They are man’s best friend, so it’s safe to assume we humans know most of what there is to know about dogs, right? Not necessarily. It turns out there are a lot of little-known facts about these loving pets. Here is part one of our list of things you didn’t know about dogs, be sure to check back for the second part.
Number Fifteen: Dogs Smell 1,000 Times Better than We Do
Their noses contain millions of scent receptors. They can sniff out drugs, explosives, and even dead bodies. Pretty impressive.
Number Fourteen: Each Dog’s Nose Is Completely Unique
Similar to human fingerprints, no two dogs have the same nose. Each one has a different set of patterns and designs.
Number Thirteen: They Dream, Just as Humans do
You may have noticed your pet moving in his sleep. Studies have shown that dogs have similar brain patterns to people and likely dream about running or playing.
Number Twelve: They are Mentally on Par with Toddlers
Science has suggested that dogs are as smart as a 2 year old human, with the ability to recognize over 100 words. Level of intelligence varies with breed, and some are smarter than others.
Number Eleven: Dogs Only Mate Twice a Year on Average
Smaller dogs go into heat more often than larger breeds, but with most types, it occurs only once every six months. For this reason, it’s important for breeders to carefully set a schedule to adhere to.
Number Ten: Different Tail Wags Mean Different Things
Most people believe that a wagging tail signifies a happy mood, but there are a variety of things this can mean. When a dog wags their tail low, it means they’re insecure, and rapid wagging can mean they are feeling aggressive.
Number Nine: Puppies Are Born Without All the Senses
When the babies are first born, it is with closed eyes and ear canals. This generally changes after a couple of weeks, when they start being able to respond to stimuli in the environment. I hope you enjoyed the first part of this informative article. Return for part two, coming soon.