Did you know that a dog can see the spirits of their deceased loved ones and the reason that they bark more at night is because spirits are usually active at night?
Okay, this is not true. But dogs do come with a lot of other superpowers. And if you read everything about them, you may not find it very difficult to believe the above fact. These canines may seem like simple creatures - eat, sleep, fetch, repeat. But there’s much more than what meets our eyes.
Here are some really interesting facts about dogs that will get your tail wagging!
Nose knows – Dogs have nearly 300 million olfactory (scent) receptors as compared to only 6 million in humans. Some dogs can even detect diseases like cancer and diabetes just by smelling a person’s breath.
Marathoners - Greyhounds, the fastest dog breed, can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour and can maintain it for an astounding 7 miles! Cheetahs can reach 70 mph but can keep up that speed only for 30 seconds. (and you thought you could outrun your dog)
Eyes-lies - Dogs have evolved to make their eyes appear larger and more expressive to make you melt and give them whatever they want. This is scientifically proven. (don’t be surprised if the world is dominated by dogs one day. There is already a town in Minnesota with a dog as its Mayor!)
‘Hear’ Tommy - Dogs can hear sounds at frequencies as high as 65,000 Hz. This means they can hear the high-pitched squeak of a mouse or the jingle of their leash from three rooms away.
Smarties – Dogs can understand up to 250 words and gestures. Breeds like Border Collie can even go up to 1000. (time to teach your dog more than just sit and stay)
Dream Bone – Dogs can dream just like us. Scientists have observed the brain wave patterns of dogs and concluded that dogs do dream. And dreams may not be all bones. They can have nightmares too.
Memory trick – Dogs can remember around 250 places and people. Not just that, they also remember events from years ago.
Breathe in-Breathe in – Try to breathe from your mouth and nose simultaneously. Can’t, right? Dogs can.
Quite interesting right? Wait till you read the real shockers below.
Little Known Dog Facts
While the above ones were fascinating enough, we have some more for you that are little known by many and will definitely make you question if you even know dogs.
Face time – Dogs have over 100 facial expressions. So, the next time you feel your dog is judging you by giving you the looks, it probably is true.
Black magic – Chow Chows and Shar-Peis actually have black tongues. And more interestingly, we don’t even know the reason yet.
Old Older Oldest – Saluki is the Guinness World Record holder for the oldest dog breed. While they were kept as royal pets in ancient Egypt in around 329 BC, carvings in Southern Iraq indicate these breeds to be present even during 7000 BC.
Jack(s) and Rose – Rose was not the only survivor of the Titanic. 3 dogs, 2 Pomeranians and 1 Pekingese also made it back to the shore.
Beatles fans - Paul McCartney, in an interview, said that he added a frequency to the end of the Beatles song ‘A Day in the Life’ that only dogs can hear.
101 ‘White’ Dalmatians - Dalmatians are born completely white. The spots develop as they age.
Pup-ulation - One dog and her 1st litter can produce around 67,000 puppies in 6 years. (Looks like China may soon be dethroned of the population rank if dogs start ruling)
Superstar – A German Shepherd named Rin Tin Tin, rescued by an American soldier during World War 1, became famous by starring in over 20 Hollywood films.
How many of these did you know? We don’t want to know. It’s just for you to realize how much you really know about dogs for you to call yourself a dog person.
Facts About Golden Retrievers
Most of us know that Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dogs out there. They have all the reasons to be that with their charming personalities and adorable looks. But there are many more facts about them that will make you fall more in love with them.
Golden therapy – Golden Retrievers are often employed as therapy dogs to soothe and calm people. With their hearts full of empathy and unconditional love, they can comfort anyone from young children to elder people.
Smarties – They are considered to be the 4th smartest dog breed in the world. Perfect example of beauty with brains, isn’t it?
Presidential candidates – Presidents Ford and Reagan both had Golden Retrievers as pets when they were in office.
Starry pets - Even iconic personalities like Oprah Winfrey, Adam Levine and Diane Keaton have owned Golden Retrievers at some point in their lifetime.
Pup-Stars - These dogs have also starred in many Hollywood films - Parker from The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019), Bud from Air Bud (1997), Mud and Rosebud from the Air Buddies film series and many more.
Facts About Dachshunds
Dachshunds, a.k.a. Sausage dogs, are known for their unique body shape. But apart from that, there are many more things that have fascinated human beings for ages. Here are some of them –
Hot dogs – Hot dogs got their name from Dachshunds and not the other way around. Served at baseball games, vendors would call out things like “Get your red-hot dachshund sausages”.
Small energy bombs – Small size ≠ small energy. These dogs come packed with energy. You can take them for a hike, and they would love it. (and probably be less tired than you at the end)
Victorian dogs – Queen Victoria once said, “Nothing will turn a man's home into a castle more quickly and effectively than a dachshund”. Perhaps.
Mini-hunters – Dachshunds are the smallest hunting breed out there.
Record holders - One Dachshund named Chanel held the record for the world's oldest dog, living to be 21 years old. Another named Otto held the record for the longest dog, measuring over 11 inches from nose to tail.
Arti-sticks – The very famous artist, Pablo Picasso, also had a Dachshund as a pet.
And by the way, it’s ‘dakhs-hoond’ and not ‘dash-hounds’.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Here’s a fact that leaves most pet owners concerned - Obesity is the number one health problem in dogs. Dogs are undoubtedly one of the most amazing creatures on this planet and a gift to humanity. But these dogs tend to fall sick. And it is during those times that they need the best of treatments from their masters. Some treatments, however, can put a big dent in your savings. Not with pet health insurance though! You can save up to 90% of all the related costs.
Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more.
Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!
30 amazing facts about dogs that will blow your mind | Purina. (n.d.). https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/dogs/behaviour/common-questions/amazing-dog-facts
Fun dog Facts for Kids | Montecito Vets. (2023, September 15). https://www.montecitopethospital.com/site/blog/2023/09/15/fun-dog-facts-kids
Georgia Veterinary Associates. (n.d.). 50 dog facts you probably didn’t know. https://www.mygavet.com/services/blog/50-dog-facts-you-probably-didnt-know
33 Facts about Golden Retrievers | ADAPTIL. (n.d.). ADAPTIL UK. https://www.adaptil.co.uk/blogs/news/33-facts-about-golden-retrievers
Admin, S. (2018, March 8). 10 Dachshund Facts you didn’t know. Sophie Allport. https://www.sophieallport.com/blogs/lifestyle/10-dachshund-facts
Bark. (2022, December 13). 10 Dachshund Fun facts. BARK Post. https://post.bark.co/breeds/dachshund-fun-facts/
