Dogs are man’s best friend. That is why it is natural to feel fascinated every time you learn something new about these magnificent creatures. And indeed, there are many fun facts about them that most dog owners aren't aware of. You may think you're an expert, but we bet you didn't know all the facts we've listed for you below! This article will not disappoint as you will read about some amazing dog facts that may change your pre-established notions of them!
Their nose print is like their “fingerprint”
Perhaps you thought that all our pooches' noses look the same. What you didn’t know is that they're actually as unique as a human fingerprint. There are creases and indentations in a dog's nose which can be used to identify them when needed.
Their noses can absorb scent chemicals
Another interesting fact is the answer to why our canine friends' noses are wet. A dog’s nose is wet to help him absorb scent chemicals! This is special because then he can lick his nose to taste the chemical, thus helping him understand what the smell is.
They don’t feel guilty
A dog’s nose is incredible which is why it is responsible for various amazing dog facts. Another interesting fact is the answer to why are dogs’ noses wet. A dog’s nose is wet to help him absorb scent chemicals! This is special because then he can lick his nose to taste the chemical thus helping him understand what the smell is.
Their urine has the capacity to corrode metal
Dogs’ urine has acids that can corrode metal. In fact, in April 2003, Derbyshire County Council spent £75,000 in repairing one million lamp-posts affected by canine urine.
They can see in colour
You might believe that your pet sees in black and white. Indeed, this is a common misconception. Nevertheless, scientists have discovered that they can see in colour but not in the range that humans can. Human eyes have 3 'cones' that detect colour. Dogs' eyes only have 2 cones. This means they see degrees of blue and yellow. Check out this website to see what your pooch sees: https://dog-vision.andraspeter.com/
They can smell (some) diseases
Plenty of research has shown that dogs have an incredible ability to recognise the smell of a range of organic compounds that point towards certain diseases in the human body. In other words, the canine sense of smell is so strong that it can actually diagnose cancer, diabetes and the early signs of an epileptic seizure. Dogs can certainly rescue people in countless different ways!
They are as smart as a 2-Year-Old Child (in some situations)
Your pet can understand between 165 and 250 words and gestures. This is roughly the same as a 2-year-old child. Nonetheless, there are some dog breeds like Border Collies, Poodles, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds which can learn much more!
They have three eyelids
Many owners don’t know this but your dog has three eyelids! According to studies, the third lid, called the ‘haw’ or nictitating membrane, is responsible for keeping the eye protected and lubricated.
They dream just as you do
You’ve probably seen your pooch twitching or whimpering in his sleep before. Dogs have the same brain wave patterns while asleep as humans. This means that they dream just like you do. In fact, sleeping and dreaming is thought to be very important for learning in dogs. Yet what is more surprising is the fact that not every one of our canine pals dream the same amount. Vets believe that small breeds actually have more dreams than big breeds.
They can be right-pawed or left-pawed
This is easy to determine in humans. About 90% of humans use mainly the right-hand and a very small percentage is ambidextrous. In dogs, the breach doesn’t exist. About one-third is right-pawed, one-third left-pawed and the rest without preference. Furthermore, research shows right-handed pooches tend to be braver and more inquisitive. Left-handed ones tend to be more aggressive.
There are 339 recognised dog breeds
According to The World Canine Organization, there are 339 dog breeds. How many breeds do you know? Next time you need a charades topic, try breeds, you'll have plenty of choice!
The tallest dog in the world was 44 inches tall
The tallest dog of all time (according to official records) was a Great Dane (Zeus). He measured 44 inches tall on October 4th 2011. Of course, he’s the current Guinness World Record holder.
The Saluki is the oldest dog breed known to humans
In the Guinness World Record book, you will find that the oldest dog breed is the Saluki. This breed dates back to 329BC when they were royal pets in Ancient Egypt. Likewise, there are also carvings in Southern Iraq of a canine that looks similar to a Saluki which dates back to 7000BC. The breed was originally bred to run down game.
There are hundreds of incredible facts about our lovable pets out there that many dog owners still don't know about - our canine friends are certainly more fascinating than meets the eye!
