16 incredible facts about dogs (that you probably didn’t know before)
Dogs have been man’s best friend for thousands of years – but even the most experienced dog owner can still be surprised. Here are 16 wild, strange, and fascinating facts about dogs – from magnetism and yawning to paw preference and jealousy.
1. Dogs can be left-handed
Just like humans, dogs can have a dominant paw. Some dogs use their right paw more often, others the left. You can test it yourself by giving your dog a toy and seeing which paw it uses first – repeat the test several times to notice a pattern.
2. Their sense of smell is 100 million times stronger than yours
Dogs have around 300 million scent receptors, compared to our 5 million. They use their noses to detect everything from drugs to disease – and to greet both humans and dogs.
3. Their hearing is four times better than ours
Dogs can hear both higher frequencies and fainter sounds than humans – and from a greater distance.
4. Dogs are as smart as a two-year-old
They can learn over 150 words and signals. Border Collies top the list of the smartest breeds, followed by Poodles and German Shepherds.
5. They use the Earth’s magnetic field when pooping
Research shows that dogs often align themselves along the north-south axis when defecating – and avoid the east-west direction.
6. A dog’s sense of taste is weaker than ours
They have fewer taste buds than humans, but compensate with an extremely strong sense of smell. Did you know that a dog’s nose print is unique – just like human fingerprints?
7. Dogs dream
Yes, when a dog kicks its legs in its sleep, it’s probably dreaming – maybe about you! Studies suggest their dreams reflect their daily lives.
8. Tail wagging direction says a lot
Dogs wag to the right when meeting familiar people and to the left when uncertain. It’s about emotional response and brain dominance.
9. Puppies are born deaf and blind
During the first two weeks after birth, puppies have no sight or hearing. Their senses develop gradually.
10. Dogs eat feces – and it’s normal
Mothers do it to hide the scent from predators, and puppies can learn it as behavior. It can also be caused by nutrient deficiency or stress.
11. Dogs can get jealous
They may feel left out if you give attention to other animals or people – for example, a new baby or a new dog in the family.
12. Dogs are not colorblind
They don’t see in black and white, but they have trouble distinguishing red and green. They see blue, yellow, and shades of gray best.
13. Yawning doesn’t always mean tiredness
Dogs also yawn when stressed, uncertain, or excited. It’s a form of self-soothing behavior.
14. How to greet a dog properly
Don’t pat directly on the head. Let the dog sniff you first – that’s its way of getting to know you. Ask children to extend their hand gently at nose level.
15. They sniff each other’s behinds to greet
This gives a lot of information: gender, health, diet, and more. It’s the dog’s version of a conversation!
16. Cuddling lowers blood pressure – also in dogs
Physical contact releases the hormone oxytocin in both humans and dogs. It strengthens the bond and calms the body.
Quiz: Test what you’ve learned
Click each question to reveal the correct answer:
1. What does the direction of a dog’s tail wagging mean?
To the right = happiness and familiar people. To the left = uncertainty or new encounters.
2. Do dogs use the Earth’s magnetic field?
Yes, many dogs prefer to defecate in a north-south direction.
3. Is it common for dogs to dream?
Yes – and researchers believe they often dream about daily experiences and their owners.
4. Can dogs get jealous?
Yes, especially if a new family member gets a lot of attention.
5. Are dogs colorblind?
No, they do see colors – but they struggle with red and green.
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