Dew claws

[Metz]

When /why did breeders start to remove them? I have a boxer who still has his,tail docked though..he has no pedigree or papers,he was a rescue (ish),long story..he's 4 yrs old now.

[Clanad]

It's difficult to say when breeders or ordinary dog owners began removing dew claws. The procedure follows the same general pattern of docking dogs tails. The reason, though, is usually determined by one of two factors; one is esthetics, i.e., the breed's show characteristics are enhanced by the procedure, or, the recognition that the dew claws serve no purpose and are easily torn in many breeds, especially working dogs. It's quite obviously painful for the loose hanging claw to be torn away totally or even partially. We've had that happen here in the western U.S. on our Blue Heelers and Australian Shepherd stock dogs...