One truly astounding thing about owning a puppy is that we never stop learning about them. With every passing day, we grow with their new quirks and personalities. You might wonder what more you can learn about these amazing creatures. Let us present you with 15 fun facts about our canine companions you might not know.
The 15 Most Fascinating Puppy Facts
1. Labrador Retriever Pups Are a Feverishly Popular Breed
The Labrador Retriever has been on the AKC list of popularity for the past 30 years in slots 1 through 10. They are the only dog holding this record–a real American favorite. It is no wonder that they are one of the most common puppies to enter households. These charming, energetic, affectionate dogs make excellent family additions to many lifestyles.
2. Puppies (and Seniors) Dream Frequently
When your dog is a puppy, they will sleep more often, and dream more heavily, than the adult versions of themselves. This is also common for seniors. You might be over the moon watching your little puppy flinch and fuss while they dream. It truly is one of the cutest sights while your puppy grows.
3. Your Puppy Has Millions More Scent Receptors than You
How fascinating is it to know that dogs have such an impeccable sense of smell; it’s one of their most well-known attributes. Humans have relied on dogs for centuries for their sniffing capabilities. A human’s nose contains roughly 5 million scent receptors. That absolutely pales in comparison to the 100 million plus that our canines possess.
4. Your Puppy’s Nose Is as Unique as Your Fingerprint
Your puppy’s nose has a particular pattern associated with your dog and your dog only. Much as our fingerprints are entirely our own, the same goes for your canine’s snout.
5. Beagle Pups Have Maintained Popularity
When the AKC started ranking dogs in popularity in 1934, the Beagle was at the top of the list. Since then, the Beagle has remained in the top five consistently. It’s no wonder! They are so very sweet with people and pets.
Everyone grasps the concept that yawns are contagious. Scientific studies have been done to unveil the underlying significance of contagious yawns. Some studies conclude that it is a direct link to our empathy. It’s no surprise that our dogs yawn when other dogs yawn or when we do. Dogs are some of the most empathetic creatures on the planet.
7. Puppies Literally Decrease Stress and Anxiety
Many scientific studies have shown that puppies, and dogs of all ages for that matter, decrease stress hormone levels in humans.
8. Dogs See in Two Main Colors
A dog’s retina only has cones (a type of photoreceptor that differentiates colors) for two colors – blue and yellow. While this is a limited color spectrum than we humans have, dogs are still not considered colorblind.
9. All Puppies Are Born Deaf
Just like it takes puppies a little time to develop their vision, the same is true of their hearing. All puppies are born deaf. They begin to process sound when they are roughly 2 1/2 to 3 weeks old.
10. Basenji Pups Can Yodel!
The Basenji is known for being a barkless breed, meaning that they do not bark to alert the way that others do. But they make up for their lack of barking; they can yodel. That’s right! Basenjis can outdo the Ricola man any day of the week.
11. Pups Kick Backward After Defecating
You’ve probably indirectly watched your pup use the potty. You might notice that when they’re finished, they kick their feet as if trying to cover it up. So what causes this behavior? This is actually because your dog has scent glands on its feet. They kick to spread this pheromone, marking their territory.
12. Dalmatian Pups Are Born All White
By the time you were to get your Dalmatian puppy, those little cuties will already be covered in spots! But did you know that when they are born, all the puppies are 100% snow white? Their first spots typically appear around the 10-day mark.
13. Puppies with Fur Don’t Sweat Like Humans
You might have already noticed that dogs don’t sweat like people. Instead of perspiring, dogs pant and sweat through their paws to regulate their body temperature.
14. Puppies Can’t Taste Like We Can
Dogs have an impeccable sense of smell. We already know this. But what we lack in our olfactory senses, we trumped in taste.
So, if you’re wondering why your puppy can scarf down the most disgusting, rotten substances, it is because they cannot taste the same way that we can. The putrid nature of certain foods doesn’t register on your dog’s palette.
15. Your Pup Has Three Eyelids
Does that sound creepy? It’s true! Your dog has three different eyelid components in their anatomy. They have a top, bottom, and nictitating membrane. The nictitating membrane is on the corner of the eye and may be visible between the sleep/wake cycle.https://www.science.org/content/article/new-sense-discovered-dog-noses-ability-detect-heat.
The 16 Extra Fun Dog Facts
16. Bloodhounds Noses Can Be Used in a Court of Law
Bloodhounds have such an accurate sense of smell that they are often used as prime evidence proof in a courtroom setting. So if you’ve done something terrible and are hoping to get away with it after a Bloodhound is hot on your trail, you can expect to be convicted of your crimes.
17. The USA Has More Dogs Than Any Other Country
It’s no secret that people from the United States love their pets. But what might be interesting to you is that The United States has over 75 million dogs, more than any other country in the world.
18. Greyhounds Can Outrun Cheetahs
Cheetahs run at impeccable speeds and are considered the fastest land animal. We all know this. But did you know that a greyhound could beat them at a race? It’s true. While cheetahs might start out ahead, greyhounds can run 35 miles an hour for seven miles straight.
Cheetahs might start at 50+ miles an hour, they tucker quickly. Cheetahs work better in small bursts, whereas Greyhounds have more stamina.
19. Zorba the Mastiff Was the World’s Largest Dog
In the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest dog known to exist was a Mastiff named Zorba, weighing 343 pounds and measuring 8 feet from nose to tail.
20. Dogs’ Feet Usually Smell Like Corn Chips
It’s not your imagination. Fido’s feet probably smell like the crunchy baked snack you eat—and it’s called “Frito” feet. It’s caused by bacteria and sweat between the folds of the paws.
21. Dog Jealousy Is a Real Thing
Science has spoken. According to experts, it’s not exactly how we experience jealousy, but it’s on the same wavelength. It’s comparable to the way toddlers feel jealousy. So, when your dogs are fighting to get all the attention—it’s because they really are offended about the lack of attention.
22. “Dog Years” Depend on Breed
We all know different breeds of dogs have slightly varying lifespans. That also means that your dog’s age can change a bit in human years for the same reason. Always look up your particular breed when comparing age to humans to get the most accurate estimate.
23. Some Dogs Can’t Swim
It’s rather classic to think about a dog splashing around in the water. Most dogs are tremendous swimmers, capable of performing proficiently. But other dogs have a lot of trouble. So, if you’re taking your dog to the beach, you should research their specific breed to see how they hold up in the waters.
24. Dogs Have 18 Ear Muscles
Everyone loves pooches’ perky ears. They are constantly moving them around and different motions make all of their expressions so much sweeter. It also can tell us a lot about the kind of mood your dog is in. Dogs have an average of 18 muscles per ear which allows for them to tilt, rotate, and raise their ears independent of one another, as well as hear sounds from far away.
25. Leg Lifting Is a Sign of Dominance
A dog lifting their leg is a very common sight to behold. But unlike what you might think, dogs aren’t actually peeing for relief. They are peeing to mark their territory.
26. Dogs Favor a Certain Paw
Would you believe some dogs are right-pawed or left-pawed, just like their human companions? It’s true. Studies show that some dogs favor one paw over another during playtime and other exercises. This indicates that they definitely have a dominant side of their body.
27. Smaller Dogs Live the Longest
Unlike some other mammals, smaller dogs live much longer than their larger counterparts. It isn’t uncommon to see larger dogs live only between eight and ten years. Some smaller dogs, namely the chihuahua, can live upwards of 20 years!
28. Dogs Can Detect Your Emotions Through Scent
We all know that our dogs are pretty darn good at picking up on our moods. Some are even heavily trained to detect different levels of chemicals in our bodies to protect us from health-related issues, too. Our dogs’ remarkable noses never cease to amaze us. So it’s no surprise to any dog owner to know that our canines can literally smell our emotions!
You might not realize that your dog’s whiskers have a great purpose. Consider them feelers to detect what’s close by—really helping them get from A to B. On top of helping them navigate their daily lives, it also assists them in seeing in the nighttime hours.
30. Dogs Curl Up to Sleep—and It’s Primal
Dogs look so cozy, all curled up in a ball. But as sweet as it looks, it has a legitimate underlying reason. In the wild, dogs curl up to protect their vital organs in the event of an attack. So, even though it is oh-so-adorable, it’s purposeful, too.
31. Dogs Can Sense Radiation
Dogs’ noses are so amazing that many are tasked with big-time duties. In mammalian prey studies, it shows that dogs can sense a weak heat of radiation—a remarkable scientific discovery. Our dog’s capabilities never cease to amaze!
Conclusion
Now, you have learned some new information about your canine companion you might not have before. Whether you have a puppy, an adult, or a senior, our dogs will continue to astound us with their unique talents and fun whimsy.
Of all the dog-related facts you learned, which one surprised you most? Tell a friend or two and spread the word.
- See also: Does the Full Moon Affect Your Pets?
Featured Image Credit: ANURAK PONGPATIMET, Shutterstock
Contents
- The 15 Most Fascinating Puppy Facts
- 1. Labrador Retriever Pups Are a Feverishly Popular Breed
- 2. Puppies (and Seniors) Dream Frequently
- 3. Your Puppy Has Millions More Scent Receptors than You
- 4. Your Puppy’s Nose Is as Unique as Your Fingerprint
- 5. Beagle Pups Have Maintained Popularity
- 6. Pups Share Yawns Like Us
- 7. Puppies Literally Decrease Stress and Anxiety
- 8. Dogs See in Two Main Colors
- 9. All Puppies Are Born Deaf
- 10. Basenji Pups Can Yodel!
- 11. Pups Kick Backward After Defecating
- 12. Dalmatian Pups Are Born All White
- 13. Puppies with Fur Don’t Sweat Like Humans
- 14. Puppies Can’t Taste Like We Can
- 15. Your Pup Has Three Eyelids
- The 16 Extra Fun Dog Facts
- 16. Bloodhounds Noses Can Be Used in a Court of Law
- 17. The USA Has More Dogs Than Any Other Country
- 18. Greyhounds Can Outrun Cheetahs
- 19. Zorba the Mastiff Was the World’s Largest Dog
- 20. Dogs’ Feet Usually Smell Like Corn Chips
- 21. Dog Jealousy Is a Real Thing
- 22. “Dog Years” Depend on Breed
- 23. Some Dogs Can’t Swim
- 24. Dogs Have 18 Ear Muscles
- 25. Leg Lifting Is a Sign of Dominance
- 26. Dogs Favor a Certain Paw
- 27. Smaller Dogs Live the Longest
- 28. Dogs Can Detect Your Emotions Through Scent
- 29. Whiskers Are Night-Time Navigators
- 30. Dogs Curl Up to Sleep—and It’s Primal
- 31. Dogs Can Sense Radiation
- Conclusion
