🐾 Our Puppy Care Choices at L&K Doxies

At L&K Doxies, every decision we make is based on what we believe supports the long-term health, comfort, and well-being of our puppies.

One question we often receive is whether we remove front dewclaws on our Dachshund puppies.

Why We Do Not Remove Front Dewclaws

We do not remove front dewclaws on our Dachshund puppies because they serve a purpose and are a natural part of a dog’s anatomy.

Unlike rear dewclaws, which can sometimes be loosely attached and may serve a different purpose, front dewclaws are connected to muscles, tendons, and ligaments that help support the front leg.

Here are a few reasons we choose to leave them intact:

🐾 Joint Stability and Long-Term Soundness

Front dewclaws help provide stability to the carpal (wrist) joint when a dog is running, turning, jumping, or changing direction.

Removing them can alter the mechanics of the front leg and may place additional stress on surrounding structures. Over time, this may contribute to increased strain on the joints and potentially affect long-term comfort and mobility.

🐾 Preserving Muscle and Tendon Function

Front dewclaws are connected through functional tendons and muscles in the lower leg.

Removing a dewclaw also removes the attachment point of these structures, which can impact the development and use of the surrounding muscles.

Keeping the dewclaws allows the puppy to maintain their natural anatomy and function.

🐾 Traction and Movement

Dewclaws can help provide traction when dogs are moving quickly, making sharp turns, climbing, or navigating uneven surfaces.

For an active breed like the Dachshund, maintaining proper structure and movement is important for supporting their long-term mobility.