Dewclaws can easily be torn off(especially when they are 'dangling' dewclaws) accidentally. They also can become ingrown, as the dewclaw doesn't usually get worn down, because they don't touch the ground. Coated breeds often have dewclaws get caught up in brushes or combs and yanked loose, or partially loose.
That's the main reasons behind dewclaw removal, although there are a couple breeds that require dewclaws to be present to be shown in AKC.
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