Why do dogs have four toes?

Answer 1

Because of genetics, genius: the NLM MeSH sez "Polydactyly, i.e., is a congenital anomaly of the hand or foot, marked by the presence of supernumerary digits" it comes from a dominant gene. see: J Hered. 1966 Jan-Feb;57(1):17-8. The independent assortment of dominant white and polydactyl in the cat. Todd NB. PMID: 5917255

Answer 2

It sounds as if you are describing the Dew-Claw. Think of it more or less like a thumb on a dog. Most dogs only have one set of Dew-claws whereas some larger breeds such as the St. Bernard actually have 2 sets! Other breeds tend to have only the one for each foot as it serves as a type of thumb.

There are a couple of reasons as to why your dogs may or may not have a dew-claw. Some breeders actually have the dew-claws surgically removed as a matter of safety. The area where the dew-claw is located can get caught on most anything and if it's caught/pulled on hard enough, it can rip the skin & even amputate, for lack of a better word, the nail/toe and it is extremely painful requiring a trip to an emergency vet for checkup with the possibility of undergoing a procedure to remove the remaining nail or toe or to provide cauterization of any arteries or bleeding vessels from the accident. The more areas a dog is open and accessible to, the more apt they will be to injury. A prime example is in the area of service dogs such as guide dogs for the blind, canine companions for the mobility-impaired, hearing dogs for the deaf, police K-9 officers (these service dogs are considered officers just as their human handlers are), rescue/recovery dogs, bomb-sniffing & drug-sniffing dogs and the list goes on and on but this should give you an ideal picture. These are all animals who are "by law" allowed to enter any building or facility open to the public. This is written into law under the American Disabilities' Act under the Title III section of the Disabilities' Code. The fact that these dogs are indoors and out on a daily basis where they maneuver steps, elevators, and even escalators (it's not recommended to use an escalator with any service dog due to the risk of the dew-claw getting caught in the moving joints of the steps along with pulling fur from the bottom of the feet that is impossible to keep cut short all the time; it's preferable to use the stairs or elevator as all buildings up to code should provide access by stairs, elevator and/or ramp. It is equally discouraged when it comes to moving sidewalks for the same reasons listed above regarding escalators).

Also, some breeders and vets will remove only the front or the back set of dew-claws. There are no set rules as to whether a breeder or vet will leave the dew-claws in place or surgically remove them for the safety welfare of the dog. Unlike cats, a dog's 'claws' or toenails if you prefer, do not retract so it is important to ensure your dog's dew claws are trimmed well while being careful not to cut the nail into the 'quick' area.

TIP:

If you happen to clip your dog's nails too short and it hits the area known as the 'quick' and styptic pen or powder is not available to stop the bleeding, have someone sit with your dog or send them to get a fresh bar of unopened soap. Remove the wrapper or box, wipe the area free of blood then immediately rub the bar of soap into the nail with a scraping motion so the soap will fill the area covering the opening. It's important to calmly praise and sooth your dog using your voice while filling the area of the nail that is cut too short.

** Make a mental note of where the last cut was made in order to prevent cutting too short in the future.

Answer 3

If your dog is a puppy, the sixth finger is probably a dew claw. These are usually removed by a vet.

Answer 4

Just because they were born that way and it makes them special.

Answer 5

Dogs actually have 5 toes, the fifth is located on the lower part of their leg.

Answer 6

Yes. Just like us.

Answer 7

Cause baby I was born this way.

Answer 8

for balance- it acts like a thumb