What is the hard outer layer of a dog’s nail called?

The story behind the answer

Claw is the hard, visible outer part of a dog’s nail that you can trim; it encases and protects the quick, the pink, blood- and nerve-filled core. While the claw is made of keratin, “keratin” names the material, not the structure. The cuticle is just the thin skin rim at the nail base.

Dogs use their claws for traction, digging, and gripping, so proper trimming helps posture and joint health. Memory tip: quick = bleeds and hurts if cut; keratin = what it’s made of; claw = the tough shell you see and safely trim.