Dogs are a great addition to any family. From being playful and cuddly to helping their humans, dogs really are one of a kind. Today, our Montecito vets share some of the most interesting fun dog facts for kids.
Here Are 15 of the Most Interesting Fun Dog Facts For Kids
You obviously think that your dog is incredibly special and there is no other dog like him in the world! And you know what? You are right! Did you know that there are a number of unique qualities about so many different types of dogs?
Here, our vets at Montecito Pet Hospital share some dog fun facts for kids:
1. Your dog can smell 40 times better than you can.
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell that not only helps them explore the world but can also be used to help people. Dogs have been used to help with police investigations and even to help diagnose and monitor health conditions in people.
2. Dogs are able to breathe out through their mouth and nose at the same time.
Have you ever tried to breathe out of your nose and mouth at the same time? I bet you can't do it! Believe it or not, your dog can actually do this!
3. All puppies are unable to hear when they are born.
Typically it takes puppies up to 3 weeks to get their hearing and once they do they can already hear much better than you or I can.
4. Many dogs are able to learn over 100 words and gestures.
While most dogs can learn around 160 words or gestures there are actually some breeds of dog that can learn up to 250 words and gestures!
5: Your dog's nose is just like our human fingerprint.
Just like your fingerprint is unique to you, a dog's noseprint is entirely their own and there is no other like it.
6. Greyhounds can pretty much run faster than cheetahs.
While cheetahs can reach speeds of 70 m/h, they can only run this fast for about 30 seconds. Greyhounds on the other hand can keep a steady pace of 45 m/h for over 7 miles before they need to stop.
7. Dogs sweat through their paws instead of their armpits.
Along with panting, dogs will also sweat through their paws in order to stay cool. This also gives them the added benefit of a better grip.
8. Your dog doesn't see color the same way you do.
While we commonly refer to dogs as colorblind this isn't exactly true. They can still see some colors we just don't entirely know how they perceive these colors.
9. The world's tallest dog was over 7 feet tall!
Zeus was a Great Dane who stood over 7 feet tall when on his hind legs. He could drink from the kitchen sink and even caused his family to need a larger vehicle to fit him better.
10. An Australian shepherd isn't even from Australia.
Austrailian shepherds are actually native to California and were a popular breed among cowboys.
11. Dalmatians don't have spots when they are born.
Surprisingly, dalmatians don't actually have any spots at all when they are firstborn. They are pure white! Dalmatians become more spotted as they get older.
12. Your dog will dream just like you do.
Did you spot your dog twitching or moving while they were sleeping? This is actually because they are dreaming just like you do.
13. Yawning is contagious for dogs too!
The yawn effect isn't just limited to people. Dogs have been known to catch a yawn or two from those around them!
14. Look to the Newfoundland if you want a good lifeguard.
The Newfoundland breed was actually created for just this purpose. Because of this selective breeding, they have webbed toes and water-resistant fur.
15. A dog's eye has three eyelids.
While they have the same two types of eyelids that we have, dogs actually have a third eyelid that is an extra protective layer to help care for their eye and keep it moist.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.