used to guard livestock in rural areas of Spain. The presence of rear dewclaws in the Spanish mastiff breed is believed to be an adaptation that helps these dogs navigate the rugged terrain and steep slopes of their native environment.

It is worth noting that while the Bouvier des Flandres may be born with rear dewclaws, the American Kennel Club (AKC) standard for this breed requires that they be removed for competition purposes. The Bouvier des Flandres is a versatile working breed that was originally used for herding and farm work in Belgium. While the presence of rear dewclaws is not a disqualification according to the AKC standard, they are typically removed to adhere to the competition requirements.

The Pyrenean shepherd, briard, and Spanish mastiff are dog breeds that have breed standards which include the presence of rear double dewclaws. These extra toes can provide these breeds with added stability and traction in their working environments. However, it is important to note that in the case of the Bouvier des Flandres, the removal of rear dewclaws is typically required for competition purposes.