Why Do Dogs Have Duclaws. Dewclaws are vestigial digits, which means they retain the structure of a digit but have lost some of their ancestral function. In some breeds, the removal is thought to improve appearance for the show ring.
In such dogs, the claws do not have a use for gripping as the claw can easily fold or turn. Pet owners may wonder why their dogs have a small finger a few centimeters higher than the rest of their paws. Dewclaws, both front and rear, are often a cause a bit of worry in dog owners who are afraid the nail will catch on something during a run through a forest or over rough terrain.