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
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!
20 Adorable Before & After Photos of Dogs Growing Up!
Check out this before & after gallery of puppies turning into dogs. Some of these transformations are absolutely hilarious!
Watch 15 Puppies Grow Up to Be Lovely Doggies
You are welcome to see these puppies for yourself and smile from ear to ear.
These Vintage Pics of Dressed Up Cats & Dogs Are Too Cute!
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.
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!
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.
The Beautiful Wildlife of Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a wonderful place that has a large number of wild animals.
Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2022: 15 Winning Images
Check out some of the most stunning entries from the Close-Up Photographer of the Year Challenge.
In Pictures: Northern Lights Photographer of the Year 2022
Behold the best images from the Northern lights photographer of the year 2022.
Cactuses Have Flowers So Beautiful and Different...
This videos will show you the true beauty of cacti flowers.
17 Heart-Melting Smiling Animals to Brighten Your Day
Smiles are contagious - that everyone knows, so look at these pictures of smiling animals and one will spread across your face in no time.
15 of Bhutan's Most Riveting Animals Revealed!
From the clouded leopard to the Himalayan monal, discover the wonders of Bhutan's wildlife kingdom with us.
These Pictures Perfectly Capture the Magic of Fall
Enjoy this beautiful collection of fall pictures.
Do Big Cats Like Catnip? - Find Out!
We try giving catnip to 5 different types of big cats!
Far, Far Away, There's a Land Where Pandas Roam Free...
Giant pandas are highly endangered, however there's a beautiful sanctuary in China devoted to ensuring that population numbers are boosted. See the photos.
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.
20 Beautiful and Exotic Dog Breeds I'd Love to Get to Know!
Here you can enjoy our collection of 20 beautiful photos of exotic and very rare dogs you won't find at your local park.
10 of the SMARTEST Animals on the Planet
You won't believe how clever these 10 animals are, some of them can even outperform humans on some tasks! See for yourself, as we have the videos to prove it!
GALLERY: You've Never Seen Such Crazy Weather Pics Before!
Check out this incredible collection of extreme weather photos.
Who Needs Superheroes When We Have These Dogs?
Take a look at the extraordinary stories of five remarkable dogs who save lives and stop crimes.
Together, These Animals Create Breathtaking Scenes
When people stand together, they become strong! When animals come together, the results are magical!
Animal Crossings Are a Huge Step For Wildlife Conservation
Animal crossings are an invention that has contributed significantly to lowering the number of animals killed on the roads. Here are 20 around the world.
Our Planet is Full of Beauty! Take a Look at These Photos
Our planet is incredibly beautiful. Here are 15 stunning photos of planet Earth.
Amazing! These Birds Fly as High as a Commercial Plane!
Ever wondered what the highest flying birds in the world are? Well, you don't have to wonder anymore!
This Botanical Garden in Pennsylvania Is Out of This World
Take a look at these terrific photos of stunning Botanical garden, Longwood Gardens.
Nature Photography: 15 Stunning Award-Winning Images
Check out the winning nature photos from the International Photo Awards 2022.
2022 World Nature Photography Awards: 15 Winning Images
Check out the spectacular winnings images from the 2022 World Nature Photography Awards.
Incredible Undersea Photography: 16 Award-Winning Pics
Check out the breathtaking winners of the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2023 contest.
The Colors of Nature Are Truly Spectacular
Sometimes, those that differ from the crowd shine the brightest, as these unique brightly-colored animals prove.
This Photographer Captures Crystals with Indelible Beauty!
Behold 17 gorgeous crystals by the talented photographer László Kupi.
19 Gorgeous Birds You Might Not Have Seen Before
Birds are one of the most varied and beautiful species. These 19 exotic birds are absolutely beautiful!
There Are Awesome New Dog Breeds in the World...
21 of the most adorable new canine cross breeds.
World's Biggest Snake: This Massive Anaconda Is 26ft-Long!
Scientists have just discovered the world’s biggest snake in Amazon rainforest.
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.
Adorable: These Birds Woke up on the Wrong Side of the Bed
Ossi Saarinen's bird photos always make everyone go "awww." Check them out for yourself!
15 Mind-Blowing Facts About Our Feathered Friends
From your friendly neighborhood crow to some of the rarest bird species in the world, here are 15 fantastic facts about birds.
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.
Photographer Captures Myriad Moods of Stunning Big Cats
Observing big cats from up close is rare. Here are some brilliant big cat portraits that take you real close to these magnificent animals.
Watch this Colorful Caterpillar Turn into a Stunning Moth!
Watch as this gorgeous caterpillar goes through the various stages of growth, to eventually emerge as a beautiful puss moth.
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.
Let These Animal Quotes Be Your Source of Inspiration
Animals are inspirational to many of us in this world, and the same can be said for some of its greatest names. Here are 12 truly great animal quotes.
The Reddest Reds In Nature Are Incredibly Beautiful
Red is arguably the most vibrant color of all, but have you ever spared a thought about the reddest reds in nature? Here are the top 10!
30 Reasons Owls are Beautiful...
Owls have beautiful eyes, they are great hunters and are highly intelligent. Here are 30 owls photos that prove they are stunning and elegant creatures.
National Geographic's Photography Never Ceases to Amaze
National Geographic never ceases to amaze us with the photos it shows us, and the 20 images you're about to see here are no exception.
Beware of These 15 Animals, They’re the DEADLIEST on Earth
Of all the animals you can meet on our blue planet, these 15 are among the most dangerous and potentially deadly ones...