Researchers have discovered that certain breeds of dog need nail clipping more than others alongside a range of other factors making a trip to the vet more likely. The groundbreaking Royal Veterinary College (RVC) study found Chihuahuas, beagles, greyhounds and pugs were more likely to have a trip to vets every year for nail clipping compared to crossbreeds. Other factors that made clipping more likely to be sought included flat or long faces such as French Bulldogs or whippets, and shortened or twisted legs. Younger dogs aged one to two years old and smaller dogs weighing under 10kg were more likely to develop overgrown nails than older and larger canines, the study also found. The most cited clinical reasons for trips to the vet for nail clipping were overgrown or ingrown nails and broken claws or dewclaws, leading the research team from the RVC's VetCompass programme, The University of Edinburgh and Scotland’s Rural College to conclude that the topic deserves more attention. An RVC spokesperson said nail clipping is essential for preventing overgrown nails that can cause pain and hinder mobility, even leading to injury or infection and damaging their quality of life. Previous research in 2019 found overgrown nails were the fourth most frequently diagnosed disorder in dogs seeing a vet but remains 'underfunded', they said. Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor of Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC and research paper co-author, said: "This new VetCompass study shows that some dog breeds have more than twice the need to have their nails clipped compared to other breeds. "This highlights just how distinct humanity has made each dog breed and suggests we are getting close to the time when we should no longer consider all dog breeds as even being the same species." Dr Lavin Ahmed, Veterinary Surgeon, President of Protecting Animals in Kurdistan Organization (PAKO) and lead author of the study, said: "When I was first offered nail clipping by RVC VetCompass as my MSc research topic, I honestly underestimated its significance. "It seemed like just another routine procedure that we all do every day in veterinary practice. "However, reading the clinical records made it clear that nail care is more than just a trivial grooming procedure but is a genuine welfare issue that deserves much more attention in both veterinary training and owner education.” Dr Alison Skipper, Kennel Club veterinary and research advisor, said: "It's easy to overlook nail clipping as a minor intervention, but this study reminds us of the importance of providing good routine healthcare that improves canine lives. "It's also interesting to see that some breeds are more likely to need nail care. "This confirms anecdotal evidence that some foot shapes or lifestyles may influence nail wear and reminds owners to make sure they keep an eye on nail growth as they care for their pets."