Do Dogs with Six Toes Belong to a Specific Breed and Is It Lucky?

The presence of six toes in dogs is often a result of atavism, a biological phenomenon where traits of an ancestor reappear. If these extra toes don't hinder the dog's mobility, there's generally no need for concern. The occurrence of six toes in dogs is considered a normal variation and has no bearing on whether the dog is lucky or not.

Atavism and Extra Toes

Dogs with six toes are considered to exhibit atavistic traits. This means they are displaying characteristics that were present in their evolutionary ancestors. Dogs evolved from wolves, which often possess six toes. When a dog has six toes, it’s essentially a throwback to an earlier stage of its evolutionary history. This condition usually stems from specific genes. If these additional toes do not impact the dog's movement or well-being, there is no need to surgically remove them. If removal is necessary, it should ideally be done within the first 10 days of the dog's life. The extra toes are commonly referred to as dewclaws. These are often found higher up on the leg than the other toes and do not make contact with the ground when the dog is standing.

Normal Toe Variations in Dogs

Having six toes on the hind legs is a normal, harmless variation in dogs. Most dogs have five toes on their front paws, though some may have four. The hind paws typically have four toes, though some breeds might have five. Certain breeds are known to have six toes on their hind paws, which can be considered an extra pair of dewclaws. Scientists believe that dogs were domesticated from gray wolves by early humans approximately 40,000 to 15,000 years ago, evolving into what we know today. They are considered humanity's most loyal companions, and are currently among the most popular pets. A dog's typical lifespan is around ten years or more. The number of toes, whether it's the standard four or an extra one or two, does not affect their health or happiness.Trusted by:Pet Naming