Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world. Not only are they loyal companions, but they are also intelligent, affectionate, and funny. If you are a dog lover, then you probably already know many interesting things about them. However, there are some fun facts about dogs that may surprise you. In this blog, we will explore some of these interesting and unusual facts about dogs. Now, onto the good stuff…

Dogs Can Smell Cancer

There are many dog facts that are common knowledge, but this one might surprise you.

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, which they use for various purposes such as hunting, tracking, and detecting explosives. However, research has also shown that dogs can detect certain types of cancer. A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania found that trained dogs could identify the scent of ovarian cancer tissue with 98% accuracy. Similarly, dogs were able to detect lung cancer by sniffing breath samples with 97% accuracy.

Dogs Can Dream

Have you ever seen your dog twitching or moving their paws while they sleep? This is because dogs can dream just like humans. In fact, their brain activity during sleep is similar to ours, and they go through similar stages of sleep such as REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM sleep. It is believed that dogs dream about the things they experience during the day, such as chasing a ball or going for a walk.

Dogs Have Unique Nose Prints

This is one is almost not a common dog fact, either. Just like humans have unique fingerprints, dogs have unique nose prints. Each dog’s nose print is as unique as a human’s fingerprint and can be used to identify them. Nose prints are often used by animal shelters and rescue organizations to keep track of dogs and ensure they are not lost or stolen.

The Tallest Dog in the World was over 7 Feet Tall

The tallest dog ever recorded was a Great Dane named Zeus, who measured 7 feet 4 inches from nose to tail. Zeus weighed 155 pounds and was taller than most humans when he stood on his hind legs. Unfortunately, Zeus passed away in 2014, but he will always be remembered as one of the most impressive dogs in history.

More Dog Facts: Dogs Can Recognize Over 1000 Words

Dogs are incredibly smart and can learn many words and commands. However, some dogs are able to recognize over 1000 words. A Border Collie named Chaser holds the Guinness World Record for the dog with the largest vocabulary, recognizing over 1000 words.

The Oldest Dog in the World Lived to Be 29 Years Old

The oldest dog ever recorded was an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey, who lived to be 29 years and 5 months old. Bluey was born in 1910 and lived until 1939, and during his long life, he worked as a herding dog in Australia. Bluey’s longevity is a testament to the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise for dogs.

Dogs Can Detect Earthquakes Before They Happen

Dogs have an incredible ability to sense changes in their environment, including changes in the earth’s magnetic field. This ability allows some dogs to predict earthquakes before they happen. In 2011, a dog named Tama in Japan was able to predict an earthquake 30 minutes before it occurred, giving her owner enough time to evacuate their home.

Dalmatians Were Originally Bred to Protect Horses

Dalmatians are best known for their role in firefighting, but they were originally bred to protect horses. In the 19th century, horses were a common mode of transportation, and Dalmatians were trained to run alongside them and protect them from stray dogs or other threats. They were also used to clear the way for fire engines, which is why they became associated with firefighters.

Dogs Have Been To Space

In 1957, the Soviet Union sent a dog named Laika into space aboard Sputnik 2. While Laika did not survive the journey, she paved the way for future space exploration. Her journey also proved that living organisms could survive in space.

Dogs Can See in Color

For a long time, it was believed that dogs could only see in black and white. However, recent studies have shown that dogs can actually see in color, although not as vividly as humans. Dogs can see shades of blue and yellow. They may also be able to see some shades of green and red.

Certified Good Boys & Girls

Dogs are fascinating creatures with many interesting and unique qualities. From their incredible sense of smell to their ability to dream, there is no shortage of fun facts to learn about our furry friends. Whether you’re a dog owner or simply a dog lover, these facts are sure to make you appreciate these wonderful animals even more.

If you’d like to learn more interesting dog facts, we invite you to take a journey through our other blogs. Click here to learn all about Labs, and click here to learn more about the world’s most memorable dogs.