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
If You're Feeling Low, Then Here's the Pick-Me-Up You Need
If you're feeling a little blue or are just looking for something to make you smile, then you've certainly come to the right place!
12 Reasons Why Every Kid Should Grow up With a Dog
Dogs are incredibly beneficial to a child's development. Read this list of 12 benefits that children reap when growing up around a dog.
I Can't Resist Owning a Chinchilla After Seeing These Pics
Could you resist owning a chinchilla as a pet after looking through these adorable photos? We added some interesting facts as well to convince you further.
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.
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.
How on Earth Did These Dogs Get Into These Positions?
Discover the canine world's weird and wacky side with these 20 hilarious photos of dogs acting extremely strangely!
How Do Animals Communicate with Each Other? Fascinating!
Discover how some animals communicate with one another... fascinating!
17 Utterly Beautiful Photos of Japan's Cherry Blossoms
The sight of blooming cherry blossoms is synonymous with springtime Japan. Take a look at these beautiful photos to remind you what a wonderful season this is.
For Proof of True Love, Look to the Animal Kingdom
These heart-warming pictures will remind you that love is all around you in the world.
In Pictures – Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2022
Check out the breathtaking winners of the Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2022.
Capturing Africa's Wild Beauty: 17 Mesmerizing Pics
Enjoy this photographic journey of African wildlife.
INTERACTIVE: Click on the Colorful Birds to See Them!
Click on a bird and see a video of a real bird.
Unbelievable Natural Illusions That’ll Make Your Jaw Drop
Nature always has a few tricks up her sleeve and never stops surprising us with her fascinating creations. Here are 14 mind-bending examples...
9 of the Most Fascinating Night-Singing Birds
Enter the fascinating world of birds that chirp mellifluously at night.
Answered in Less Than 5 Minutes - How Sinkholes Form
Many sinkholes appear due to construction and mining works. So how do they form? Should you be concerned?
Meet the Giant Cassowary – The Modern-Day Dinosaur
Meet the most dangerous bird on Earth, the giant cassowary, that is also regarded as a modern-day dinosaur.
Animals Don't Need the Word Love. They Use It All the Time.
The Animals Fell In Love Today...
The Ocean’s Floor Is Alive with Colorful Sea Slugs
The ocean is vast and mysterious, populated with alien like colorful creatures. These sea slugs are mesmerizingly beautiful.
10 Perennials That Will Serve Your Garden for Years
Here, we look at some amazingly useful perennial vegetables that will serve as a long-term investment for every gardener.
The Colorful and Beautiful Birds of Paradise!
This amazing video brings to life the most beautiful and stunning of birds!
Animal Kingdom: Meet the World’s Grumpiest Cat
Pallas’s cats are perhaps the most unusual wild cats of our planet.
What Is Your Cat Trying to Tell You? Cat Sounds Explained
Cats are extremely intelligent pets and the sounds they make are their way of communicating, even if we don't always understand what they mean
Life in the Treetops: A Look at Tree-Dwelling Animals!
Let’s take a deep dive into the secret lives of arboreal animals and the challenges they face in their natural habitat.
5 Ancient Forests and What You Can Find There
This list contains 5 of the world’s most ancient forests that stood here far longer than us, their must-see spots and how to get there
INTERACTIVE: Click to See the English Tide Come and Go...
This interactive photo presentation lets you click on images taken by Michael Marten, and see the English tide coming in and going out.
How Well Do You Know Canada's 9 Wildest Animals?
Canada is home to some fascinating animals. Some are cuddly, some of dangerous, but all hold pride of place in the natural wonderland of Canada.
Have You Ever Seen Animals As Odd As These?
These animals will shatter any stereotypical notion of what, say, a pig, or a turtle, should look like. Here are 15 animals you've probably never seen before.
See Colorful Butterflies in Gorgeous Detail
We present you with our most beautiful photo galleries of butterflies and moths all in in one page.
Beautiful! This Nimble Bird is a Magical Sight to Watch
Both strong and beautiful the hummingbird is a magical sight to watch. Look through this beautiful tribute to the nimble bird.
16 EERIE Close-Ups of Bugs Under a Microscope
Take a look at these terrifying close-ups of insect faces.
You May Learn Some New Dance Moves Thanks to These Birds
Watch this hilarious, yet sweet compilation of bird mating dances.
The Deadliest Volcanic Eruptions in Human History
Volcanoes are one of Mother Nature's deadliest phenomena. Here are the 5 most deadliest volcanic eruptions in human history.
Hilarious! Someone's Gonna Get Fired for This...
I've never seen so many pictures that seem too perfect to be real as here!
In Pictures - International Garden Photographer of the Year
Take a look at the stunning nature photographs from the International Garden Photographer of the Year.
Do Animals Talk? You’d be Shocked at What They Have to Say
Videos about animals learning to communicate with people
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?
Here Are 10 of The Most Spectacular Forests in the World
Forests make up a third of our planet, and some of them are just utterly spectacular. Here are 10 of the most amazing forests in the world.
In Pictures: Northern Lights Photographer of the Year 2022
Behold the best images from the Northern lights photographer of the year 2022.
Ever Seen Flowers as Gorgeous as These?
Nature really does create some extraordinary, colorful flowers. Check out a wide selection of them here!
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.
Here's What Happens When Animals Befriend People...
Here are 20 cute pictures of woodland animals that simply love to befriend people!
Nature Is Full of Mystery When You Look at These Photos
Take a look at these amazing photos of nature which depict so much mystery.
When Animals Cooperate: 10 Incredible Examples!
Discover how certain animal species help others in a way that makes you appreciate the beauty of nature more than ever.
I Can't Believe a Dull Fish Can Make Such Beautiful Art!
You've heard that birds exhibit magnificent courting rituals, but none of them compare to what the puffer fish gets up to. What an artist!
Say Hello to the Tiniest Bird You'll Ever See!
How small is the tiniest bird ever recorded? Watch this video and find out!
15 Flowers that Smell So Good, Your Garden Must Have Them
Your ultimate guide to selecting flowers, plants and herbs for an aromatic outdoor space.
9 Fragrant Roses to Fill Your Garden with Pleasing Aromas
Check out this list of some intensely aromatic roses that will flood your garden area with delightful smells.