It’s only natural to want to learn as much about our dogs as possible. They have always been the most loyal of companions. Continue reading to learn 15 surprising dog facts!
Dogs have always been our closest friends, loyal companions, and, most importantly, members of our families. It’s no surprise that we love learning about dog facts. Our four-pawed friend is our absolute obsession and we want to learn everything about him. So when we discover a new dog fact, it makes us feel awe and joy.
These amazing dog facts will blow your mind. From the reason why dogs’ noses are always wet to the tallest canine in the world.
Dog Fun Facts
1. The dogs’ noses are moistened to absorb scent chemicals
This incredible dog fact could answer a question that many dog owners have had for a very long time. Why do dogs have wet noses? According to Vetstreet, dogs’ noses are moist because they need the moisture to absorb scent chemicals. They secrete a mucus which helps them absorb the chemicals. Then they lick their nostrils to taste them and understand what smell it is.
2. Newfoundlands is a great lifeguard
Newfoundland Dogs have webbed feet and a water-resistant coat. They are the ultimate dog lifeguards. They were originally bred to help fishermen and rescue people from drowning.
Some owners even report that their Newfoundland “rescues” them while they are swimming!
3. The Beatles’ song “A Day in the Life” has a frequency that only dogs can detect
Paul McCartney revealed in a 2013 interview that he had added a frequency to the Beatles song “A Day in the Life” which only dogs could hear. Watch your dog when playing the song! What a fascinating fact about dogs!
4. Three dogs survived Titanic’s sinking
Did you know three dogs survived when the Titanic sank? Vetstreet reports that three dogs survived the Titanic’s sinking. One of them was a Pomeranian pup, which its owner wrapped up in a blanket and carried to get away. A Pomeranian puppy and a Pekingese dog were also saved. Rose and Jack, move over!
5. The bloodhound’s ability to smell can be used in court as evidence
PBS reports that a Bloodhound’s smell is so accurate, it can be used as evidence in court. If you thought this was a fascinating dog fact, get ready to be blown away.
Bloodhounds are able to follow trails that have been in existence for more than 300 hours and can remain on a trail over 130 miles long!
6. The tallest dog on the planet is 44 inches tall
Zeus was the tallest dog ever! He was measured at 44 inches on October 4th 2011 and is the current Guinness World Record.
7. Basenji dogs yodel, not bark.
You may have thought that all dogs bark. But you’re wrong. The Basenji does not bark. Instead, they yodel or whine.
8. In a long-distance race, a Greyhound can beat a Cheetah
A Greyhound could beat a Cheetah at a long-distance race! According to Psychology Today Greyhounds can run up to seven miles at a speed as high as 35mph.
The Cheetah, while incredibly fast, can only maintain its speed for about 200-300 yards. They may have the advantage of a running start but would be soon surpassed by the Greyhound!
9. Blind man with guide dog hiking the Appalachian Trail
According to the Washington Post a blind man by the name of Bill Irwin, hiked for eight months in 1990 the Appalachian Trail, with his guide canine, Orient, helping him on the way. Dogs are truly man’s best friends.
10. The Ewoks from Star Wars are based on dogs
This amazing fact about dogs will delight any Star Wars fan. Los Angeles Times claims George Lucas modeled the Ewoks on his family dog.
11. 30 % of Dalmatians have a deafness in their one ear
UFAW reports that around 30% of Dalmatians have deafness in their ears. 5% are also deaf on both sides. It is caused by the extreme Piebald gene, which is responsible for the white coats and blue eyes of some Dalmatians. Dalmatians that have larger dark patches tend to be less deaf.
12. Saluki, the oldest dog breed
Saluki holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest dog breed. Breeds of this breed date back to 329BC, and they were used as royal pets in Ancient Egypt. There are carvings in Southern Iraq that show a dog similar to the Saluki dating back to 7000BC.
13. Chow Chows, Shar-Peis and other breeds of dogs have black tongues
Only two dog breeds have a tongue that is completely black: the Chow Chow, and the Shar Pei. It’s even more fascinating that the cause is unknown.
14. Dogs have three eyeslids
Did you know your dog has three eyelids, a fact that many owners are unaware of? According to iHeartDogs the third eyelid is known as the ‘haw,’ or nictitating layer, and it protects and lubricates the eyes.
15. The African hunting dog is the most successful hunter on the planet
The African Hunting Dog has the highest success rate of any land-based hunter. They are successful in 50-70% hunts. This makes them the most successful mammalian hunters.
Here’s a list of the top 15 dog facts. What do you think? Did you find our facts fascinating? Or perhaps you have a dog fact that we missed out on? Tell us on our page.
Why not continue to be amazed by our Top fourteen fun facts about cats? You won’t be disappointed.