dewclaw

Nonfunctional dog digit

A dewclaw is a small, vestigial digit on the inner side of a dog's leg, positioned higher than the other toes and not touching the ground during normal walking.

Most dogs have dewclaws on their front legs; some breeds have them on the rear legs as well.

Dewclaws are sometimes removed to prevent injury, though the practice is controversial.

Other mammals, including cats and some hoofed animals, have similar structures.

anatomy

digit

Single numeric character

pawAnimal's clawed foot
toeFoot's small digit
nailMetal fastener or keratin plate

keratin · foreleg · hindleg · hock · joint · limb · appendage · pad · phalanges · polydactyly

canine

dog

Domesticated barking mammal

wolfWild pack canine
canidMammal of the wolf family
breedCultivated variety of animal

husky · shepherd · retriever · spaniel · terrier · puppy · paw · grooming · trimming · clipping

vestigial

evolution

Species changing over generations

ancestralOf one's forebears
atavismReturn to ancestral type
rudimentaryIn simplest possible form

remnant · phylogeny · adaptation · mutation · genetic · heritage · throwback · residual · nonfunctional · obsolete

feline

cat

Small furry housepet

felineOf or like cats
lynxTufted-eared wild feline
retractableAble to draw inward

climbing · scratching · prey · hunting · grip · grooming · polydactyl

dewclaw

digit

dog

evolution

cat

dewclaw

Opposites

Categories

Family