It’s estimated there are around 400 million dogs in the world.
Dogs pant to cool down. While a resting dog will take about 35 breaths per minute, when they pant a dog can take as many as 400 breaths per minute. Panting forces air over the moist parts of the dog’s mouth, which helps rid the dog’s body of excessive heat.
Dogs do, however, have sweat glands, though only on the pads of their toes.
Your dog’s nose becomes wet with mucous, which helps him absorb scent. When he licks his nose he’s getting a taste of that scent.
In that mouth he has about 1700 taste buds, which is twice as many as you have.
Domestic dogs are omnivores, so are able to eat grains, vegetables and meat.
Thanks to their gentle temperament, intelligence energy and obedience – and the fact they make great assistance dogs – the Labrador is the world’s most popular dog breed.
Puppies have 28 teeth, while adult dogs have up to 42.
Scientists have found evidence of domesticated dogs from more than 15,000 years ago.
While it’s not true that dogs are colour blind, they don’t see colour as vividly as us humans.
Like a human fingerprint, a dog’s nose print is unique to that dog.
Your dog has more than 12 separate muscles that control ear movements.
Sterilising your pet can prevent certain types of cancers and other infections and diseases.
There are more than a dozen mentions of dogs in the Bible.
Ever seen your pet twitch and flap her paws in her sleep? She’s probably dreaming. Dogs, like humans, experience REM stages of sleep where they can dream.
Dalmatian puppies are born without spots. Their pure white coat develops spots as they grow older.
If your dog is chasing his tail it might be because he’s bored, anxious, needs exercise or has fleas. If he keeps doing it, have a chat to your vet to rule out any illnesses.
Dogs curl up in a ball to sleep thanks to instinct. In the wild a dog needs to keep warm and protect her vital organs from potential predators.
