25 Facts About Dogs You Never Knew

1. Canines can hear frequencies humans cannot.

Dogs have an incredible ability to hear higher frequencies than humans. While we hear sounds up to 20 kHz, they can detect sounds that go beyond 65 kHz, making them exceptional listeners.

This heightened sense allows them to detect sounds from miles away, such as high-pitched dog whistles or even the subtle rustling of small animals. It’s one of the reasons they make great guard animals and search-and-rescue partners.

2. The average lifespan of a dog is 10–13 years.

Dogs come in many different shapes and sizes, with lifespans varying from breed to breed. On average, pooches typically live between 10 and 13 years—a lifespan that can, unfortunately, be shortened by various factors such as lifestyle choices and genetics.

Ordinarily, bigger dogs don’t tend to live as long as their smaller companions, while certain breeds are known to have particularly long lifespans due to favorable inheritance.

3. 45 percent of U.S. dogs sleep in their owner’s bed.

Around 45% of dogs in the U.S. find a cozy spot to sleep on their owner’s bed instead of their own. This shows how close dogs and their owners can get, sharing not just space but also a bit of warmth and safety at night. It’s pretty common for people to let their dogs snuggle up with them, showing a lot of love and trust in this simple act.

This choice might stir up some talk about whether it’s good for sleep or cleanliness, but it sure does make the bond between them stronger.

4. Dogs have twice as many muscles in their ears as humans do.

READ ALSO: 23 Facts About Ants (Tiny Ants with Mighty Facts)

Dogs have exceptional hearing abilities that outperform human abilities. This advantage stems from the fact that they have twice as many muscles in their ears compared to us.

Of course, the added capability of these extra muscles immensely sharpens a dog’s sensitivity to noise, enabling them to audibly recognize sonic differences others can’t, like wildlife or faraway circumstances attributing to their nature as becoming watchful sentinels.

5. Unique nose prints distinguish each dog.

Just like humans have unique fingerprints, every dog’s nose print is one of a kind. The pattern of ridges and creases on a dog’s nose can be used for identification purposes.

This fact showcases the amazing complexity of a dog’s sense of smell, which is 40 times more sensitive than ours. Their noses are so powerful that they can detect changes in the environment or sense illnesses in humans.

6. Scent abilities extend to disease detection.

Dogs have been trained to detect diseases like cancer, diabetes, and even COVID-19. Their noses can pick up on subtle changes in human body odor, which humans can’t detect.

This extraordinary ability makes them incredibly valuable in medical fields. Some service dogs are even trained to alert their owners about a potential medical emergency, saving lives in the process.

7. Dogs can recognize up to 250 words and gestures, some even more.

Even more impressive is the fact that some dogs can even remember more! In particular, clever breeds like Collies and Australian Shepherds have an impressive capacity for recollection and recall.

Research indicates that many dogs can remember well over 150 words, recognizing objects and commands without fail. Human communication with our canine companions is just beginning to uncover the full scope of their intellectual aptitudes.

8. Sweating occurs through their paws.

Unlike humans, dogs do not sweat through their skin. Instead, they sweat through their paw pads. This is a way for them to regulate their body temperature.

However, they mainly cool off by panting, which helps regulate their body temperature. Sweat on their paws helps them maintain grip and balance when they’re running around or walking on hot surfaces.

9. Their intelligence rivals that of a toddler.

Studies have shown that dogs have the cognitive abilities of a human toddler. They can understand about 165 words, signs, and signals, making them highly trainable.

This impressive intelligence allows them to learn commands, solve simple problems, and even recognize when their owners are upset or happy. It’s no wonder they’re known as “man’s best friend!”

10. Dogs sniff each other’s butts to learn about each other.

READ ALSO: 25 Fun Facts About Swans That Will Blow Your Mind

Dogs sniff each other’s butts as a key social and communicative behavior. This action allows them to learn about another dog’s identity, health, diet, mood, and more through the unique scents secreted by anal glands.

This practice, deeply rooted in their evolutionary history, is a vital part of their interaction and understanding of one another in the canine world.

11. The Basenji breed can yodel instead of barking.

The Basenji dog doesn’t bark like most dogs. Instead, it makes a unique sound that’s a lot like yodeling. This is because of how its voice box is shaped, which is different from other dogs. So, when a Basenji tries to bark, what comes out is a mix of chirps and yodels.

This special trait makes the Basenji stand out. People who live in places where keeping quiet is important often choose this breed. This doesn’t mean they’re silent, though; they find their own special way to speak up.

12. A dog’s sense of smell can detect pregnancy.

There’s evidence suggesting that dogs can detect pregnancy in humans. They may pick up on subtle hormonal changes and the shift in scent when a woman is expecting.

This remarkable ability is yet another example of how sensitive dogs’ noses are. Some dogs even act differently when they sense pregnancy, showing extra care and attention to their owners.

13. Some dogs can swim instinctively.

Not all dogs are born knowing how to swim, but many breeds have an instinctive ability to do so. Breeds like the Labrador Retriever and Newfoundland were bred for water work and excel at swimming.

Even if a dog is unsure of the water, you’ll often see that some instincts kick in, helping them stay afloat and paddle. However, not all dogs feel comfortable in water, and some may need training to learn how to swim properly.

14. Dogs have a special bond with their owners and can detect when they are feeling sad or stressed.

READ ALSO: 17 Fun Facts About Owls You Didn’t Know

Dogs develop incredibly deep and special relationships with their owners. They can read physical alterations in the owner and sense shifts in mood.

Dogs are capable of picking up on any sadness or stress that their beloved humans may be feeling, making them undoubtedly loyal companions.

Humans will find exceptional solace in a dog’s hidden ability to know when they need companionship, as these loving creatures inevitably bring joy and comfort into our lives.

15. Some dogs can recognize themselves in a mirror.

Not all animals can recognize themselves in a mirror, but dogs have shown the ability to do so in certain tests. This suggests a level of self-awareness, which is often considered a sign of intelligence.

Though dogs may not see themselves in the mirror as we do, they can exhibit behaviors that indicate they understand they are looking at their own reflection, such as sniffing the mirror or showing curiosity about the image.

16. A dog’s heart beats faster than a human’s.

The heart rate of a dog is much faster than ours. On average, a dog’s heart beats between 70 and 120 times per minute, depending on their size, breed, and health.

This rapid heartbeat is especially true for smaller dogs, who tend to have faster metabolisms. It’s one of the many physiological differences that make dogs unique compared to humans.

17. Certain breeds are hypoallergenic.

While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, some breeds are less likely to trigger allergies in people who are sensitive. Breeds like the Poodle or Bichon Frise produce less dander, making them a better option for allergy sufferers.

These breeds still shed, but the shedding is minimal compared to other dogs. Their hypoallergenic traits can provide a more comfortable experience for families with allergy concerns.

18. Puppies are born blind and deaf.

When puppies are born, they are completely dependent on their mother. They are born blind and deaf, unable to see or hear, and rely on their sense of touch to navigate their environment.

Over the first few weeks, their senses begin to develop, and they gradually start opening their eyes and ears. By the time they are ready to leave their mother, puppies are fully capable of interacting with the world around them.

19. Certain breeds are known for their agility and speed.

Some dog breeds, like the Greyhound, Border Collie, and Whippet, are known for their incredible speed and agility. These breeds are built for running and can reach astonishing speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.

This natural ability makes these dogs great athletes and perfect for activities like racing, agility competitions, or working in fields that require speed and endurance. They are truly built for action!

20. The Beatles’ song A Day in the Life contains a frequency only dogs can hear.

READ ALSO: 27 Facts About Termites You Never know

The Beatles’ song A Day in the Life, from their iconic Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album includes a unique element specifically for dogs.

Paul McCartney, a member of the band, revealed in an interview that they added a high-frequency whistle sound to the end of the track, which is beyond the range of human hearing but can be heard by dogs.

This frequency was intentionally embedded in the song as a playful experiment to engage canine listeners.

21. Puppies are born with their eyes and ears closed.

When puppies are born, their eyes and ears are sealed shut. This makes them completely reliant on their mother for nourishment and warmth during the early stages of life.

Within about 10-14 days, their eyes begin to open, and they begin to hear the world around them. As their senses develop, they start to explore and interact with their littermates and mother.

22. Dogs can be taught to find lost items such as keys or wallets.

They can be trained to understand the importance of locating lost things, whether it’s keys, wallets, or other such items. Many humane societies, rescue centers, and shelters now offer classes that teach puppies and dogs to practice this skill.

Dogs have a powerful sense of smell, and they use it to their advantage when searching for forgotten items.

23. Puppies’ teeth fall out just like human baby teeth.

When puppies are about 3 to 6 months old, they begin to lose their baby teeth, just like human children. This process helps them develop their adult teeth.

During this time, puppies may experience some discomfort, leading to increased chewing behavior. Providing them with appropriate chew toys can help manage this phase.

24. Dogs dig to create a cool place in the summer or a warm place in the winter and bury food for later.

READ ALSO: 25 Fun Facts About Koalas: The World’s Dumbest Cuties

Dogs instinctively dig to regulate their body temperature, creating cool spots in summer and warm burrows in winter. This behavior is rooted in their evolutionary past. They also bury food, a survival instinct from their wild ancestors, enhancing our understanding of their natural behaviors.

25. Some dogs are better at detecting emotions than humans.

Dogs have been shown to detect emotions in humans with remarkable precision. They can sense when their owners are happy, sad, or stressed by reading facial expressions and body language, even better than some humans can.

Their emotional intelligence helps them respond with empathy, offering comfort when their owners are upset or excitement when they are happy.

FAQS