Did you know that the scientific name for the domestic dog is Canis lupis familiaris (hence the term canine)? Here are a few more things about dogs that you may or may have not known before. Hopefully they will help you understand our canine friends better.
- Dogs do not understand pointing. They end up focusing on the tip of your finger, and not the item you are pointing at.
- Not all dogs are born swimmers. Some dogs need to be taught or encouraged to step into water. However, some breeds are better swimmers than others.
- Dogs can get jealous of other dogs and humans that divert attention away from them. A dog can interfere with a hugging couple and may not always like your better half!
- Dogs are creatures of habit. They enjoy familiarity and form expectations. A dog will wait for his or her owner to return from work.
- Dogs' only sweat glands are between their paw pads.
- Obesity is the #1 health problem among dogs.
- Dog's nose prints are as unique as a human's finger prints and can be used to accurately identify them.
- Dalmatian puppies are pure white when they are born and develop their spots as they grow older.
- Even though all dogs vary greatly in appearance, they are identical in anatomy. They have 321 bones and 42 permanent teeth.
- Female dogs are only ready to mate - "in heat" - twice a year for a total of roughly 20 days.
The Dog awards:
The Fastest – The Greyhound which can run 45 miles per hour for short periods of time.
The Largest – The Irish Wolfhounds
The Tallest – The Great Dane
The Smallest – The Chihuahua
The Heaviest – The St. Bernard
The unique ones – Basenji (an African wolf dog) is the only dog that cannot bark and the breed Lunderhune has 6 toes and can also close its ears.
