Wolf's claw in dogs explained (What is it exactly?)
In this article we tell you everything important about the wolf's claw. Where it comes from, how it is constructed and what you can do in an emergency if it is injured. For this article, we also sought advice from veterinarian Mag.med.vet. Emin Jasarevic for this article.
Updated: August 21, 2025
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The extra toe on the hind legs in dogs is called wolf's claw or anus toe or anus claw.
Structure and function of the wolf's claw** (What is the wolf's claw anyway?)
The wolf claw is, so to speak, an additional toe in dogs. More precisely, the first toe on the inside of the hind legs. It usually contains a bone. This may be one or more pieces of bone. A distinction is made between articulated and non-articulated.
The connection with the skin consists of connective tissue and is relatively loose. This is why the risk of injury is high here. An articulated connection is firmer, as the claw is connected to the carpal bone. This type is called a "thick wolf claw".
Similar to the sixth toe in humans, a second wolf claw can form before the dog is born. This is referred to as a "double wolf claw". From an anatomical point of view, the wolf claw corresponds to the big toe in humans.
While all dogs have five toes on their front paws, they usually have only four on their hind paws. The additional fifth toe, the wolf claw, does not occur in all dogs.
Like most carnivorous mammals, dogs move on their toes. This is known as digitigrade gait.
However, the wolf's claw is located far up on the metatarsal bone and cannot be used at all when walking. As a result, it is also not shortened in a natural way.
Accordingly, the wolf claw has no benefit or function. Not only that, it also brings disadvantages. Your dog could easily get stuck with it and suffer injuries.
Since the wolf does not have a wolf claw, one can assume an even older ancestor of the domestic dog as a carrier of the claw.
If you look at the "ground plan" of an original paw, it always consists of five toes. Accordingly, the wolf's claw corresponds to the first toe or thumb.
Due to evolution, these five toes are reduced to single toes. These regressions caused by evolution are called rudiments.
This case occurred with the first toe of the dog. It has completely regressed. However, in some furry noses, it can reappear as a wolf's claw individually or due to the breed. Especially in larger breeds of dogs this can be the case.
From this point of view, any dog can grow a wolf's claw depending on its individual disposition.
However, it is more prevalent in certain breeds. Here are some examples:
- Afghan
- Beauceron
- Berger de Brie
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Bracco Italiano
- Briard
- Great Dane
- Gos d'Atura Català
- Kangal
- Malinois
In some breeds, the wolf claw is part of the FCI standard and is a required breed characteristic. For example, in the Beauceron or Kuvasz even two wolf claws are prescribed as a breed standard.
However, the opposite can also be the case. The FCI prescribes the surgical removal of a wolf claw for some dog species. Provided, of course, that this is permitted by law in the respective country.
If the wolf's claw is injured in your pet, it may require removal. In this case, it is allowed to have it surgically removed.
Otherwise the**Prohibition for amputation of body parts, §6 (1) of the Animal Protection Act. **This law prevents an animal from suffering pain or being harmed without a compelling reason.
There are certain cases in which this law does not apply: The veterinarian may prescribe removal for health reasons. Even if the dog is used as a hunting dog, the removal is allowed.
The wolf claw must be surgically removed in the form of an amputation. A skin incision is made under light anesthesia (sedation).
Wolf claws that are not hinged are easier to remove than those that are hinged. After removal, a skin suture is made to close the wound.
Health reasons for removal include:
- Tumor
- Trauma
- purulent inflammations
- Injuries
- Risk of injury to self
- Risk of injury for other "fellow pets
If there is no acute reason for removal, you can wait with the procedure for another, for example, sterilization. This way you avoid exposing the dog to anesthesia more often.
costs
The basic fee schedule for veterinarians prescribes just as all costs. The pure amputation costs amount to approximately 17 euros.
However, there are other costs such as x-rays, anesthesia, and materials for the surgery.
Ask your veterinarian for the total cost for an exact amount.
First of all, it should be said that an injured wolf claw is extremely painful. Therefore, your dog may even bite if you touch the injury. Be careful before you examine it more closely.
A muzzle can be helpful here for your protection. If the wolf's claw is only broken and not bleeding, it can be treated with Iodine ointmentto treat and bandage. It is important to remove the bandage after one night/day and examine the condition.
If only a small piece of claw is broken off, it is enough to shorten it. If the wolf's claw is completely broken off, amputation becomes inevitable.
If the wound is bleeding heavily, the claw is probably torn or completely torn out. Here you must first apply a protective bandage so that your darling does not lick the wound. So no germs can get in.
In this case, a suture and antibiotic treatment are necessary. Until the wound is finally healed, your protégé will probably have to wear a funnel.
You should consult your trusted veterinarian for any wolf claw injury. Only he can professionally assess whether medical or surgical treatment is necessary.
The wolf claw can protrude or grow in. The claw should therefore be trimmed regularly to prevent injuries.** abridged** become. You should cut every six to eight weeks.
This also prevents ingrowing. The short claw also largely prevents tearing, for example, during play.
Not every dog necessarily has a wolf claw. First check if it is present in your protégé.
Ultimately, it is up to the veterinarian to determine if the wolf claw needs to be removed. Otherwise, it is your responsibility to trim them regularly to prevent injury.
Veterinarian Mag.med.vet. Emin Jasarevic
I am a veterinarian and writer on animal health topics. Animals are my passion, and it is my personal goal to create medically accurate articles and videos to educate pet owners as much as possible.
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Structure and function of the wolf's claw** (What is the wolf's claw anyway?)
- costs
