How Many Toes Does a Dog Have

Published September 16, 2024 | By admin

When examining a dog’s paws, you’ll typically find that most breeds have 18 toes in total: five on each front paw (including a dewclaw) and four on each rear paw. However, this number can vary among certain breeds due to genetic factors.

Understanding the Typical Toe Structure

In the majority of dogs:

Front Paws: Each front paw has four regular toes and one dewclaw, making five toes.
Rear Paws: Each rear paw has four regular toes, with some breeds also possessing dewclaws.

This standard configuration aids in locomotion and balance, providing dogs with the necessary support for their activities.

Breeds with Polydactyly (Extra Toes)

Polydactyly refers to the presence of extra toes on one or more paws. While it’s uncommon, certain breeds are known for this trait:

Norwegian Lundehund: This breed typically has six fully developed toes on each foot, totaling 24 toes. The extra toes are believed to help them navigate rugged terrains, as they were historically used for puffin hunting in Norway.
Great Pyrenees: This species often has double dewclaws on the hind legs, resulting in 20 toes overall. These additional toes may provide better grip and stability, assisting them in climbing and traversing mountainous regions.
Briard May have double dewclaws on the rear legs, leading to a total of 20 toes. This feature is part of the breed’s standard and contributes to their unique appearance.

Other breeds that may exhibit polydactyly include:

Anatolian Shepherd
Australian Shepherd
Rottweiler
Shih Tzu
Standard Poodle
Shiba Inu
Akita
Jindo
Sasparee
Korean Tosa

Breed	Front Paws	Rear Paws	Total Toes	Dewclaws Present?	Notes
Most Breeds	5	4	18	Yes, on front paws	Includes a dewclaw on each front paw.
Norwegian Lundehund	6	6	24	No	Possesses six fully developed toes on each foot.
Great Pyrenees	5	5	20	Yes, double on rear paws	Features double dewclaws on the hind legs.
Briard	5	5	20	Yes, double on rear paws	May have double dewclaws on the rear legs.
Anatolian Shepherd	5	5	20	Yes, on rear paws	Known to have extra toes on the hind legs.
Australian Shepherd	5	5	20	Yes, on rear paws	May exhibit polydactyly with extra toes on the hind legs.
Rottweiler	5	5	20	Yes, on rear paws	Some individuals have extra toes on the hind legs.
Shih Tzu	5	5	20	Yes, on rear paws	Can possess extra toes on the hind legs.
Standard Poodle	5	5	20	Yes, on rear paws	May have extra toes on the hind legs.
Shiba Inu	5	5	20	Yes, on rear paws	Known to exhibit polydactyly with extra toes on the hind legs.
Akita	5	5	20	Yes, on rear paws	Some individuals have extra toes on the hind legs.
Jindo	5	5	20	Yes, on rear paws	May possess extra toes on the hind legs.
Sasparee	5	5	20	Yes, on rear paws	Known to have extra toes on the hind legs.
Korean Tosa	5	5	20	Yes, on rear paws	Some individuals exhibit polydactyly with extra toes on the hind legs.

The presence of extra toes in these breeds can vary, and not all individuals will exhibit polydactyly. It’s often considered a genetic anomaly and does not typically affect the dog’s health or functionality.

The Role of Dewclaws

Dewclaws are small, vestigial toes located higher up on the leg, often referred to as the “fifth toe.” In some breeds, they are more pronounced or even functional. The presence and number of dewclaws can vary among breeds and individuals.

While dewclaws are commonly found on the front paws, their occurrence on the rear paws is less common and is usually seen in specific breeds. Some owners choose to remove dewclaws for aesthetic reasons or to prevent potential injuries, although this practice is subject to debate among veterinarians and dog enthusiasts.

Conclusion

While most dogs have 18 toes, including dewclaws, variations exist among breeds due to genetic factors. Polydactyly, the presence of extra toes, is relatively rare but can be found in certain breeds without impacting their health. Understanding your dog’s specific breed traits can provide insight into their unique anatomical features.