16 amazing facts about dogs (that you probably didn’t know)
Dogs have been humans’ best friends for thousands of years – but even the most experienced dog owners can still be surprised. Here are 16 fun, weird and fascinating facts about dogs – from magnetism and yawning to paw preferences and jealousy.
1. Dogs can be left-pawed
Just like people, dogs can have a dominant paw. Some prefer the right one, others the left. You can test it yourself by giving your dog a toy and watching which paw they use first – repeat a few times to spot a pattern.
2. Their sense of smell is 100 million times stronger than yours
Dogs have around 300 million scent receptors, compared to about 5 million in humans. They use their nose to detect everything from drugs to diseases – and, of course, to greet people and other dogs.
3. Dogs hear four times better than humans
They can pick up both higher frequencies and quieter sounds than we can – and from much farther away.
4. Dogs are as smart as a two-year-old child
They can learn over 150 words and signals. The Border Collie tops the list of the most intelligent breeds, followed by the Poodle and German Shepherd.
5. They use the Earth’s magnetic field when they go to the bathroom
Research shows that dogs often align their bodies along the north–south axis when relieving themselves – and tend to avoid facing east–west.
6. A dog’s sense of taste is weaker than ours
They have fewer taste buds than humans, but they make up for it with an extraordinary sense of smell.
7. Dogs dream
When your dog twitches their legs while sleeping, they’re probably dreaming – maybe about you! Studies suggest that dogs’ dreams reflect their daily experiences.
8. The direction of a dog’s tail wag says a lot
Dogs wag their tails to the right when they’re happy or greeting familiar people, and to the left when they feel uncertain – a sign of emotional response and brain dominance.
9. Puppies are born blind and deaf
During the first two weeks after birth, puppies can neither see nor hear. Their senses develop gradually as they grow.
10. Dogs eat poop – and it’s completely natural
Mother dogs do this to hide the scent from predators, and puppies may copy the behavior from them.
11. Dogs can get jealous
They may feel left out when you give attention to other pets or people – for example, a new baby or another dog in the family.
12. Dogs aren’t color-blind
They don’t see in black and white, but they have trouble distinguishing red and green. They see blues, yellows, and shades of gray most clearly.
13. Yawning doesn’t always mean tiredness
Dogs also yawn when they’re stressed, uncertain, or excited – it’s a form of self-calming behavior.
14. How to greet a dog the right way
Don’t pat a dog directly on the head. Let them sniff you first – that’s their way of saying hello and getting to know you.
15. Dogs sniff each other’s behinds to say hello
It tells them a lot: gender, health, diet, and more – it’s a dog’s version of a friendly conversation!
16. Cuddling lowers blood pressure – even for dogs
Physical touch releases the hormone oxytocin in both humans and dogs. Studies show it clearly reduces stress and heart rate for both.
Quiz: Test what you’ve learned
Click each question to reveal the correct answer:
1. What does the direction of a dog’s tail wag mean?
Right = happiness and recognition. Left = uncertainty or new encounters.
2. Do dogs use the Earth’s magnetic field?
Yes, many dogs prefer to align north–south when doing their business.
3. Do dogs dream?
Yes – and researchers believe they often dream about their daily experiences and owners.
4. Can dogs get jealous?
Yes, especially when a new family member gets lots of attention.
5. Are dogs color-blind?
No, they see colors – but have trouble telling red and green apart.
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