9 Interesting Dog Facts

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All Hail the King

The AKC recognizes 31 different terriers, from the ever-popular Yorkshire Terrier to less common breeds like the Bedlington and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. The Airedale Terrier, “the King of Terriers,” is the largest of all the terrier breeds.

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Cooperative Canines

A 2015 study demonstrated that dogs are among a small group of animals who exhibit cooperative, pro-social behaviour without any reward. In the study, the participating dogs displayed voluntary, unselfish acts of kindness by donating food to a canine partner.

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Sweaty Feet

On a hot day you may notice your dog leaving behind a trail of wet footprints on a dry, smooth floor—that's dog sweat! Unlike humans, who have sweat glands covering most of their body, most of a dog's sweat glands are located on their paw pads and on their nose. Although dogs do sweat, their primary cooling mechanism is panting.

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The Holy Dogs of Tibet

Bred in monasteries, Tibetan Terriers were known as the holy dogs of Tibet. They were never sold, instead given as gifts said to bring good fortune to the recipient.

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Helpless As a Newborn Pup

All puppies are born deaf (as well as blind and toothless). Until around two weeks of age, they can only sense vibrations. By two-and-a-half to three weeks, they’ll be able to hear clearly, though their hearing continues to develop until five weeks of age.

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Descended From Wolves

Dogs evolved from a now-extinct species of wolf. Dogs were the first animal domesticated by humans, over 20,000 years ago. During their evolution from wolves, their skulls, teeth, and paws diminished in size and they became more docile and obedient (well, some of them). Evidence from fossils suggests that five types of dogs had evolved by the Bronze Age, around 4500 BC. These were Mastiffs, wolf-type dogs, Greyhound-like dogs, pointing dogs, and herding dogs, reports National Geographic.

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They Didn't Go Down with the Titanic

Three dogs survived the historical sinking of the Titanic in 1912. Two Pomeranians and one Pekingese—all from First Class cabins.

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The Two Month Wait

Dogs are pregnant for about two months. A dog pregnancy can vary between 56 – 70 days. Typically, puppies should arrive about 63 days—just over two months—after conception.

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Puppy Love

Dogs are the most popular pet on the planet! A third of all households around the world have a dog. Dogs serve many roles, companion, helper, and protector included.

This article originally appeared in the award-winning Modern Dog magazine. Subscribe today!