I think about toenails, and I ponder their natural shape versus ”show shape.” Assuming a dog has good feet, the toenail will naturally take on a sharp end. This is not by accident: Pointy toenails will dig into grass or dirt, giving a dog more stability under the foot for pushing off, turning, and sharp pivoting. This provides stability for the entire leg and foot, including the tendons and ligaments. It’s also handy for digging and clawing at coveted items. An active dog with correct feet will naturally keep their nails sharp, with the nail just hovering over the substrate the dog is standing in but not quite scraping the ground. Nails that are too long will push the foot back, displacing the dog’s ability to stand squarely over his feet and distribute his weight evenly, putting more strain on the pasterns.
Rottweilers, like many other breeds that work, are to have strong, thick, black nails that can withstand all types of terrain and weather without breaking, cracking, or splitting. Such injuries would make the dog lame and unable to work. A dog that can’t work is of no use as a helper.
On the other hand, we show-folks like to grind our dog’s nails into pretty, round nubs. Indeed, they are very neat and pretty. This kind of pedicure allows a good foot to really stand out, as there is no visual incongruence of the nails exiting the toes. Yet this is not normal or functional for a dog. We have removed the dog’s ability to grip the ground, which may also influence the way the dog’s body shifts and its muscles contract in order to compensate for the ground beneath slipping away. We essentially remove the dog’s ability to grab footing with their toenails.
I have always used a grinder, starting with my first dog. However, my current young dog is displaying intense dislike and discomfort of the tool (even if paired with super tasty treats). Interestingly, he will allow me to use the clippers, no problem. So, I have taken to clipping off the very sharp ends but leaving the nail otherwise intact. He has good, well arched feet, and the nails do not touch the floor when he is standing, yet many friends and fanciers have admonished me for his nails not being shorter. Like I said, I have come to think about toenails.
As my dog is training in dog sports, he needs to grip the ground. I do plan on showing him occasionally, but I have no plan to grind his nails short and round at this time. I believe it wiser, for my dog and his situation, to have slightly longer nails. He has his dew claws in front for torque and pivoting, and slightly pointy-ended nails for grasping the ground and pushing off when running and jumping. As long as they are not so long as to push his feet back and they are not touching the ground when standing and relaxed, then he’s fine for exercising and our sport training.
– Jill Kessler Miller, jillymillygsrc@gmail.com American Rottweiler Club
Originally published AKC Gazette
