Fun Facts about Pooches
Learn why dogs have a better sense of smell than humans
From the LifeMinute.TV Team
August 11, 2022
How much do we know about our furry best friend? Find out here and celebrate National Dog Day on August 26th.
On average, dogs sleep about 10 to 12 hours a day. And studies have shown that dogs can dream, and their dreams are similar to those humans have in that dogs can remember and replay sequences of events when they are asleep.
A dog’s sense of smell is 10,000–100,000 times better than humans. It has more than 100 million smell receptors in its nose, compared to a human’s six million receptors. The nose of a bloodhound is typically lined with 230 million scent receptors, around 40 times more than the human nose. A trained bloodhound’s sense of smell is so accurate that it was the first animal whose evidence was legally admissible in US courts.
Some research suggests the average canine can respond to 89 words or phrases. Depending on the breed, other research suggest dogs may understand more than 150 words, roughly equivalent to the vocabulary of a two-year-old toddler. Some consider Border Collies the most intelligent breed.
Have you ever noticed damp paw prints from your dog on the ground during hot days? It may be due to its merocrine sweat glands located in the paw pads, which function similarly to human sweat glands. Dogs only sweat through the pads of their feet, so these glands are activated when your dog is hot to cool it down.
In 1912, three dogs survived the historic sinking of the Titanic. All three—two Pomeranians and a Pekingese—were traveling in first-class and being kept in staterooms. They were taken into lifeboats by their owners.
For the 31st consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever was named the most popular dog breed in 2021, according to figures by the American Kennel Club. Its temperament, trainability, and cuteness could have something to do with its winning streak.
Most of the 46 US Presidents have had a dog during their respective presidencies. One of the first notable dogs in the White House was Laddie Boy, Warren G. Harding’s Airedale Terrier. After a four-year hiatus, 2021 marked a return of pets to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue with Champ and Major, the Biden's German shepherds. Major became the first shelter dog in the White House.