[greyacresmom]

First:

The Dewclaws were from the time the dogs were wild. As time has gone on, they have become less usefull for dogs. Some are even born without them now. They have "evolved"..

They get hung up when hunting...but can get torn out just playing. So over time, they can get infected, and hurt a great deal.

As for dewclaws growing in a circle and getting into the skin? All nails can cause problems, and if you take care of your dogs needs, the dewclaws will be dremmeled/cut on a regular basis.

When our hounds do lure coursing, we tape their dewclaws for saftey, (if they have them)

As for the tail:

Hunters will tell you that when the hunting dog has the long feathery tail, the hair can/will hinder the animal in the brush. Getting stuck and such. I personally think that a hunter can shave the tail and have the same effect. Just like they shave the longer areas on the legs and such.

Do I think it is cruel? Yes....But I am a Mom of the '80's. So I didn't even have my son circumsized. I think to this day that is why he is such a gentle soul. I would not do it to a person, why would I do it to a dog?