Since the prehistoric time, dogs have been considered the man's best friend, bringing us company in our joys and sorrows, protecting us, and providing us their unconditional love. But beyond all, what we already know about these wonderful friends, there are countless curious and fascinating facts that still await to discover.
We invite you to dig deep into the amazing canine world and explore 20 surprising and little-known facts about our loyal four-legged friends. Not only you will be amazed, but you will also be able to appreciate even more the incredible diversity and unique abilities that these animals have to offer. Get ready to dive into the wonderful and enigmatic universe of dogs.
- Extraordinary sense of smell: Dogs have a sense of smell 10,000 to 100,000 times more accurate than humans. This is because they have many more olfactory cells in their noses, allowing them to detect smells that humans can’t perceive.
- The Amazing canine speed: Greyhounds can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour (72 km/h), making them the fastest dogs in the world. This incredible ability allows them to chase their prey with a great efficiency and speed.
- The origin of breeds: There are over 340 recognized dog breeds worldwide, each with its own unique characteristics and specific abilities. The domestication of dogs began over 14,000 years ago, and since then, humans have selectively bred dogs for different purposes and jobs.
- A tail language: A dog’s tail position and movement can reveal its emotional mood. A raised and stiff tail indicates alertness or aggression, while a tail tucked between the hind legs may be a sign of fear or submission.
- Miraculous therapy dogs: Therapy dogs can provide emotional support and well-being to people facing difficult situations or moments, such as illness, disability, or trauma. Many dogs breed are specially trained to provide love and comfort to those who need it most.
- Dogs can detect diseases: Some dogs have the incredible ability to detect certain diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and seizures, just by their sense of smell. These special dogs can save lives by alerting their owners to potential health problems before becoming a severe illness.
- Unique canine communication: Dogs use a combination of a visual, auditory, and tactile signals to communicate with other dogs and humans. These signals include body postures, vocalizations, and physical contact.
- Swimming dogs: Although most dogs can swim, some breeds, such as the Newfoundland and the Labrador Retriever, are especially adapted to go into the water. These dogs have been used historically for water tasks, such as rescue and retrieval of objects.
- Different sizes: The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed, with an average weight of just 2 to 6 pounds (1 to 3 kg). And in the other hand, the Great Dane and the Mastiff are some of the largest breeds, with some individuals weighing over 200 pounds (90 kg).
- The Oldest dog: The oldest recorded dog lived up to 29 years and 5 months. His name was Bluey, an Australian cattle dog that lived from 1910 to 1939.
- Sharp-toothed puppies: Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth, while humans have only 32. It’s important to maintain good dental hygiene in dogs to prevent diseases and oral problems.
- Dogs in space: The first terrestrial creature to orbit the Earth was a dog named Laika. Laika was a Soviet mixed-breed dog that was launched into space in 1957 aboard Sputnik 2. Her mission paved the way for future manned space missions.
- Dogs can see in color: Despite popular myth, dogs do not see in black and white. In fact, they can see colors, but their spectrum is more limited than that of humans. Dogs primarily can see in shades of blue and yellow.
- Hypoallergenic dog breeds: Although there are no completely allergen-free dogs, some of the breeds like the Poodle, the Bichon Frise, and the Miniature Schnauzer, are less likely to cause allergies in sensitive people, as they have a coat that doesn’t shed as much hair and dander.
- Most expensive dog: The most expensive dog ever sold was a Tibetan Mastiff named Big Splash, which sold in China for a record price of $1.5 million in 2011.
- The third eyelid: Dogs have a third eyelid called the nictitating membrane that helps to protect and lubricate their eyes. This additional eyelid is visible when the dogs are sick or extremely relaxed.
- The Heaviest dog: The heaviest recorded dog was an English Mastiff named Aicama Zorba de La-Susa, which weighed 343 pounds (155 kg) in 1989.
- Canine sleep: Dogs dream just like humans and experience REM and non-REM stages of sleep. It is believed that dogs dream about events and situations similar to those they experience in real life.
- Dogs can detect earthquakes: There are reports of dogs acting strangely before earthquakes occur, suggesting they may be sensitive to ground vibrations or changes in the Earth’s electromagnetic field before people can be aware of them.
- Dogs in art: Throughout history, dogs have been depicted in art and literature as symbols of loyalty, courage, and friendship. From ancient cave paintings to Renaissance masterpieces and contemporary literature, dogs have held a special place in human culture throughout the centuries.