Paw-somely interesting: 20 fun facts about man’s best friend

Dogs are more than just four-legged companions, they are a part of the family. From their unique personalities to their quirky habits, there’s never a dull moment when you have a dog by your side. Whether you’re a proud dog owner, a dog lover, or just someone who loves learning new things, you’ll appreciate these 20 fun facts about man’s best friend.

20 fun facts about man’s best friend

Dogs have been domesticated for over 15,000 years

Dogs are the oldest domesticated species, and it’s estimated that they’ve been living with humans for over 15,000 years. In fact, it’s believed that early humans and dogs formed a symbiotic relationship, with dogs serving as protectors and hunters, and humans providing food and shelter.

Dogs come in over 340 breeds

With so many breeds to choose from, it’s no wonder dogs are so popular. From the tiny Chihuahua to the massive Great Dane, there’s a dog breed for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a lapdog or a protector, you’re sure to find the perfect breed to fit your needs. And each breed will lead you to learn more fun facts about man’s best friend.

Dogs can smell over 1,000 times better than humans

Dogs have an incredibly powerful sense of smell, and it’s estimated that they can smell over 1,000 times better than humans. This incredible sense of smell makes dogs invaluable in areas like search and rescue, drug detection, and even cancer detection. 

Dogs can recognize over 1,000 words

Not only do dogs have a powerful sense of smell, but they also have an impressive ability to recognize words. In fact, it’s estimated that dogs can recognize over 1,000 words, making them one of the smartest animals on the planet. It’s no wonder that teaching dogs to speak using buttons is gaining in popularity. 

Dogs can predict natural disasters

Dogs have a keen sense of hearing and feeling. They can pick up on vibrations in the earth or pressure differences in the air that us mere humans aren’t able to. This makes them excellent at predicting natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes. So, if your dog starts acting strangely before a natural disaster, take it as a sign.

Dogs can be trained to drive cars

While it may seem like something silly to do and we certainly aren’t advocating for anyone to try. But dogs can actually be trained to drive cars. This requires a lot of training and patience, obviously, but the end result is a dog that can take the wheel and drive. They can also be trained to ride bicycles and skateboards. Dogs are just amazing.  

Dogs can smile

Contrary to popular belief, dogs can actually smile! While their smiles may not look exactly like human smiles, they are still a sign of happiness and contentment. So, the next time your dog flashes you a big, goofy grin, know that they’re feeling good!

Dogs can get jealous

Just like humans, dogs can get jealous too. So, if you’re spending a lot of time with your new partner and not paying attention to your furry friend, they might start to get a little envious. To keep the peace, be sure to give your dog plenty of love and attention. The same is can be true if you bring a new pup into your home. So, ensure that each dog gets some one-on-one time with you and both get lots of attention.

Dogs can count

Dogs are smarter than you might think, and they can actually count! While they may not be able to count to 100, they can certainly tell when they’re missing a treat or when there’s one more toy than there was before. In our house, we know that our dogs can count to at least three. During some of our walks, we have a three-second rule where Dylan can sniff something for three seconds but then he needs to move or do something. Otherwise, he will spend an hour sniffing just one blade of grass. 

Dogs can see in color

Contrary to popular belief, dogs can actually see in color. However, their color vision is not as good as a human’s, and they primarily see in shades of blue and yellow.

Dogs can hear ultrasound

Dogs have a keen sense of hearing, and they can even hear sounds that humans can’t, like ultrasound. This makes them great at detecting sounds that are too high-pitched for humans to hear, like a squeaky toy or a high-pitched whistle.

Dogs can sense fear

Dogs have a powerful sense of smell, and they can detect fear in humans through changes in body odor. So, if you’re feeling anxious or scared, your dog may pick up on it and come to your side for comfort.

Dogs can run up to 45 miles per hour

If you have a high-energy dog, you know that they love to run. And, they’re pretty fast too! In fact, some dogs can run up to 45 miles per hour, making them great companions for joggers and runners.

Dogs can predict seizures

Dogs are amazing at detecting changes in their human’s body, and they can even predict seizures. By detecting changes in body odor, behavior, and body temperature, dogs can alert their humans to an impending seizure and help them get to safety.

Dogs can help improve your mood

Dogs are natural mood boosters, and spending time with them can help improve your mood and reduce stress and anxiety. So, the next time you’re feeling down, grab your furry friend and head to the park for some playtime.

Dogs can sense when you’re pregnant

Dogs have a keen sense of smell, and they can detect changes in your body odor when you’re pregnant. This means that they may start to treat you differently or be more protective of you when you’re expecting.

Dogs can sense when you’re sick

Just like they can sense when you’re pregnant, dogs can also sense when you’re sick. By detecting changes in body odor and behavior, they can pick up on illness and offer comfort and support.

Dogs can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke

Spending time with your furry friend is good for your heart. In fact, studies have shown that dogs can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by providing comfort and reducing stress and anxiety. So, if you’re looking to improve your heart health, make sure you spend plenty of time with your dog. Also, your dog needs to go on daily walks, this is a win-win for you and your dog.  

Dogs can improve your social life

Dogs are social creatures, and most dogs love meeting new people and making new friends. This means that owning a dog can help improve your social life by providing opportunities to meet new people and form new relationships. You will always have company to join you at a bar or restaurant if you can bring your dog with you. 

Dogs love you unconditionally

Last but not least, the most important fact about dogs is that they love you unconditionally. Whether you’re having a good day or a bad day, your dog will always be there for you with wagging tail and a big, goofy grin. So, make sure you give your furry friend plenty of love and attention, and always remember how much they love you.

In conclusion, dogs are truly amazing creatures, and they bring so much joy, laughter, and love into our lives. So, the next time you’re feeling down, grab your furry friend and spend some quality time together. And, remember, there’s never a dull moment when you have a dog by your side. And there are always more fun facts about man’s best friend for you to learn.