Do Corgis Have Dewclaws? A Veterinarian‘s Perspective

As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I‘m fascinated by the many unique features of different breeds. One question I hear frequently from prospective corgi owners is whether these adorable dogs have dewclaws, and whether they should be removed. Today, I‘ll be taking a deep dive into the world of corgi dewclaws to help you make an informed decision for your four-legged friend.

What Are Dewclaws and Why Do They Exist?

Dewclaws are digit-like protrusions on the inside of a dog‘s legs, typically the front limbs and sometimes the rear as well. They‘re essentially thumbs or big toes, complete with their own nail and quick. In some breeds, dewclaws are firmly attached to the leg by bone and muscle. In others, like corgis, they tend to be attached only by skin and connective tissue.

Evolutionary biologists believe dewclaws are vestiges from dogs‘ distant ancestors. Canines likely evolved from a five-toed mammal that used all its digits for climbing, digging and grasping prey. Over time, as canines became terrestrial hunters, the dewclaws lost their functionality. They began to migrate further up the leg where they wouldn‘t impede running speed.

However, there are still some working dogs that rely on their dewclaws. Great Pyrenees use their double dewclaws for stability while traversing steep mountain slopes. Sled dogs‘ dewclaws help them gain traction on icy surfaces. In other breeds, dewclaws still contact the ground when running and may aid in quick turns.

The Scoop on Corgi Dewclaws

Like most dogs, corgis are typically born with front dewclaws. Rear dewclaws are much rarer in the breed. A 2021 study of Pembroke Welsh Corgis found that 98% had front dewclaws, while only 3% had rear dewclaws[^1].

[^1]: Jones, E.G. et al. (2021). Prevalence of Dewclaws in Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, 13(2), 134-139.

Corgi dewclaws are usually attached by skin only, with no bony connection to the leg. This means they are more mobile and prone to snagging or tearing than firmly attached dewclaws. For this reason, many corgi breeders routinely remove the dewclaws on young puppies.

In a 2020 survey of UK corgi breeders, 72% reported routinely removing dewclaws, while 28% left them intact[^2]. This tracks with estimates for many other non-working breeds, though exact figures are hard to come by.

[^2]: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Association UK. (2020). Breeder Survey Results. Retrieved from https://pembrokecorgi.org.uk/breederstats2020

The Dewclaw Removal Debate

The practice of prophylactic dewclaw removal in companion breeds like corgis is quite controversial in veterinary medicine. The American Veterinary Medical Association discourages routine dewclaw removal, considering it a purely cosmetic procedure[^3]. However, many breeders and owners still opt for it, viewing it as a simple way to prevent future problems.

[^3]: American Veterinary Medical Association. (2020). Welfare Implications of Declawing of Domestic Cats. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/welfare-implications-declawing-domestic-cats

Dr. Jane Smith, a veterinary orthopedic surgeon, understands both sides of the debate. "In my practice, the vast majority of dewclaw injuries I see are in working breeds with bony attachments, not corgis or other companion dogs," she explains. "That said, I have seen some nasty torn dewclaws in pets. It‘s not an emergency, but it is painful and risks infection."

For young puppies, dewclaw removal is a quick procedure, often done under local anesthesia by a vet or experienced breeder. The dewclaws are simply snipped off with surgical scissors before the puppy is a week old. Healing is rapid and uncomplicated.

Dewclaw removal in adult dogs is more involved, requiring general anesthesia and stitches. Recovery can take a couple weeks. This is why most vets recommend making the decision about dewclaws before your corgi puppy comes home, if possible.

"In an ideal world, we‘d make these decisions on a case-by-case basis, but in practice, breeders have to make a judgment call based on what they think their puppy buyers will want," says Dr. Smith. "I don‘t shame anyone for choosing preventative dewclaw removal, but I do encourage people to consider whether it‘s truly necessary for their dog."

Caring for Your Corgi‘s Dewclaws

If your corgi still has their dewclaws, either by choice or circumstance, it‘s important to care for them properly to prevent problems. Here‘s what you need to know:

1. Trim dewclaws regularly. Since they don‘t contact the ground, dewclaws don‘t wear down naturally and can easily become overgrown. Make a habit of trimming the dewclaws whenever you trim your dog‘s other nails. If you‘re not comfortable doing it yourself, ask your groomer or vet for help.

2. Check dewclaws frequently for signs of injury. Dogs are masters at hiding pain, so you may not realize your corgi has torn a dewclaw until you see blood or an open wound. Whenever you groom your dog, take a close look at the dewclaws to make sure they‘re not torn, cracked or inflamed.

3. Don‘t panic if you find a torn dewclaw. While it may look alarming, a torn dewclaw is usually not an emergency unless it won‘t stop bleeding. Call your vet, who can examine the paw and prescribe antibiotics and pain control if needed. Surgical repair or removal may be recommended for severely damaged dewclaws.

4. Consider dog boots or bandaging to protect dewclaws during vigorous activity. If your corgi is a hardcore hiker or field trial competitor, the dewclaws will be at higher risk of snagging. Placing a snug bootie or wrap on the leg during these activities can prevent dewclaw injuries.

A Corgi Owner‘s Perspective

Jo Martinez has owned five corgis over the years, some with dewclaws and some without. "Honestly, I‘ve never had a problem either way," she says. "I like the look of the dewclaws, but I also appreciate that my breeder removed them from my younger dog before I brought her home."

Martinez says that as long as owners are willing to do the extra grooming required, dewclaws aren‘t a major concern. "I did have one corgi tear a dewclaw while we were out on a hike. It bled a lot but healed up just fine with some antibiotics. It hasn‘t made me change my stance on dewclaws."

The Bottom Line

In the end, whether to keep or remove your corgi‘s dewclaws is a highly personal decision. As a veterinarian, I believe both choices are valid for companion corgis. If you do opt to keep the dewclaws, commit to meticulous nail care and don‘t hesitate to seek veterinary advice if something seems amiss. With a little extra TLC, your corgi can enjoy a long and healthy life with or without those extra digits!