There are 339 dog breeds in the world today, all originating from a single wolf-like canine that lived about 11 to 16 thousand years ago. These wonderful animals are our guards, friends, companions and family. They make us laugh, cry, they make us angry and happy, but how much do we really know about them? You may know some of these facts, but most of them genuinely surprised me.
1. Bred by Canadian fishermen as work and rescue dogs, Newfoundlands have webbed feet and a waterproof coat.
2. There were 3 dogs that survived the sinking of the Titanic, a Pekingese and two Pomeranians.
3. Paul McCartney loved his English Sheep Dog so much that he added a high-pitched whistle that is inaudible to humans in one of his songs, so that his dog could enjoy it too. The song is "A Day in the Life".
4. Puppies have 28 teeth and by the time they reach adulthood, they have 42. They also lose their baby teeth, like humans.
5. There are several reasons why dogs chase their tail - exercise, curiosity, fleas, or their predatory instincts. If this is a recurring habit, consult your vet.
6. Dalmatians are born white.
7. Dogs dream and experience rapid eye movement just like humans.
8. Thanks to a special membrane in their eyes called "Tapetum Lucidum", dogs can see in the dark.
9. The average heart rate for bigger dogs is between 60 and 100 BPM, while little dogs have a rate between 100 and 140 BPM.
10. Recent research indicates that dogs can also predict stormy weather.
11. The average body temperature of a dog is between 101°f and 102.5°f (38.3°c - 39.1°c).
12. Dogs sweat through the pads of their feet.
13. Dogs have a "third eyelid" called a 'haw'. The haw protects the eyes and keeps them moist.
14. Americans are considered to be the most dog-loving people on Earth, with more than 75 million dogs in the country.
15. Research indicates that about 45% of dog owners let their pets sleep with them in bed.
16. Dogs have 1,700 taste buds, far less than humans who have 9,000...
17. It's a common misconception to think that dogs only see in black and white. Dogs can actually see variations of Yellow, Blue, Green and Grey.
18. Dogs have a very developed sense of hearing. They can hear sounds between 67Hz and 45,000Hz (Humans cannot hear beyond 23,000Hz)
19. Dogs have more than a dozen muscles controlling each ear.
20. The reason dogs curl up when they go to sleep is an ancient instinct, meant to keep them warm and protect their stomachs.
Related Articles:
A Collection of Useful and Interesting Dog Guides
A Guide to Finding the Perfect Dog
15 Smallest Breeds of Dog in the World
Have You Seen Vintage Pictures This Cute Before?
It's always great when beautiful vintage photos turn up, but they're even better when they feature adorable dogs and cats all dressed up! Take a look.
These Animal Facts Are Both Adorable and Interesting
Twenty fascinating animal facts that we bet you never knew about!
These Fluffy Puppies Are Too Adorable for Words
Thirty adorable puppies that you are so cute you'll want to stroke them all day long.
12 Naughty Dogs Caught Being Cheeky While You Were Out
So this is what your dog is doing when he has the house to himself!
The Dog Photographer Awards Will Give You All the Feels
Check out some stunning entries from this adorable competition created by the Kennel Club Dog.
These Cute Little Puppies Changed into Mighty Big Mutts!
Check out his collection of photos, which shows the same dogs when they were cute little puppies, as well as when they became mighty mutts!
What Did These Breeds Look Like a Century Ago?
Certain breeds of dogs have changed a lot over the last century. Check out some of their evolutionary changes here.
Save Money on Watering with These Drought Tolerant Plants
Here are 10 low maintenance perennials that will grow year after year.
2022 World Nature Photography Awards: 15 Winning Images
Check out the spectacular winnings images from the 2022 World Nature Photography Awards.
The Most Amazing Facts About the Powerful Tiger!
If lions are kings, then tigers are emperors. Get to know the largest of all big cats with some very fascinating facts.
These Animals Can Teach Us a Thing or Two About Love
Love. It's not only an emotion expressed by humans. Here are 15 beautifully captured photos of animals that can't help but showcase their love to one another.
10 Ideal Plants to Fill Up Empty Space in Your Garden
If your yard or garden has a lot of empty space, then why not add some evergreen ground cover plants to give it some extra character?
This is the Smallest Wild Dog You've Likely Seen
This little wild dog was recently thought to be extinct.
These Transformations from Summer to Winter Will Amaze You
These stunning photographs show some of the world's most beautiful places before and after the arrival of winter. Check them out, you won't be disappointed!
Learn the True Art Behind the Bonsai Tree
Ryan Neil is an expert in the art of shaping Bonsai Trees, and will take you on a journey into yourself through nature!
The Lotus Flower: Why This Beautiful Flower is Significant
The lotus flower is one of the world's most famous flowers, and it has many uses as well as deep cultural significance. Find out more about the lotus flower.
16 Perfect Examples of How Beautiful Earth Is
16 beautiful examples of why Earth is such a wonderful and gorgeous place to live.
These 40 Beautiful Birds Were Perfectly Photographed
40 great bird photographs taken in Taiwan by the well-known Taiwanese photographers John and Fish
These Tiny Creatures Made Me Smile All Day Long
Animals come in many shapes and sizes. But they all start at one size - small! One can hardly look at a baby animal without feeling a sense of kinship, a desire to protect, and uncontorllable urge to say: "awwww".
18 Breathtaking Photos Depict Nature as Heaven on Earth
These photos enable us to appreciate the beauty in mother nature and all that she has to offer.
A Photo Guide to Beautiful Birds of Prey
A comprehensive photo-guide of common and rare birds of prey.
True Friendship Survives Beyond Time - Beautiful!
Gorilla Reunites With Carer 5 Years Later...
Iguazu Falls Are Definitely Going on My Bucket List
Iguazu Falls are often called the most beautiful waterfalls in the whole world. Take a look at these stunning shots to see if you agree.
Animal Dreams: The Funny Ways Animals Sleep
In this humor-filled video, we're going to explore some animals with fascinating, silly and downright bizarre ways some animals go about the act of sleep.
There Are Awesome New Dog Breeds in the World...
21 of the most adorable new canine cross breeds.
There Are Exquisite, Colorful Trees Growing in Japan...
Japan is more than Japanese culture, it is also a land of unspeakable natural beauty as you can see in these beautiful photos of japan's nature.
Prepare to Witness the Majesty of Mother Nature!
If you love nature even half as much as I do, then this stunning collection of photographs is bound to take your breath away, and leave you gasping for more!
This Photographer Captured a Baby's Journey in the Womb
This photographer's amazing project concerned capturing a baby's development in the womb, from the moment of conception through to birth. Take a look.
Jaw-Dropping Photos: The Wonderful Lives of Ladybugs
Here are some wonderful photos of ladybugs in their natural habitats. I always feel a childish wonder and thrill when can coax one onto my hand.
I Can't Stop Laughing at These Cows Who Think They're Dogs
A cow probably isn't the first thing that springs to mind when thinking of man's best friend, but here are 16 photos which prove that they actually are!
8 Members of the Animal World Who Thrive In Their Solitude
Here's a look at some of the most interesting solitary animals in the world who thrive in their solitude.
These Rare Mushrooms Can Glow In the Dark
Only about 70 mushroom species out of 14,000 have this beautiful and rare ability.
The Crystal Waters of Fiji Are Pure Underwater Heaven
There are few waters more beautiful than the crystal clear waters of Fiji.
This Incredible Animal Video Had Millions Talking About It!
From the moment these baby iguanas hatch, they are faced with a life or death situation. Can they survive the snake gauntlet?
Admire the Never Ending Beauty of the Rocky Mountains
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most beautiful and awe-striking natural wonders of the USA - take a tour through this must-see location in this video.
16 Majestic Bird Photos That Should Be Framed
The winners of the Bird Photographer of the Year 2022 were recently announced. Let’s check out the best winning images.
The Astonishing Story of the Horse Who Could Do MATH
One of the most mathematically gifted and famous animals ever known was Clever Hans - a horse who lived in Germany in the early 1900s
This Botanical Garden in Pennsylvania Is Out of This World
Take a look at these terrific photos of stunning Botanical garden, Longwood Gardens.
It's Feeding Time for Big Cats, See it Close and Personal!
If you love big cats, this video will melt your heart as we go in close and personal during feeding time.
West Canada is Wild, Strong and Ever So Pretty
The wilds of West Canada are some of the most jaw dropping natural scenes in all the world we live on.
Have You Ever Seen a More Beautiful Garden Than This?
Kayoichou Park is situated in Kasuya Town on the edge of Fukuoka City on the island of Kyushu, Japan. Take a look at the stunning rose garden there.
Have You Seen a Predator as Tiny and Adorable as This?
The Fennec Fox is the world’s smallest fox. Want to know more about this cute animal? Watch this video.
These Orchids Look Like Anything Else Other Than Flowers
Orchids are some of the most unusual flowers in nature. As you'll see in this next post, there's a lot of them that don't actually look like flowers at all...
Feast Your Eyes: 50 Stunning Sceneries From 50 US States!
The US is full of magnificent places, in each and every state...
Unbelievable! I Have Never Seen Animals Act Like This!
When you're out in the wilderness or outdoors, you're at the mercy of Mother Nature, and crazy things can happen. If you're lucky, like these guys, you might get to catch those things on camera!
Adorable Miniature Donkeys Are Here to Make Your Day!
These diminutive donkeys aren't babies or dwarves, but an adorable breed of smaller donkeys. They’re so cute you’ll want to adopt a few.
These Colorful Birds are Among the Most Vibrant!
These birds are so bright and beautiful that it's actually hard to believe they're real. Take a look at these 19 kaleidoscopic bird species for yourself.