Dogs in Islam

Recently, I spoke with a friend who practices the islamic faith. He mentioned that he had been told that dogs were unclean. So, I did a little research. There is a most enlightening article on this subject Lydia Kelly which can be accessed at http://www.quran-islam.org/119.html

Under any circumstances, it is important to respect a person's choice, but to insist upon a socially tolerant environment for yourself as well. Be kind to those who choose not to touch dogs, but ask that they love these creations of God as well. All life is sacred, as are all God's creations.

The article referenced above begins with the following editor's note:

Are Dogs Dirty, Prohibited Animals?

It is traditional among Muslims all over the world to regard the dog as a dirty animal that when touched would void your wudu (ablution) and give you nagasah (dirty impurity!)

Sadly, this concept comes from fabricated hadith which claims that the prophet ordered the killing of dogs and gave numerous hadith that prohibit the keeping of dogs except for hunting and guarding, due to their dirty status!

However, by studying the Quran we find no such claims. Nowhere in the Quran are dogs prohibited. Consequently, we must dismiss all these hadith that fabricate lies against the prophet.

1- God tells us in the Quran about the story of the dwellers of the Cave (Surah 18)......in verse 13 God tells us that they were good believers and that God guided them.
In verse 18 God tells us that they had their dog with them.
Now if dogs are prohibited and dirty, would God speak of those dwellers of the Cave (who had a dog) as good believers?

2- In 5:4 God tells us that it is OK to eat what the trained dogs catch (dogs are used in hunting)..........if dogs are dirty would God say that it is OK to eat what they catch with their mouths?

3- There is not ONE verse in the Quran where God says that dogs are dirty or that they are prohibited to keep.

4- Is it logical that God would create an animal to be man's best friend and serve him in many ways, and then prohibit such an animal?