Dew Claws

[GAPugLover]

I have had my Pug Bridget for 1 year now and she is a very sweet and very loving girl. However, when I purchased her. Her breeder had removed her dew claws. I was just wondering if there is a specific reason why some show Pug breeders or breeders of champion bloodline purebred pedigree Pug dogs (that don't show) remove dew claws. My Pug Samantha has both of her dew claws. I would truly appreciate any responses to this.

[Wally 'n' Leto]

Someone told me once when I asked why Wally had none in the back but still had them in front that the ones on the back are taken off to prevent them snagging, and the ones on the front are left to act as 'thumbs' when the dog is playing or holding objects. This person showed malamutes for years.

If I'm not mistaken, I think if they are removed all around it's to prevent snagging and to make the legs look sleeker/neater?

Added: Check this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dewclaw

[Pugs-R-MandyBait]

** I think if they are removed all around it's to prevent snagging and to make the legs look sleeker/neater?**

Exactly. Dew claws are painful and bloody when they snag on something. it has nothing to do with showing or champion bloodlines. They have no muscle structure, so I doubt they could be used to help hold things. That sounds more Old Wive's Tale to me.
I have a few with dew claws in my Pack, since they arrived far too old to remove them comfortably.

[GAPugLover]

Thanks for the replies, I was just curious as to why some breeders remove dewclaws. I do think that they do look a lot neater without dewclaws.