Facts About Dogs

Dogs are often called “man’s best friend,” and for good reason. They have a long and close relationship with people, but what makes dogs so special? From their ancient history as wolf relatives, to their unique bodies and clever minds, there are many interesting things to learn about them. In this article, we’ll look at where dogs came from, what makes their bodies special, how smart they are, and how they have changed our lives.

What Makes Dogs Special?

Humans and dogs have a closer relationship than almost any other pair of species. This close connection was built over thousands of years together. Dogs have special traits, friendly personalities, and come in many shapes and sizes, which help them live almost everywhere in the world.

How Did Dogs Change from Wolves?

Dogs were the first animals tamed by people, more than 20,000 years ago-much earlier than farming started. Dogs are not just like wolves; all dogs today came from now-extinct wolves and are still part of the same species. Over time, the early wolves that lived with humans became smaller, gentler, and better at listening. By the Bronze Age, people had already bred dogs into different types for special jobs like herding or guarding. Dogs also changed to eat more grains, unlike wild wolves.

Why Are Dogs So Popular?

Dogs are the most popular pets in the world. Around a third of families worldwide have a dog. In the United States, there are over 75 million pet dogs-the highest number of any country. People love dogs for their playful, loyal, and friendly nature. Dogs are more than just cuddly; they also protect and help us in many ways.

How Many Dog Breeds Are There?

Dogs come in a larger variety of breeds than any other animal: from tiny Chihuahuas weighing about 2 pounds, to Great Danes that can weigh 150 pounds. There are about 450 recognized breeds, though the exact number can change depending on different breed lists. Most of the breeds we see today were created by people choosing dogs for specific looks and behaviors, especially during the Victorian era. There are eight main groups of dog breeds: sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, herding, and a miscellaneous group.

Dogs’ Bodies and How They Work

Dogs have bodies that are made for all sorts of skills, from tracking scents to protecting their eyes. Let’s look at some of the special features that make dogs different from other animals.

Is Every Dog’s Nose Different?

Yes. Each dog has a nose print that is as unique as a human fingerprint. The patterns on their noses can even be used to identify them. A wet dog nose helps it collect smells better, and licking helps dogs “taste” the air to get more information from smells.

What Colors Can Dogs See?

Dogs are not totally color-blind, but they don’t see all the same colors people do. Dogs mainly see shades of blue and yellow. Reds and greens usually look more like gray. Their eyes are also better than ours in the dark, so they see well at dawn, dusk, or nighttime.

How Good Is a Dog’s Sense of Smell?

Dogs have an amazing sense of smell-much better than people. They have up to 300 million scent-detecting cells in their noses, compared to our 5 million. This lets them follow scents for miles or pick up smells that are days old. Some types, like Bloodhounds, can even smell special chemicals that other dogs leave behind.

How Many Eyelids Do Dogs Have?

Dogs have three eyelids on each eye: an upper lid, a lower lid, and a thin inner lid called the nictitating membrane. This third eyelid helps clear away bits of dirt, keeps their eyes moist, and helps protect against infections.

Do Dogs Have a Favorite Paw?

Yes, like people are right- or left-handed, most dogs use one paw more than the other. In a study of nearly 18,000 dogs, 74% showed a preference. About 58% used their right paw more, 42% the left, and some used both equally. To check your dog’s favorite paw, watch which paw it steps with first.

Do All Dogs Bark?

Not every dog barks the same way. Dogs use many sounds, as well as body language, to “talk” to people and other animals. Some breeds have unusual ways of vocalizing.

Which Dogs Make Unusual Sounds?

The Basenji is called the “barkless dog.” Basenjis don’t have a typical bark; they can yodel, whine, or even make a special screaming noise.

How Do Dogs Stay Cool?

Dogs cool off mainly by panting. They only sweat from the pads of their paws, not all over their bodies like people do. They also have special glands in their feet that release smells, which other dogs can detect. Sometimes, their paw pads even smell a bit like corn chips!

What Are Some Unique Dog Breeds?

• Dalmatians: These dogs are born pure white; their spotted coats show up as they get older. The gene that gives them their color can also cause deafness.
• Chow Chows and Shar-Peis: These two breeds have dark blue-black tongues, while most dogs have pink tongues. Nobody is completely sure why.

Dog Intelligence and Communication

Dogs aren’t just loving; they’re also smart and good at “reading” people. They can learn words, gestures, and even sense how we feel.

How Many Words Can Dogs Know?

Most dogs can learn about 100 words or signals, and some learn up to 250 or more. Very smart dogs can recognize toys by name or even figure out new words by using clues. The Border Collie is famous for being especially clever; one learned over 1,000 object names.

Do Dogs Dream?

Yes, dogs dream. If your dog kicks, twitches, or makes small noises while sleeping, it’s probably dreaming. Puppies and older dogs dream more than adult dogs. Curling up in a ball to sleep is a leftover behavior from wild dogs and wolves, used for warmth and protection.

How Do Dogs Show Their Feelings?

Dogs use their bodies to show how they feel. A wagging tail can show excitement, but slow, stiff, or drooped tails mean something different. Flattened ears, lowered heads, or a stiff body can show fear or anger. Dogs also use facial expressions and eye contact, and even urination to say if they are happy, nervous, or want to mark territory.

Is Yawning Contagious for Dogs?

Yes, dogs can “catch” yawns from people, especially those they know well. This may show that dogs are sensitive to our feelings and form close connections with their owners.

Dogs’ Amazing Abilities

Dogs can do some things that seem almost superhuman. Their talents range from speedy running to saving lives and tracking scents across great distances.

How Fast Can Dogs Run?

Greyhounds are the fastest dogs, able to sprint up to 35 miles per hour and keep running fast much longer than most animals. While cheetahs can run faster for short bursts, Greyhounds are better over longer distances.

Which Dogs Are Good Swimmers?

Newfoundlands are known for their swimming ability. They have thick, water-resistant fur and webbed feet, making them great at water rescues. People also rely on other breeds for water work, like Labrador Retrievers and Standard Poodles.

Can a Dog’s Scent Evidence Be Used in Court?

Bloodhounds have such a strong sense of smell that courts may accept their tracking as evidence. Bloodhounds can follow smells that are several days old and find people over many miles.

Dog Life Cycle and Health

Knowing how dogs grow and what health problems they might have helps owners care for them properly.

How Long Do Dogs Live?

Most dogs live about 12 to 13 years. Smaller dogs with longer snouts usually live longer than big dogs. New research shows some purebred dogs might even outlive mixed breeds, though studies sometimes show the opposite. Dogs that are overweight often don’t live as long as healthy-weight dogs-sometimes one and a half years less.

Are Puppies Born Deaf and Blind?

Yes, all puppies can’t hear or see when they are born. Their ears and eyes are closed at birth, opening in a few weeks. Once their hearing starts, dogs hear much better than humans do.

What Health Problems Do Certain Breeds Have?

Some health issues come from genes, but breeders try to avoid these problems by careful mating. Owners need to learn about their dog’s needs for the best care.

Why Do Dogs Kick Backward After Pooping?

When dogs kick their back legs after going to the bathroom, they are leaving their scent to mark territory, not just covering up waste. Scent glands in their feet spread their smell for other dogs to notice.

Dogs and People

Dogs and humans share one of the longest relationships between two different animals. Dogs aren’t just pets; they help us in many ways.

How Do Dogs Help People Feel Better?

Spending time with dogs can lower your blood pressure and help you feel calmer. Just petting a dog for 15 minutes can make you feel less stressed and more relaxed. Dogs also help fight feelings of loneliness, and people who walk their dogs often get more exercise and meet more neighbors. Dogs support social life and may even benefit our immune systems.

What Jobs Do Dogs Have?

• Guide dogs: Help blind people get around safely.
• Rescue dogs: Find and save people in need.
• Detection dogs: Smell for drugs, explosives, or even diseases.
• Working dogs: Herd animals, pull sleds, or keep rodents away.
• Police and military: Work as K-9s for security or finding people.

What Does Being a Responsible Dog Owner Mean?

Having a dog is a big responsibility. Dogs need daily exercise, good food, a safe and clean place to sleep, regular training, and a lot of love and attention. Not caring for these needs can make a dog unhappy or unhealthy. Owners must be ready for a lifelong commitment to care for their dog’s needs.

Fun and Surprising Dog Facts

Here are some neat facts about dogs that show just how interesting these animals are.

Who Was the Tallest Dog Ever?

The tallest dog ever recorded was a Great Dane named Zeus who stood over 3 feet 5 inches at the shoulder, and over 7 feet when on his hind legs! The smallest dog on record is Pearl the Chihuahua, at only 3.59 inches tall.

Does Breed Name Always Match Where the Dog’s From?

These examples show that dog breed names may not always match where they first came from!