• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

7 fun and fascinating dog facts for every owner

Posted April 17, 2020

Collection of dog breeds including beagle, corgi, Pomeranian, and Shiba Inu. Ever wonder why dogs do some of the things they do? Fascinating dog facts include speed, brains, nose power, bite strength, and more.
Ever wonder why dogs do some of the things they do? Fascinating dog facts include speed, brains, nose power, bite strength, and more.

Ever wonder why dogs do some of the things they do? Fascinating dog facts include speed, brains, nose power, bite strength, and more.

Dogs are truly man’s best friend – there is no way anyone on the planet earth could argue about that. Your loyal partners deserve all the cuddles, treats, and love! As long as humanity can remember dogs, we have known them to be an absolute delight. For some owners, a full dictionary of kind words is not enough to describe them

But do you know everything about dogs? Are you curious to learn more about your buddy?

Here are seven fun and fascinating dog facts for every dog owner.

The domestication of dogs dates back 9,000 to 34,000 years ago

The Saluki dates back to the roots of Egyptian culture around 2100 BC and is widely found in depictions from many cultures around the world.
The Saluki dates back to the roots of Egyptian culture around 2100 BC and is widely found in depictions from many cultures around the world.

Dogs are descendants of the gray wolf species. Hunter-gatherers in Europe started the domestication process, and over time these wolves changed physically and psychologically to the dogs we know today. That said, the oldest dog breed is the Basenji, barkless dogs that are part of cave paintings found in Libya, dating s back to 6,000 BC

The Saluki dates back to the roots of Egyptian culture around 2100 BC and is widely found in depictions from many cultures around the world. The Akita Inu,  a Japanese breed, has an unknown origin history, which may date back to 200 BC.

Dogs do have a sense of time

Reduce anxiety in dogs with music, exercise, and mental stimulation.

That doesn’t necessarily mean they have the same abilities to understand time as humans. They are capable of predicting or anticipating events in the future based on the training they receive.

Based on past events, dogs can pinpoint the activity that will happen like owners coming back to home.

Dogs live in the moment and often suffer from separation anxiety. It’s the same for “now it is time for a walk” – they predict it and start fussing over it. So if you see an anxious dog waiting to go for a walk, get dog coats and go for it!

Science dogs

Dog facts: Medical science is targeting the power of dog noses to detect cancer, diabetes and more.
Medical science is targeting the power of dog noses to detect cancer, diabetes and more.

The first animal in space was a Russian dog named Laika. The history of amazing achievements done by these little sniffers is genuinely remarkable.

Studies have shown dogs are able to sniff out multiple types of cancer and are helping in genome mapping. 

Ivan Pavlov won the 1904 Nobel Prize in Physiology for his studying stimulating dogs to salivate. After using the sound of a metronome, he gave the dogs food. After a few repetitions, the dogs started to salivate when they heard the sound.

Dogs smell your feelings

Chocolate Labrador retriever stares at owner's pregnant belly. Dogs sense pregnancy by smelling hormonal changes.
Dogs sense pregnancy by smelling hormonal changes.

D0gs do smell feelings like fear, happiness, sadness, and comfort. The sniffing abilities of dogs are so much understudied. Yet, some studies suggest dogs alter their behavior with their owner’s emotions and moods. 

The same goes for hostility against strangers – if you are happy, they are comfortable with strangers, and if they sense fear, they stay quiet and hide behind you. If we show alert signs, they get more hostile against strangers.

Dogs also have shown the ability to sense pregnancy by smelling hormonal changes. 

Bite force

dog bites
Every year, about 4.5 million dog bites occur in the U.S., according to the CDC.

Although dogs are friendly and joyous animals; they have enormous power in their bite. Due to such distinguishing characteristics between different breeds, they are part of various fields of activity.

Most widely known breeds – Rottweiler, German Shepherd, and American Pit Bull Terrier have 269 pounds of bite force.

The Kangal, a Mastiff breed of strong and powerful dogs, has a whopping bite force of 743 PSI. There are breeds designed explicitly for battle and hunting, too, with a bite force of 540-700 PSI. Owners of protective breed dogs have to train them to calm cravings of barking and biting. They are huge and require a physical and mental stimulus. So owners, get your dogs to exercise for their excellent health.

Brains

A study by Vanderbilt University proves what dog owners already know — dogs are smarter than cats.

Dogs are as smart as a two-year-old or more than that – they can learn 165 words, which include signals and gestures. Many breeds can learn up to 250 words. Our furry companions can even solve basic arithmetic problems. Their social skills are much better and complex than those of some teenagers.

The top smart dog breeds are Border Collies, Poodles, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers. They are the sharpest tools when it comes to solving and socializing.

Speed

greyhound
Although greyhounds run fast, they have been nicknamed “couch potatoes” due to their relaxed, low-energy temperaments.

We know dogs can chase balls for days; they love to run. Some breeds out there are just fast runners, designed for hunting and chasing.

The fastest breed is the Greyhound, the dogs can run at 43 mph. Other fast runners include the Vizsla (40 mph), the Jack Russell Terrier (38 mph) and the Borzoi (36 mph). 

Bundles of love

Woman kisses miniature poodle. The 2018 General Social Survey shows dog owners are twice as happy as cat owners.
Dogs give us unconditional love and joy. They make us healthier, more social, and more productive.

What do we do to deserve dogs? It’s true we love these furballs and are willing to get dozens of puppies to adore them. The bottom line – it is essential to take care, maintain and cherish them with whole hearts. Cuddle your dog now!

Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

Related Posts

  • Dogs know when you're lying

    New experiments and researches show dogs sense lies by reading…

  • baby talk
    Science shows us what your dog is thinking and why he loves you

    Here are four ways that show dogs love owners: staring,…

  • Woman kisses miniature poodle. The 2018 General Social Survey shows dog owners are twice as happy as cat owners.
    Survey says: Dog owners are happier than cat owners

    Dog owners are happier than cat owners, 2018 General Social…

  • Man plays with French Bulldog. Image for Dog Fun Category page.
    Do dogs mimic their owners? Science says yes

    A study from Michigan State University shows dogs mimic owners.…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Fun, Home Page

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

Outdoor activitiesYorkshire terrierPuppy kindergartenPotty trainingWorking dogsThanksgivingPet sitterRottweilerVacation dog careSmall dogsPit bullPawtraining tipsRescue dogPomeranianValentine's DayTicksSocializationVeterinarianService dogsPandemicSheddingPet parentsWaterTwo dogsPoodlePetfinder.comOld dogsPuppy-proofSeparation anxiety

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Fight insomnia: 12 tips to help your dog get good sleep
    The most common cause of canine insomnia is pent-up energy. Help your dog sleep all night by ensuring it gets enough exercise. […]
  • Dog fears: 10 ways to fight separation anxiety
    Separation anxiety is one of the most common dog fears. Use our 10 steps to help your dog become more confident and overcome her fear of being left alone. […]
  • Is amoxicillin safe? What antibiotic is most effective for dogs?
    Consult your vet before giving your dog antibiotics. Know when your dog needs medication and watch for allergic reactions. […]
  • Dog bite accident: What compensation are you entitled to?
    Dogs can cause serious injuries. Protect yourself and your wallet by understanding dog bite compensation laws. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.