16 Fascinating Dog Facts in Honor of National Dog Day
August 26th is National Dog Day. There is nothing like the unconditional loyalty and love that a dog brings to the family, and if it were up to us, every day would be National Dog Day! In honor of man’s best friend, Cypress has compiled a list of 16 fascinating facts about our lovable four-legged companions.
1. Twelve dogs were aboard the Titanic. Three of them miraculously survived the sinking!
2. Dogs are able to see so well in the dark because of a special membrane known as the tapetum lucidum.
3. It’s only a myth that dogs can only see in black and white. Research suggests that dogs see primarily in shades of blue, greenish-yellow, yellow, and grey.
4. Corgi is Welsh for “dwarf dog.”
5. The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the U.S, followed by golden retrievers, german shepherds, beagles, and dachshunds.
6. Dogs have about 18 muscles in each ear, which is why their ears are so expressive!
7. Do you ever notice that your dog’s paws smell oddly like corn chips? That’s because they sweat through their paws!
8. The USA has the highest dog population at about 75 million!
9. The average dog is as intelligent as the average 2-year-old child! They are capable of understanding up to 250 (!) words and gestures. Border collies top the list of most intelligent dogs.
10. The most popular name for a dog is “Max.”
11. Have you noticed that your dog picks up on when you’re upset or not feeling well? That’s because dogs have an incredible sense of smell that helps them detect subtle changes in our scent (for instance, smelling our perspiration when we’re nervous about something).
12. A dog’s nose print is as unique as a human’s fingerprint!
13. Research has discovered that dogs experience the same brain wave patterns as humans when sleeping, which means that they dream just like we do! This explains why they often twitch, whine, or “run” in their sleep.
14. The fastest breed of dogs is the greyhound. They can reach up to 44 miles per hour. (The average dog speed is 19 miles per hour.)
15. Research suggests that petting a dog can even lower your blood pressure! A dog pet a day keeps the doctor away!
16. 70% of families sign their dog’s name on their Christmas cards!
