Barking Mad: 14 Fun Facts About Dogs To Make You Howl

Dogs. Man's best friend. The furry little weirdos that share our homes. What are fun facts about dogs, you ask? Well, you're in for a treat. From the tiny terror that is the Chihuahua to the graceful gallop of the Greyhound, dogs are as diverse and fascinating as the humans who love them. But how well do you really know these canine companions? Prepare to have your mind scratched by these 14 uncommon and downright incredible facts about dogs. Let's get into it...

1. Dalmatians are born without spots

That's right, these iconic firehouse mascots are born as pure and spotless as a fresh snowfall. The spots? They develop later, like a teenager's bad attitude. 

2. Basenji dogs don't bark

A dog that doesn't bark? That's like a fish that doesn't swim. The Basenji's unique yodel, known as a "barroo," is as baffling as it is entertaining. Perfect for those who love dogs but not the cacophony of vocalizations.

3. Greyhounds can outrun a horse

For a short sprint, a Greyhound could leave a horse in the dust. These slender speed demons are the Ferraris of the dog world. Just don't expect them to win the Kentucky Derby (it's too long).

4. A bloodhound's sense of smell can be used in court

Forget DNA evidence; a Bloodhound's nose doesn't lie. Their olfactory abilities are so precise that they've been used in legal cases. Their 'testimonies' are seen as so legit, they are considered experts.

5. Dogs have three eyelids

Two is mainstream; three is avant-garde. Dogs have an upper lid, a lower lid, and a third mysterious lid. It's like the Bermuda Triangle of the canine face.

6. The world's oldest dog lived to be 29

That's 203 in dog years, or the age you feel after a night out in your 30s. This ancient pooch could've taught Yoda a thing or two about longevity.

7. A dog's nose print is unique

Forget thumbprints; nose prints are where it's at. Each dog's nose is as unique as a snowflake, but much slobberier. 

8. Dogs understand human emotions

They know when you're happy, sad, or jealous of their ability to nap all day. Dogs indeed have a sense about them that allows them to comfort and even alert us if something is amiss. Dogs are the furry therapists we all need but don't deserve.

9. The smallest dog breed is the Chihuahua

Tiny but mighty, the Chihuahua is the Napoleon of the dog world. What they lack in size, they make up for in sheer audacity.

10. Dogs can hear 4 times as far as humans

They still pretend not to hear you when you call them, though. Selective hearing isn't just a human trait, it seems.

11. Dogs sweat through their paw pads

Who needs deodorant when you've got paw pads? Dogs keep their cool in the most unexpected ways.

12. Corgi is Welsh for "dwarf dog"

Short legs, big personality. The Corgi is the royal darling of the dog world, and they know it. Mostly because they have been favored by the British Royal Family for generations.

13. The world's tallest dog stood over 44 inches high

That's not a dog; that's a small horse. Imagine the size of the pooper scooper you'd need for this gentle giant. Hachi-machi.

14. A dog's wagging tail has its language

Right means happy, left means scared, and in a circle means your dog might be broken. That's a simplified version of course, but you get the gist.

From yodeling Basenjis to towering Great Danes, dogs are as diverse and delightful as the humans who love them. If you liked this post, dig into this fun Dog Fun Facts Print in our shop. Now, go give your furry friend a scratch behind the ears; they've earned it. Hungry for more oddities? Check out our posts on fun facts about cats and the high-flying falcon. Because why stop at dogs when the animal kingdom is full of freaks and wonders?