07Jul
5 Unique Facts About Dogs You Never Knew
Dogs are fascinating creatures and there’s lots we have yet to learn about our companions. In honour of International Dog Day, check out some cool facts about our favourite furry friends:
1. A dog's noseprint is as unique as your fingerprint
The same way humans have a unique fingerprint that is an identifying marker, each dog has their own unique noseprint! A dog’s nose has its own distinct creases and ridges. No two are the same!
2. Dogs have 3 eyelids
Yes, you read that right – 3 eyelids. You may have noticed it when your dog wakes up from a deep sleep; an odd layer of skin around their eye. In addition to a top and bottom lid, they have what is called a “nictitating membrane” in the corner of their eye. This membrane is primarily there for removing dust and mucus from the cornea. Cats actually have it too.
3. Dogs' taste buds are less developed than a human's
Even though dogs have an unmatched sense of smell that far exceeds that of humans, what about their tastebuds? Not so sophisticated. It’s estimated that dogs have around 1,700 tastebuds vs humans, who have approximately 9,000-10,000. That would explain why they eat the grossest things…
4. Dogs are as smart as a 2-year-old
We all think our dogs are extremely smart, and we are often right. Researchers have estimated dogs can have the same intelligence level as a two-year-old. So no, you aren’t imagining it when you feel like your dog behaves like a toddler sometimes. They can learn up to 150 words (some breeds can learn even more), can count, and even more.
5. Blind and deaf dogs can still hunt
This is a pretty amazing fact of nature. Research has shown that dogs that are blind and deaf aren’t necessarily helpless. A dog’s sense of smell is much more advanced than ours; they are up to 100 million times more sensitive than human noses. They also have the ability to detect weak thermal radiation, which allows them to detect the body heat of certain types of prey. This explains why they can still hunt successfully!
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