Re: [pyrnet] Dew Claws

[Diana Brown <nixie@mad.scientist.com>]

>>Are you saying the Pyr standard states it's recessive or the Beauceron standard?

Neither of the above.  Both breed standards require double dew claws and neither, as far as I am aware, addresses the genetic origins of that characteristis.  What I *am* saying is that the reason those initially became part of the breed standard is that the genes that cause double dews are, in fact, recessives.  As a result, if you outbreed, the double dews usually are not present (overcome by a dominant in the other half of the genetic makeup). Double dews as a breed standard, in both breeds, were adopted as a "proof of purity," for although it is possible to have a purebred without them, it is exceedingly uncommon - the double dews were considered a way of "proving" that the bloodlines were pure.

Also, there are many breeds that *do* breed dew claws (though few with double dews) - but in which the dews are so vestigial, they are considered a danger and are commonly removed.  Dew claws that are strong and retained are the minority.

Hope that clarifies.
Diana

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