Facts about Dogs: Let's Get To Know Our Best Friends Better

If you are a dog person, you may already have an intuitive feeling about how kind and intelligent dogs may be. Learn more about these adorable canine cuddlers by going through these 20 facts.

Dogs have been by humankind's side for thousands of years, eventually earning the honorable title of "man's best friend."

This title isn't unfounded, as our furry friends seem to constantly want to receive and give love, whether it's through petting, playing fetch, or falling asleep in their owner's lap.

Learn more about your dogs or dogs in general by reading the 20 facts about them below.

A picture of a dog with text that reads, “Dogs Can Identify Cancer.” | Image: Unsplash

1. Dog’s and People's Dreams Aren’t That Different

According to research, humans and dogs have nearly the same brain activity and sleeping patterns as people. When they are jerking while fast asleep, they could be dreaming visually.

2. The Idea That Dogs Are Color Blind Is a Myth

Dogs can see many more colors than black and white, despite the widely held belief that they are color blind.

3. Dogs and Two-Year-Old Children Have the Same Level of Intelligence

Stanley Coren, a researcher, has purportedly claimed that two-year-olds and dogs have similar levels of intellect.

While dog breeds vary in intelligence, some can learn over 150 words and even count, among other surprising abilities.

4. Dogs Are Geographically Talented

Beyond counting and learning words, dogs can also efficiently remember directions and routes.

In Moscow, Russia, dogs have learned the intricacies of the complicated Metro system. They sometimes take the train with people, getting off in specific areas to look for something to eat.

5. A Dog’s Nose Is as Unique as a Human’s Fingerprint

Dogs' noses are so unique that a Chinese technology company Megvii has begun using Artificial Intelligence to track down lost dogs using their unique nose prints as recognition.

An individual hugging a dog with text that reads, “Dog’s And Human Beings’ Dreams Aren’t That Different.” | Image: Unsplash

6. Dogs Are Naturally Kind

Beyond intelligence, dogs can act kindly without the expectation of reward. This nature is also reflected in their ability to intuitively sense if a person is kind.

7. The Power of a Dog’s Nose

Dogs' noses are not only profoundly unique but, as many of us know, extremely powerful.

Their sense of smell is around 100,000 better than humans. These animals can even go so far as to smell fear via perspiration.

8. Labrador Retrievers Are Extremely Popular

In 2021, it was stated that Labrador Retrievers were so widely loved that, for three decades straight, they remained on the AKC's top 10 most popular breeds list.

9. Dogs Are Not Immune to the Green Monster

Dogs are capable of jealousy from other pets or even people. Jealous dogs can physically put themselves in the way of or between you and another pet or person to try to prevent the interaction and, in some rare cases, will become aggressive.

10. The Dachshund's Original Purpose Was to Catch Badgers

Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany to track down and eliminate honey badgers and other animals.

A picture of a dog with text that reads, “A Bloodhounds’ Sense Of Smell Can Be Used In A Court Of Law.” | Image: Unsplash

11. Dogs Can Identify Cancer

If trained, dogs can identify cancer in human beings through their excrement and sometimes even the smell of their breath.

12. Bloodhounds’ Smell Is So Good That It Can Be Used in a Court of Law

Bloodhound's sense of smell is so advanced that it can be used as genuine, lawful evidence.

13. The Earth Magnetic Field and Its Connection to Your Dog’s Defecation Habits

Dogs habitually do their business using the Earth's magnetic field as a point of alignment. It is unclear why they do this and whether it's a conscious choice.

14. Puppies Are Born without the Ability to Hear

When dogs are born, they are completely deaf, but they begin to hear at around three weeks of age.

15. A Guide Dog Helped His Blind Owner Hike the Appalachian Trail

In 1990, a dog named Orient hiked the Appalachian Trail with his blind owner Bill Irwin.

A picture of a dog with text that reads, “Dogs Are Not Colorblind.” | Image: Unsplash

16. Newfoundlands Are Great Lifeguards

Newfoundlands were nurtured to rescue drowning individuals and assist fishers. Their feet are webbed, and they have coats resistant to water, making them perfect for the job.

17. Yodeling Instead of Barking

Barking is what many of us expect from our favorite furry friends. However, Basenji dogs yodel instead.

18. Dogs That Survived the Sinking of Titanic

Three dogs survived the devastating incident, with one woman wrapping her dog in a bundle and pretending it was a baby.

19. Dogs Have a Terrible Sense of Taste

While man's best friends have powerful noses and ears, their sense of taste is poor compared to human beings.

Comparatively, dogs have around 2000 taste buds, while humans border on 10,000.

20. Dogs Can Fall in Love with Their Owners — Possibly

"The love hormone" or oxytocin heightens in owners and their dogs when they look at one another for long periods.

A picture of a dog with text that reads, “Dogs Are Naturally Kind.” | Image: Unsplash

Kindness, intelligence, and powerful abilities prove that these domesticated animals, although cute and innocent looking, are a force to be reckoned with.

So, if you have a dog, treasure them, take them on walks, pet them when they ask for attention, and give them that extra treat they are dying to have.