Dew Claws on Greyhounds – and How We Designed Around Them

Dew claws are the small, thumb-like digits found higher up on a dog’s leg, just above the paw. In greyhounds, these vestigial toes can vary greatly in size and position, and whilst they no longer serve a gripping function like they may have for wild ancestors, they still play a minor role in stability and movement. For some greyhounds, the dew claw is tight against the leg and barely noticeable; in others, it sits further down and can be quite prominent. Identified as digit 1 of 5, most greyhounds only have one on each foreleg and none on their hind legs. Other breeds can have double dew claws on all four limbs.

When designing our Summer boots, we knew dew claws could make or break a comfortable fit, especially for a breed as unique as the greyhound. So we did our homework. We measured over 200 greyhounds to find what we call the "sweet spot": the ideal strap height that lands neatly between the natural widening of the leg and the base of the dew claw. This positioning allows the strap to secure the boot without rubbing or interfering with the claw, helping to ensure both comfort and stability.

While our data-driven design fits the vast majority of greyhounds, it’s important to acknowledge that not every dog falls within our measurement curve. Some dew claws sit lower or more prominently than others, which can sometimes affect how the boot strap interacts with the leg. It's important to note this is largely a greyhound concern and we do not see this issue so much in whippets and Italian greyhounds.

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Check if our standard strap placement is right for your greyhound

1. Measure as recommended to determine correct shoe size.
2. Compare your standing greyhound's dew claw position to the images below.
3. To check strap position, stand your dog on a hard floor.
4. Using a tape measure, measure vertically from the floor to the bottom of their dew claw.

Compare your measurement with our standard V4 Summer Boot strap heights:

Boot Strap Adjustment Service

If your greyhound has unusually low dew claws or shows any sign of rubbing, we’re here to help. We offer a custom strap adjustment service, where we modify the strap height to suit your dog’s individual measurements. Just get in touch with us by email before you order and we’ll walk you through the simple steps to ensure the perfect fit.

File dew claws to prevent irritation when wearing boots

If your pup is experiencing irritation from their dew claws while wearing boots, a simple nail trim and file can make a big difference.

Dew claws that are square-cut can have sharp edges that may press against the boot fabric, causing discomfort. To prevent this: 

- Use a manicurist’s nail file and buffer to round off any sharp edges. 
- Keep dew claws smooth and rounded to avoid irritation. 
- Wearing socks inside the boots can also provide extra protection.

 Here's Hunny's dew claws and she never has any irritation (she wears socks too).

Our socks are designed to prevent rubbing and dew claw discomfort

Greyhounds have notoriously thin, delicate skin and very little fur on their toes, leaving them with almost no natural protection when it comes to wearing footwear. Just like we sometimes need to break in a new pair of shoes—even with socks—greyhounds can find boots unfamiliar and uncomfortable at first. The difference is, they can't tell us when something's rubbing or pinching. That’s why Hunnyboots Fashound Socks were created: they add a soft, protective barrier that helps prevent irritation and makes the transition to wearing boots much smoother.

Our socks are designed to create a soft, protective layer between your greyhound’s skin and their boots. One clever technique is to fold the sock in a "Z" shape, wrapping it under and over the dew claw. This helps cushion the area and prevents the claw from pressing into the skin—a common source of discomfort. Whether you’re walking on pavement, trail, or wet grass, Fashound Socks can make a huge difference in comfort, helping your hound adjust more easily to life in boots. Watch Mark & Hunny demonstrate fitting socks.