10 Things You Probably Don’t Know About Your Dog

Everyone knows that dogs make for great companions. They are loyal, obedient and loving, which is why humans have had them as pets for thousands of years. It is no secret that dogs have a great sense of smell, can perform a variety of tasks and come in all shapes in sizes, but there are many things that make dogs unique. Check out these fun facts that will give you a new perspective on your canine companion.

1. Dogs have 18 muscles controlling their ears. Humans only have six. They are also able to locate the source of a sound in 1/600 of a second and can hear sounds four times farther away than a human can.
2. There are an estimated 400 million dogs in the world, with the U.S. having the highest dog population in the world at 75 million dogs.
3. Dogs can see in color similar to that of a color-blind human. They see better when the light is low.
4. A dog’s intelligence is the equivalent of that of a two- or three-year-old child. They can understand about 150 to 200 words, including signals and hand movements with the same meaning as words.
5. 45 percent of U.S. dogs sleep in their owner’s beds. Ever wonder if they are having a bad dream? All dogs dream but puppies and senior dogs dream more frequently than adult dogs.
6. Carrying over from their days in the wild, dogs curl up in a ball when sleeping to protect their organs from predators.
7. Curling up to sleep isn’t the only trait that was passed down. When your dog spins in a circle before lying down to snuggle, it is because he is making himself at home, a nesting trait that was carried down from its wild ancestors.
8. Dogs pick up on human’s routines and habits. They can also sense how much time has passed, which is why they are so excited to see you when you get home.
9. Dogs only have sweat glands in their paws, which is why it can help to wet the bottom of their feet on a hot day and why they rely on panting to cool down.
10. Many dogs experience separation anxiety. This can be eased by leaving clothing that you have worn. Your scent on the clothing can help calm your dog while you are away.