Comment

Comment by Jill, Kari & Jackson on August 21, 2009 at 10:10pm

I worked at a vet and there are so many problems with dew claws. Dew claws tend to be ingrown and this can cause infections and harm the dog. Any breed of dog or cat can have these problems. It was really terrible when we would get an animal in and the claw was just growing into the leg and we would have to use something like tin snips to cut it. Luckily my girl was born with a natural bob and no dew claws so i avoided all this but as far as removing dew claws, its hit or miss. Some dew claws will be like the ones I mentioned and some will not give the animal any problems. Just keep an eye on them and talk to your vet about it.

Comment by Lou Ann Lemaster on August 21, 2009 at 6:30pm

I found the information below about why the corgi's have docked tails at this website:

http://www.welshcorgi.com/Corgihistory.html

"Hired keepers, shepherds and herdsmen were also allowed to keep their dogs, but all were required to be mutilated in some way to prevent poaching of the royal game. Some of these mutilations were quite severe, but the herdsman's dog was required only to have his tail docked, or cur-tailed, as it was felt this was sufficient to slow him down. The people tried to evade this law, but penalties were severe and the monies from these fines were a welcome source of revenue to the crown. When these laws became unworkable, the crown then levied a tax on dogs. Realizing that the peasants could not pay these taxes, nor could they live without the help of a dog for certain tasks, an exemption from tax for dogs used for a purpose was provided. The shepherd or herdsman's dog was still exempt from this tax if his tail was docked."

Comment by Heather and Ella on August 21, 2009 at 5:06pm

Ok, so here is how much I know about dogs - I had to look dewclaws up on Google to find out what they are and if Ella had them. LOL
From what I read, they take them off just so they won't get caught on stuff. So basically appears to be no reason, expect as a precaution. I can't imagine the breeder I got Ella from would take the time to de-dewclaw her, but I can't find any on her.

Comment by Erin & Faye on August 21, 2009 at 4:04pm

I don't know too much about dewclaws but as far as tails go we left Faye's on! It seemed to me that to only reason they dock them is... because they do. It's just become common practice because of the breed standards. There may have been a reason originally for herding or tax purposes, and yes their little bunny butts are pretty darn cute. But, we found a breeder who no longer docks any of her corgi's tails and it gives Faye so much personality. She wags it, chases it, and holds it high in the air on walks...

Good luck with the new addition!!! Post tons and tons of pics.

Comment by GoGoRainbow on August 21, 2009 at 3:25pm

wait, why DO they remove the tail? I always figured it was so it wasn't stepped on while herding, but you seem to know for sure.

Comment by Jane Christensen on August 21, 2009 at 3:17pm

Only one of my corgis has her dews...doesn't seem to bother us or her...but our aussie's look just terrible like they're just hanging there...I wish I had had them removed when he was neutered for his safety...they can also scratch people with these and the big dogs dews hurt when this happens...Have a wonderful weekend with your new addition.

Comment by Melanie Fischer on August 21, 2009 at 2:36pm

Oh. well thats good to know. My pup wont have them. so i was just wondering... :3 ** SO CAN'T WAIT TO WAIT TILL WE BRING MY BABY GIRL HOME **

Comment by Derek on August 21, 2009 at 2:27pm

It is not just corgi's, my father's lab also has no Dew Claws. The theory is if they remove the claws they cannot get caught on anything and rip away from them. I think it is also for easier grooming and appearance. My Corgi girl came from a breeder and so has no dew claws and my corgi mutt has them. No real difference as far as I can see. But I believe many find there is a benefit behind having them removed.

Comment by Amanda & Tuck on August 21, 2009 at 2:26pm

Tucker has one dewclaw - the breeder said it may have grown back if not removed completely or it was overlooked. I will let someone else answer why they remove them - I think it is because they can get caught on something or tear and get infected but I am really not sure.