Your dog is the best pet ever, but there's always something more to learn about our canine companions. For instance, did you know dogs have been living with humans for as long as 40,000 years? OK, you probably did know that one already. But we've got more. Here are some unique facts you can impress your friends with!
1. Dogs Can Sniff Out Cancer
Dogs have a highly developed sense of smell, and some dogs can even detect cancer in people's breath, urine, and blood. Research has found that dogs can detect detect lung cancer with an accuracy rate of 71%, as well as prostate cancer with an accuracy rate of 70%.
2. Your Dog's Noseprint
Did you know that your dog has a unique noseprint? Yes, it's true! Noseprints are just like human fingerprints; they are unique and can be used as identification for your pet. The noseprint is created by the pattern of ridges and markings on the dog's nose.
3. Your Yawn is Contagious to Your Dog
Have you ever noticed when you yawn, your dog yawns too? You probably know that yawning is contagious among people, but it seems it's catching with pooches, too. This is especially true if your dog has a special bond with you.
Research has shown contagious yawning is a form of empathy in your dogs.
4. Dogs Do See (Some) Colors
Even though dogs can't see as much of the color spectrum as humans can, contrary to popular belief, they can see in color. Thus far, research has found they can see colors ranging from brown through yellow, some shades of gray, and a few blue shades.
5. Bloodhound Noses Hold Up in Court
The Bloodhound's sense of smell is so accurate that results from a bloodhound's tracking can be used in court. Their tracking ability is legendary, and their noses have approximately 230 million olfactory cells!
6. Dogs Can Be Left or Right-Pawed
Similar to humans, dogs can be left or right-pawed. The number of left and right-pawed dogs tends to be about the same in adult dogs, but can change with age.
Elderly dogs tend to have a right-paw preference, and males tend to express left-paw preference, but this also changes over time.
7. Dogs Can Sense Your Emotions
Dogs can not only read your body language, but also the scents you give off when you're feeling happy, sad, upset, or any emotion in between. This is why it's so important to remain calm around your dog during times of distress.
8. Dogs Can Improve Your Health
Your dog can do more than just make you smile. They can also help improve your health. According to the American Heart Association, owning a dog can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even help protect you from heart disease.
Heart attack survivors who own a dog have a 33% lower risk of death than those who don't own a dog.
Sign up for our newsletter featuring all the latest stories and products we love.
9. Dogs Poop in Alignment with Earth
If you have a dog, you have probably noticed your dog walking around in circles before doing their business. There's a scientific reason for that. Dogs poop and pee in alignment with Earth's North-South axis. This process is known as magnetoreception.
10. Dogs Have Dreams
Research shows that dogs have similar sleep patterns to humans, including periods of deep sleep and rapid eye movement, also known as REM sleep. During the REM stage, dogs may twitch, move their paws, or make noises, which suggests that they are dreaming. What do you think your dog is dreaming about?
Dig Deeper to Learn More
There's always more to learn about your dog! The best part is, the more you know, the better you'll be able to build your bond together. See if you can surprise your friends and family with these fun dog facts, and let your pup know how much you love them, while you're at it.
