Dog Facts
10 Interesting Dog Facts
Man’s best friend; we all know dogs are great companions, but there are many dog facts people do not know that may surprise them. Understand dogs and what they are all about can help you to choose a good pet, or be a better master of a dog you already have.
There are over 150 dog breeds that are recognized by the American Kennel Club, with another 22 breeds classified as unrecognized or rare breeds. Breeds are usually grouped together in descriptive form; such as sporting, hound, working and herding dogs. Natural cross breeding has produced many other “off brands” or mutts that can be just as endearing in personality if not in appearance. If you wish for your pet to have a specific type of disposition, for a child, for example, it is best to choose a pet that is of pure blood and easier to distinguish. Know as much as possible about your type of dog; facts show that the best matches between dog and owner are those that are compatible in personality.
Some of the dog facts that you may not know are:
1) A dog’s sense of smell is more than 100,000 times stronger than a human’s; even higher if it’s a hound dog.
2) The smallest dog breed recognized by the AKC is the Chihuahua, and the largest recognized breed is the Irish Wolfhound.
3) Wolves were the first dog breed; all domesticated canines are believed to have descended from wolves.
4) Dogs do have sweat glands, but only between the pads on their paws.
5) Dogs smell in layers; we smell beef stew, for example, while they smell beef, carrots, onions, and potatoes all separately.
6) Puppy eyes do not open until around 12 days of life; vision is not fully developed until after the first month of life.
7) It is legal in most states for a person’s homeowner’s insurance to be higher because of the owner’s breed of dog.
8) Dogs communicate with their tails; each type of wag has a meaning that can be recognized by its owner.
9) The average lifespan of a dog is 8 to 15 years, depending on the breed
10) The fastest dog, the greyhound, can reach speeds of 45 miles per hour.
Dogs do not need to purebreds to be good pets. They do fully depend on their owners to keep them healthy and well maintained, however. A dog owner must be committed to provide the care their dog needs; nutritious diets, plenty of exercise, care of their teeth, ears, coats and nails, manners and of course, a huge dose of attention and love.
Choosing a new pet or taking good care of the dog you have could be easier with just a few dog facts with information you may not know. After all, you and your pet will be together for a lifetime as companions, so a little knowledge can go a long way.