Dachshund dog looking sideways
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Low Rider

The Dachshund’s trademark low body wasn’t bred for looks. These dogs were selectively bred to have a long back and short legs so that they could burrow head first into badger holes, fearlessly following their quarry.

Illustration of hand holding mail letter
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Love, Fido

70 percent of people include their pet’s name on greeting cards, found an American Animal Hospital Association survey.

Labradoodle dog sitting looking at camera
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Labradoodle: Life’s Regret

The Labradoodle, which combines traits of the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle, was invented in the late 1980’s in an attempt to breed a hypoallergenic guide dog. But Wally Conron, the creator of the first ever Labrador-Poodle cross, says the invention is his “life’s regret.” He’s become concerned that an influx of copycat cross-breeds has created health problems for many dogs. “I opened a Pandora’s box” Wally told ABC, “I released a Frankenstein,” speaking of unscrupulous breeders who are crossing Poodles with no regard for the health of the resultant puppies.

Hairy dog paws on blue background
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Frito Feet

Ever wondered why your dog’s feet smell like corn chips? Bacteria called pseudomonas and proteus cause dogs’ paws to give off a yeasty odour that smells like corn chips. Dogs also sweat through their paws, just like human feet sweat, and the sweat can activate the smell of the bacteria. Typically, the “Frito” smell is nothing to worry about, though if it bothers you, wash your dog’s paws with a gentle shampoo then dry carefully between each toe.

Husky sled dog outside
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The Origin of Sled Dogs

Around 9,500 years ago, ancient peoples began selectively breeding dogs best able to survive and work in the cold. These dogs would eventually become the “sled dog” breeds—including Huskies and Malamutes—that remains relatively unchanged today.

Beagle dog standing looking sideways in the park
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The Beagle: An Enduring Love

Of the five most popular breeds in the U.S. in 1934, only one remains in the top seven today—the Beagle. (Trivia sidenote: a person who hunts with a Beagle is known as a Beagler.)

Woman's hand holding dog's paw dog looking at camera
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Your Dog Remembers

Don’t recall what exactly you were doing a few minutes ago? Your dog probably does. A 2016 study of 17 dogs found they could remember and imitate their owners’ actions up to an hour later. The study was undertaken by animal behaviour researchers at Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest. The findings, published in Current Biology, suggest that dogs can remember and relive an experience much the way humans do.

Dog peeing in the park
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Not So Discrete

Contrary to popular thought, when dogs kick after going to the bathroom, it’s not to discretely cover up their business but rather to mark their territory using the scent glands in their paws.

 

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