dewclaws
Dogs' vestigial digits
Dewclaws are the small, vestigial digits found higher up on a dog's leg, above the paw and not touching the ground.
They're analogous to thumbs in humans—remnants that no longer serve their original gripping function.
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 this practice is increasingly debated.
Small domesticated felines
- pawsAnimal feet
- retractableAble to draw inward
- climbingAscending by physical effort
- scratchingRaking with nails
hunting · grip · polydactyl · tabby · siamese · lynx · bobcat · cougar
Single numeric character
- pawAnimal's clawed foot
- appendageProjecting body part
- toeFoot's small digit
- nailMetal fastener or keratin plate
vestige · foreleg · hindleg · metacarpal · phalanges · tendon · ligament · polydactyl
Domesticated barking mammals
removal · docking · grooming · injury · snagging · trimming · malamutes · huskies
cats
Small domesticated felines
- pawsAnimal feet
- retractableAble to draw inward
- climbingAscending by physical effort
scratching · hunting · grip · polydactyl · tabby · siamese · lynx · bobcat · cougar · predator
digit
Single numeric character
nail · vestige · foreleg · hindleg · metacarpal · phalanges · tendon · ligament · polydactyl · morphology
dogs
Domesticated barking mammals
puppies · removal · docking · grooming · injury · snagging · trimming · malamutes · huskies · breed standard
hooves
Ungulate foot coverings
goats · deer · elk · moose · caribou · antelope · boar · cloven · trotters · ergot
grip
Secure manual hold
- tractionAdhesive friction enabling movement
- climbingAscending by physical effort
- stabilityResistance to displacement
grasping · holding · prey · terrain · ice · slopes · running · turning · anchoring · purchase