Dogs can make for wonderful family companions. From cuddling on the couch to playing for hours on end. But did you know that there are some very unique things about dogs? Today, our Rancho Cucamonga vets share some of the most interesting and fun dog facts about dogs that you can tell your kids.
Unique and Fun Dog Facts For Kids
Every single dog on this planet is quite unique, including yours! Here, our vets at Rancho Regional Veterinary Hospital share some dog fun facts for kids:
1. Your dog is better at smelling than you. 40 times better in fact!
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell that not only helps them explore the world but can also be used to help people. Dogs have been used to help with police investigations and even to help diagnose and monitor health conditions in people.
2. Unlike humans, your dog can actually breathe out through both their nose and mouth together.
Have you ever tried to breathe out of your nose and mouth at the same time? I bet you can't do it! Believe it or not, your dog can actually do this!
3. Did you know that puppies are actually deaf when they are born?
Your puppy won't be able to hear until they are around three weeks old. Don't worry though, after this point, they are usually able to hear even better than you can.
4. A number of dogs can learn more than 100 commands and gestures.
While most dogs can learn around 160 words or gestures there are actually some breeds of dog that can learn up to 250 words and gestures!
5: Every single dog's nose is unique to them.
Just like your fingerprint is unique to you, a dog's noseprint is entirely their own and there is no other like it.
6. Greyhounds can pretty much run faster than cheetahs.
While cheetahs can reach speeds of 70 m/h, they can only run this fast for about 30 seconds. Greyhounds on the other hand can keep a steady pace of 45 m/h for over 7 miles before they need to stop.
7. Your dog can sweat, just not like we do.
Along with panting, dogs also sweat to stay cool. The difference is that while you sweat through your armpits, your dog actually sweats through their paws. This also gives them the added benefit of a better grip.
8. Dogs can see color in a different way than you.
You may have heard people mention that dogs can't see color, only this isn't true. They can still see some colors we just don't entirely know how they perceive these colors.
9. One dog stood more than 7 feet tall!
Zeus was a Great Dane who stood over 7 feet tall when on his hind legs. He could drink from the kitchen sink and even caused his family to need a larger vehicle to fit him better.
10. The Australian shepherd isn't even from Australia.
Austrailian shepherds are actually native to California and were a popular breed among cowboys.
11. Dalmatians are completely white when first born.
Surprisingly, dalmatians don't actually have any spots at all when they are firstborn. They are pure white! Dalmatians become more spotted as they get older.
12. Did you know that your dog can dream?
Did you spot your dog twitching or moving while they were sleeping? This is actually because they are dreaming just like you do.
13. If you yawn, your dog might just yawn too!
The yawn effect isn't just limited to people. Dogs have been known to catch a yawn or two from those around them!
14. Newfoundland dogs are great swimmers.
The Newfoundland breed was actually meant to be a great swimmer, making them a good lifeguard. Because of this selective breeding, they have webbed toes and water-resistant fur.
15. Your dog actually has three eyelids.
While they have the same two types of eyelids that we have, dogs actually have a third eyelid that is an extra protective layer to help care for their eye and keep it moist.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.