All about the dog

30 Fun and Fascinating Dog Facts – American Kennel Club

We realize we may be biased, but here at the AKC we never get tired of learning more about dogs, whether it’s a new study on canine behavior, a statistic from the AKC’s database, or even just cool facts about a dog’s impressive physical and mental abilities. You may know some of these already, and others may be more of a “wait, really?” situation, but we think you’ll find all of them entertaining. Check out these 30 fun dog facts.

1. The Labrador Retriever has been on the AKC’s top 10 most popular breeds list for 30 consecutive years—longer than any other breed.

2. A dog’s nose print is unique, much like a person’s fingerprint.

3. Forty-five percent of U.S. dogs sleep in their owner’s bed.

4. Speaking of sleeping … all dogs dream, but puppies and senior dogs dream more frequently than adult dogs.

5. Seventy percent of people sign their dog’s name on their holiday cards.

6. A dog’s sense of smell is legendary, but did you know that his nose has as many as 300 million receptors? In comparison, a human nose has about 5 million.

7. Rin Tin Tin, the famous German Shepherd, was nominated for an Academy Award.

8. Dogs’ noses can sense heat/thermal radiation, which explains why blind or deaf dogs can still hunt.

9. Only one breed that was among the five most popular breeds in 1934— the Beagle — still remains in the top five today.

10. The name Collie means “black.” (Collies once tended black-faced sheep.)

11. Yawning is contagious—even for dogs. Research shows that the sound of a human yawn can trigger one from your dog. And it’s four times as likely to happen when it’s the yawn of a person he knows.

12. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is the only breed named for a fictional person—a character in the novel Guy Mannering, by Sir Walter Scott.

13. Dogs curl up in a ball when sleeping to protect their organs—a hold over from their days in the wild, when they were vulnerable to predator attacks.

14. The Basenji is not technically “barkless,” as many people think. They can yodel.

15. The Australian Shepherd is not actually from Australia—they are an American breed.

16. … And the Labrador Retriever is originally from Newfoundland.

17. Human blood pressure goes down when petting a dog. And so does the dog’s.

18. There are over 75 million pet dogs in the U.S.—more than in any other country.

19. A person who hunts with a Beagle is known as a “Beagler.”

20. Dogs are not colorblind. They can see blue and yellow.

21. All puppies are born deaf.

22. Dalmatians are born completely white, and develop their spots as they get older.

23. Dogs have about 1,700 taste buds. We humans have between 2,000–10,000.

24. When dogs kick backward after they go to the bathroom it’s not to cover it up, but to mark their territory, using the scent glands in their feet.

25. A recent study shows that dogs are among a small group of animals who show voluntary unselfish kindness towards others without any reward. This is one fact dog lovers have known all along.

26. The Norwegien Lundehund is the least popular dog breed and the only dog breed created for the job of puffin hunting.

27. Greyhounds can beat cheetahs in a race. While cheetahs can run twice as fast as greyhounds, they can only maintain that 70 mph speed for about thirty seconds. A Greyhound can maintain a 35 mph speed for about seven miles. So, the cheetah may start out first, but the greyhound will soon overtake him.

©mfotohaus - stock.adobe.com

28. The Bloodhound’s sense of smell is so accurate that the results of its tracking can be used as evidence in a court of law.

29. Some dogs are taller or heavier, but according to the Guinness World Records, a Mastiff named Zorba is the world’s overall largest dog ever. Zorba weighed 343 pounds and measured over eight feet from his nose to his tail. He’s been described as being about the size of a small donkey.

30. According to the Guinness World Records, the smallest dog ever recorded was Miracle Milly, the Chihuahua. Born in 2011, Milly was a miniscule 3.8 inches tall and weighed in at one pound.

All About Dogs

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Essential Guides for Dog Owners

How to prioritize training for your new rescue dog. If you just brought home a new dog from a shelter or rescue, this is post is for you, and includes what you need to do to prepare and what you should focus on in the first few days and weeks.

A guide to using food puzzle toys with your dog. Food puzzles are a great way to give your dog enrichment. Here's how to get started and some of my favourite food toys to try.

How to choose the right puppy in four easy steps. The questions to ask to help you make a good choice of breed and where to get your puppy from.

The Sensitive Period in Puppies and Kittens. When it is, what it means for dog owners, and why it's called a sensitive period. Important building blocks for a behaviourally-healthy adult dog.

How to choose a dog trainer – how to choose the right dog trainer for you and your dog.

Don't punish your dog for peeing in the house – and the right ways to house train your puppy or dog instead.

Puppy play: An essential part of puppy class for a well-rounded dog. Why puppies play, what that play should look like, and how to keep even shy puppies safe and happy.

Three ways that management can help you with your pet

The ultimate dog training tip. The one thing every dog owner should know about dog training. (Hint: use food!).

The best dog training treats. The things to take into consideration when choosing treats, including my own favourites to use in training and recipes for home-made treats.

What is positive reinforcement in dog training? – a user-friendly guide to everything you need to know about positive reinforcement in dog training, and the related posts, What is positive punishment in dog training? and What is negative reinforcement in dog training? If you're an aspiring dog trainer, or just want to know more about the science of dog training, these are essential reads.

What is desensitization and counter-conditioning in dog training? If you have a fearful dog, you will appreciate this guide to the technique we can use to help dogs with their fears.

You are the secret to your pet's happiness. How interactions with you (and other people) can affect your dog's welfare.

How to make the world better for dogs. I asked dog experts – including Marc Bekoff, Jean Donaldson, Alexandra Horowitz, Ilana Reisner, Kathy Sdao and Pete Wedderburn – weigh in on the one thing that would make the world better for dogs.

How to pet dogs (and cats). Tips on the best way to pet dogs, including where they prefer to be petted, the body language to look out for, and how to do a consent test to check if they are enjoying it.

Three important ways to give your pet choices. Three things you should provide for your dog.

Dog training science resources. If you're a bit of geek and want a list of scientific papers on dog training, along with places you can read about that research, this is for you.

Behaviour Problems including Fear

Eight tips to help fearful dogs feel safe. If you have a fearful dog, this is the place to start learning how to help your dog.

If you think your pet's a jerk, think again. Some questions to ask yourself if your dog has behaviour issues. The answers will help you find a resolution.

If your dog is afraid, avoid these two mistakes. These common mistakes will get in the way of you helping your dog. Find out what you should do instead.

Staying safe: management for fearful dogs. The importance of using management to protect the training you're doing with your fearful dog, and how training and management work together.

Most pet dogs are fearful or anxious, study shows. Research from Finland finds that 72.5% of dogs have at least one form of canine anxiety, and better breeding practices would help.

Dogs don't have to be afraid of fireworks. Research shows that preventive training (of puppies or dogs that aren't yet afraid) or training for dogs who already have fireworks fears really does make a difference.

Fear of loud noises – a common problem in domestic dogs? looks at the prevalence of fears of thunder and fireworks.

Training classes and dogs' fear of fireworks. Dogs that attended training class are less likely to be afraid of fireworks.

Dangerous dogs – time for a rethink? Aggression in one situation does not necessarily carry over to other contexts.

Testing an automated and humane way to resolve barking. A scientific study tests the use of an automatic treat dispenser.

Small dogs are less likely to be house trained than big dogs. But they also get less training from their owners.

Photo: Chonlawut (Shutterstock.com)

Body Language

How can I tell if my dog is afraid? A guide to spotting the signs of fear, anxiety and stress in dogs, and some photos for a dog body language practice quiz.

Understanding dogs with iSpeakDog - Although most people think they know dogs, research shows most of us are not very good at recognizing fear and anxiety. Why it matters that we learn to understand canine body language, and a fabulous new resource to help.

Canine Science

We need canine science because common sense can lead us astray. Canine science is better than common sense.

Science – and science blogging – can help animal welfare in important ways. Why science matters to our dogs and cats

6 reasons to love canine science. Some of the cool things science has taught us about dogs.

How many dogs is enough for canine science? “If we want to be able to say something about dogs in general, then all kinds of dogs need to take part in research.”

Do you ever wonder how dogs are rewarded for taking part in canine research? Will work for hot dog

What can dog owners learn from the way scientists give animals choices in research? The right to walk away.

Dogs’ Abilities and Cognition

Rivalry and decision making in dogs. The relationship between two household dogs affects their decisions.

fMRI research on dog’s brains shows their people are of special importance to them. How does a dog’s brain respond to the smell of a familiar human?

Can dogs smell quantity of food? We all know dogs have amazing noses, but can they smell the difference between a plate with just a little hot dog and another plate with more?

Most people think their dog is about as clever as a 3 – 5 year old human child. How clever do you think your dog is?

Would your dog prefer a piece of cheese, or a piece of cheese and a piece of carrot? The answer may surprise you. Sub-optimal choice in dogs

Do dogs try to hide theft of food? Two studies investigate whether dogs can take a human's perspective when deciding whether or not to steal food.

Diabetes alert dogs can make a big difference to their owners. Dogs can alert their owners with 'brittle' type 1 diabetes to let them know when they are about to have an attack of low blood sugar. This article looks at research on the amazing success of the program.

Dogs at the Vet

The top six reasons you should be brushing your dog's (and cat's) teeth by veterinarian Dr. Rachel Szumel, including tips on how to make tooth-brushing something your pet enjoys.

Overweight dogs don't live as long (and scientists have calculated how much less). For some breeds, the difference in lifespan is as much as 2.5 years compared to if they were a normal weight.

30% of dogs are highly stressed in the waiting room, but many owners don’t know if their dog is stressed or not. Canine stress in the vet’s waiting room.

Dogs don’t have to be stressed at the veterinarian. Essential tips for better vet visits. Lots of tips to help you prepare your dog for trips to the vet (and some nice tips for cats too, if you're a cat owner as well).

Treats at the vet mean fewer bites and a less fearful pet. Should vets give treats to pets?

The surprising history of veterinary medicine for dogs and cats.

Vets sometimes miss opportunities to discuss canine behaviour, even when they notice problems. Discussion of dogs’ behavioural problems at the vet.

Dog Training

Can dog training books be trusted? Study tests whether five best-selling dog training books give evidence-based advice.

Reward-based training isn't just for sunny days. When dogs have behaviour issues, it's all the more important to use positive reinforcement in training.

To promote positive reinforcement dog training, teach, engage, and amplify. Plenty of tips to help bring about changes in dog training.

"Dominance" training deprives dogs of positive experiences. Dominance is an out-dated approach to dog training - and it also means dogs miss out on fun. Find out why, here.

Seven reasons to use reward-based dog training summarizes the advantages to using modern, scientific methods in dog training, including links to position statements from welfare organizations. If you're more interested in the research itself, see a new literature review recommends reward-based training and my guest blog over at The Academy for Dog Trainers, the double advantage of reward-based training.

Positive reinforcement is more effective at training dogs than an electronic collar, study shows. Even when the electronic collars are used by trainers recommended by the Electronic Collar Manufacturers' Association.

Dogs like to work for rewards. Make your dog happy: Train force free.

Research shows positive reinforcement is good for animal welfare and the human-canine bond. Dog-training, animal welfare and the human-canine relationship.

Confidence and emotions affect people's use of positive reinforcement to train reactive dogs. On the human side of dog training and the support that people need.

Where do people get information about dog training?

In dog training, balance is off. It's not a good thing when dog trainers describe themselves as 'balanced'. This article explains why.

The importance of food in dog training. What science tells us about the effectiveness of food as a motivator for dogs.

Research shows electronic collars can have a negative impact on welfare. Is it the end for shock collars?

Positive reinforcement and dog training. A user-friendly guide to everything you need to know about using positive reinforcement to train your dog.

Positive reinforcement and dog training for dogs with behaviour problems.

Dog training is unlicensed, and some trainers are not clear in how they explain what they do. Describing dog training: weasel words or clear descriptions?

Playtime after training improves a dog's memory. Research into whether a play session after training helps to improve dogs' learning.

Timing and attention matter in dog training. Analysis of videos of training sessions show that being able to get the dog's attention, and getting the timing of rewards right, make a difference to success.

Escaping dogs: Some fences are better than others. A physical fence is more secure than an electronic fence, according to a study with important implications for dog owners.

I also maintain a list of dog training science resources.

Enrichment and Entertainment for Your Dog

Using the nose to smell is important to dogs. Now, scientists have shown that finding hidden food in nosework increases dogs' optimism.

Why do dogs play? The evolutionary reasons for puppy play, the links between dog play and animal welfare – and what it means to you as a dog owner.

You know that feeling when you successfully solve a problem? Dogs get that Eureka feeling too

Is scent enriching for shelter dogs? Research tested the effects of four different scents on shelter dogs, and found promising reductions in stress.

Lots of ideas for fun activities with your dog in Make your dog happy: enrichment.

When walks are limited, six ways to entertain your dog indoors

If you lead a Lab to water, should you let them swim? Labrador Retrievers and what their choices reveal about love of water.

Why do people take part in dog sports? It’s a combination of different types of motivation.

People and Pets

Animal lovers on the books that changed their lives.

Dogs' personality traits vary with age (and dogs tend to be like their owners). Ever wondered if people's personality matches up with their dog's? There's some evidence that's the case.

Why do people choose certain dogs? The reasons people give for the dogs they pick.

Why don't more people use positive reinforcement to train dogs? looks at the reasons many people continue to use punishment at least some of the time, despite the risks to animal welfare.

There are four different ethical orientations to how we think about animals. It's all explained in new study identifies our different ethical beliefs about animals.

Positive Stories About Dogs

Pets help build communities one friend at a time.

Do dogs prefer petting or praise? It turns out they can’t get enough of petting, but praise is pretty meaningless.

Listening to audiobooks can help dogs waiting for adoption.

Great photos are important to dog adoption, but dogs seen in videos are rated more positively than if seen in photos. Useful information for shelters and rescues to help promote their dogs.

A survey of Labrador Retriever owners tells us what they eat, how often they exercise, and where they sleep. The Labrador lifestyle.

Why are some breeds of dog more popular than others?

Preventing dog bites

The danger hidden in plain sight in photos of dogs and children. Three things to look for in cute photos of dogs and kids - and to carry over into action when supervising small children around dogs. Essential reading for parents.

Most serious dog bites happen at home, and no breed group can be blamed. Research in Calgary shows that children and older adults are most at risk of bites, but no particular breed group is responsible.

Breed Specific Legislation had no effect on dog bites in Odense, Denmark. Another study adds to the evidence that BSL does not work.

People mistakenly think anxious dogs are relaxed around baby. Dog owners are even worse than non-dog owners at interpreting canine body language in interactions with children, research shows.

Education on dog bites needs to get past the belief that ‘it won’t happen to me’. A new approach to dog bite prevention and an interview with Dr. Carri Westgarth.

Preventing dog bites in children.

Can fatal dog attacks be prevented? Although such attacks are very rare, a sobering report shows they typically have multiple – potentially preventable – factors.

Preventing dog bites in children – an evaluation of the Blue Dog Project’s influence on parents.

Puppies

Are you getting a new family member? How to choose the right puppy in 4 easy steps.

Which dog breeds are the best alternatives to French bulldogs? has suggestions for the types of dog suitable for first time dog owners, and tips on getting a French bulldog too.

Extra early socialization for puppies makes a big difference to behaviour as an adult dog. The additional socialization program (on top of an existing one) for Guide Dog puppies aged 0-6 weeks led to fewer problems with separation-related behaviours, body sensitivity, anxiety and distraction.

Going to puppy class could be the best investment you make in your dog. Make your dog happy: Puppy Class! tells you what to look out for.

Dogs who attended puppy class are more trainable will also help persuade you to go to puppy class.

Behaviour problems in puppies from pet stores. Did you know that puppies from pet stores are more likely to be aggressive to their owner than puppies obtained from a responsible breeder?

Socialization is so important, but what’s the science behind it? Why you need to socialize your puppy.

It seems that different dog breeds may have a slightly different sensitive period for socialization.

Some dog breeds have welfare problems, but when choosing a puppy, people don't always take this account. In fact, some breeds seem almost irresistible and emotions get in the way.

Senior Dogs and Geriatric Dogs

Survey shows changes as dogs age (and how you can help your dog). The results of a study show several ways in which you can help your dog to age better and enjoy their golden years more.

What is canine cognitive dysfunction? In this post, veterinarian Dr. Chahal Gurpal explains what the signs and symptoms of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome are, and how you can help your dog.

Dogs' attention declines with age - but training helps. Why positive reinforcement training throughout the lifespan may help your senior dog.

How long do pet dogs live? The average lifespan of dogs in the United States.

Walking, Exercise, and Weight

Why do some people not walk their dogs? and what encourages people to walk their dog?

Should you take your dog to the dog park?

Neutering and "hygge" treats: risk factors for obesity in dogs. Results of a Danish study tell us what factors are linked to dogs being overweight. Training treats aren't - but treats given as part of relaxation are correlated with obesity.

Working Dogs

How can we improve working dog programs? and an interview with Mia Cobb.

Dog breeds with photos and names - description and characteristics of puppies

There are about 400 different dog breeds in the world. If you look at photos of dogs of different breeds, you can see that their external data, for example, size, coat type, color, and other characteristics are very different. There are completely different dogs: very large and very small, short and tall, long-haired, smooth-haired, wire-haired, with erect or hanging ears, with short or long tails, and so on.

In order not to make a mistake with the choice, you first need to determine for what purpose you are getting a dog. All breeds of dogs are divided into three main groups: service , hunting and decorative . Now there is still such a definition as a companion dog, that is, a friend dog.

On this page you will find the names of dog breeds with photos, each article gives a brief description, the main characteristics of different breeds of dogs.

The appearance of a dog, its size, type of coat are the main parameters by which people first of all choose a friend. But even more important are the character of the dog, its temperament and ability to exercise and intellectual activity. So, for example, a quiet, fragile person will not easily cope with a large breed dog, especially if the animal may be aggressive or too active. Conversely, a small shy dog is not suitable for an owner with a strong will. Therefore, it is important to choose a breed that will suit your temperament and personal qualities.

If you need a companion dog, almost any breed from the three main groups (working, hunting and decorative dogs) can suit you - you just need to correctly determine what you are going to do with the dog, what to do with it and yourself. Think about the lifestyle you lead and what your temperament is. You need to consider how calm or active you are, a homebody or a traveler, whether you like noisy games in the company of people and dogs, or whether you prefer quiet walks in solitude. Depending on this, you will need to choose a dog with a temperament that will fit harmoniously into your lifestyle. In each of the above groups there are large, medium, small and even miniature breeds, so choosing the right breed that combines the necessary external data (including size, weight, coat type, color) with the character and temperament that suits you is not difficult.

Reading each description when choosing a breed for yourself, be sure to pay attention to the text on the origin of the breed. It is in it that the story of the breeding of each breed of dog is told, why it has certain, sometimes even unique external data, for example, short paws, coarse hair or webbing between the fingers. Also, this historical background will help you understand how active dogs of certain breeds are or, conversely, calm, whether they need a lot of physical and mental stress.

Reading the characteristics of each breed in the articles on this page, you will understand whether it can make friends with other pets (whether it be a dog, cat, rabbit or ferret), whether it is suitable for you if there are children in the family, whether it will become a companion for them. games, a guard or a nanny, as well as what kind of care each breed of dog requires.

Of course, when choosing a breed, you will definitely need to take into account such a factor as the conditions of your life. Whether you live in a large or small apartment or in a private country house with your own plot. After all, you will have to ensure a comfortable existence not only for yourself next to the dog, but also for the dog next to you and your family. If you live in the city, is there a forest or park near the house where you can often walk with a dog that requires a lot of physical activity.

Dog breeds from A to Z on the site lapkins.ru

There are more than 500 dog breeds in the world, and new ones appear every year. The selection from Lapkins.ru lists all dog breeds in alphabetical order with names and photos. The list will be useful not only for those who want to know the name of a particular breed, but also for those who are seriously considering what kind of dog to buy. Read the descriptions of the breeds you like, learn about their main characteristics, history, features of upbringing and care, illnesses, tips on choosing a puppy, watch photos and videos with typical representatives. To make it easier to compare breeds, use the filter. Making a choice with both heart and mind, you will acquire a furry friend for many years, suitable for you in terms of temperament and conditions of detention.

Dogs are the most popular pets. Only cats can compete with them. Dogs have lived for centuries next to man, tirelessly proving their devotion and love to him. The whole variety of breeds can be divided into aboriginal - appeared by natural selection, and cultural - bred by breeders. Native species are quite independent, capable of making independent decisions, and not very good at training, while specially bred breeds are more human-oriented and tend to learn quickly. Depending on what kind of work a dog is capable of performing, service, hunting, watchdog, fighting, shepherd, and decorative breeds are distinguished. It is difficult to overestimate the help of these animals to people, especially since many of them become faithful companions, ready to sacrifice themselves for the sake of the owner. And humanity knows how to be grateful: films are made about dogs, books are dedicated to them and monuments are erected. A striking example was the film "Hachiko: The Most Faithful Friend", based on the true story of the Akita Inu dog breed. The melodrama has inspired millions of people - after watching, probably, everyone wanted to get a similar dog.

Connoisseurs of dogs as a cultural heritage of different countries, can consider Russian, Japanese, German, English, American, Chinese and French breeds.

All dog breeds can be classified according to size. Traditionally, breeds are divided into small, medium and large. At the same time, toys, dwarf and small breeds fall into the group of small pets, and large and giant individuals belong to large dogs. Size is one of the main criteria for whether a dog is suitable for an apartment. But not the only one: the character of the pet is no less important.

In the catalog of breeds you can choose dogs with certain qualities: smart, calm, kind, evil, dangerous.