Hi Cat, I heard the same thing about the dew claws serving as extra toes especially in the deep snow. Our vet tried to talk me into removing them and I told him that I would remove a certain part of his anatomy if he touched those little toes. (I don't go to him anymore, but it was not from that remark). Tery & her pyrs, Krystal, Buddy, Sasha, Bonnie & Wiggles (tzu)