Nail length is a critical — and often misunderstood — part of soundness.

Overgrown nails change how a dog loads their feet, altering balance and gait and increasing strain on joints and soft tissue. But nails taken too short are also a problem, particularly for working breeds like the German Shorthaired Pointer. Nails provide traction, stability, and protection when a dog is moving at speed, turning sharply, or working over uneven ground.

In breeds where nails are routinely kept trimmed back to the level of the toe — Dobermans are a common example — much of that functional support has been lost in favor of aesthetics. That approach doesn’t serve a breed whose purpose requires grip, durability, and efficient movement across terrain.

Proper nail maintenance means keeping nails short enough to support correct foot loading, but long enough to remain functional. It’s about balance, not extremes.

Dewclaws, whether present or removed, also factor into function and injury risk depending on environment and use. These decisions should be made thoughtfully, not automatically.

Soundness at the ground level is a combination of genetics, structure, and care. Breeding for correct feet and pasterns matters — but so does maintaining them appropriately throughout the dog’s life.