Dog Facts

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Interesting Dog Facts everyone should know…

All dogs can be traced back 40 million years ago to a weasel-like animal called the Miacis which dwelled in trees and dens. The Miacis later evolved into the Tomarctus, a direct forbear of the genus Canis, which includes the wolf and jackal as well as the dog.
The Bloodhound is the only animal whose evidence is admissible in an American court.
Dogs have three eyelids. The third lid, called a nictitating membrane or “haw”, keeps the eye lubricated and protected.
Cynophobia is the fear of dogs or rabies.
All but two breeds of dogs have pink tongues. The Chow Chow and the Shar-pei, both have black tongues.
Small quantities of grapes and raisins can cause renal failure in dogs. Chocolate, macadamia nuts, cooked onions, or anything with caffeine can also be harmful.Apple and pear seeds contain arsenic, which may be deadly to dogs.
After the fall of Rome, human survival often became more important than breeding and training dogs. Legends of werewolves emerged during this time as abandoned dogs traveling in packs commonly roamed streets and terrified villagers.
The tallest dogs are the Great Dane and the Irish Wolfhound.
The smallest dogs are the Chihuahua, the Yorkshire Terrier, and the Toy Poodle.
The Basenji is the world’s only barkless dog.

Dogs give unconditional trust and affection. They are uncritical of our failings and they give the same rapturous welcome always without reproach regardless of our shortcomings.
Dogs take years off your age by providing a compelling reason to take outdoor exercise, and also by allowing us to play in a child-like way without looking silly. . . a dog makes the ideal excuse.
A dog makes friends for you. When out with your dog you may speak to people and receive their cordiality in return in a way that would be impossible with non-dog owners.
A dog is a safety-valve in many relationships, and sometimes the only bridge across which people can communicate.
For an only or lonely child, the warm affectionate dog can be anything the imagination allows, from a magic animal with supernatural powers, to a confidant, a console, an agile and enthusiastic playmate, a loyal companion to share the burden of naughtiness, a friend that licks and never tells, or a possession to boast about, a status symbol for a child or older person where enhancement of their own self-image is needed.
We need dogs, and dogs need people, for our mutual benefit.