NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 11: A Golden Retriever competes in the Westminster Dog Show on February 11, 2014 in New York City. The annual dog show has been showcasing the best dogs from around world for the last two days in New York. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 11: A Golden Retriever competes in the Westminster Dog Show on February 11, 2014 in New York City. The annual dog show has been showcasing the best dogs from around world for the last two days in New York. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)
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Last Friday we had some fun with cats. So to be fair and balanced I’ll share some fun facts about “man’s best friend.” The only time in my life that I haven’t had a dog is when we were living in “no pets allowed” housing. Thankfully that was only for a very short time. I could usually negotiate with a landlord to sneak a pet in from time to time. So for all you folks reading this with a mutt at your feet or at your side here are few things that will make your companion more interesting.

Fun Facts About Dogs

  • For many, losing a dog is as traumatic as losing a human family member. Ancient Egyptians would fill their hair with mud, shave off their eyebrows and morn loudly for days.
  • Human foods are not good for dogs. Things like grapes and raisins can cause renal failure. Apple and pear seeds contain small amounts of arsenic that can be deadly to dogs. Chocolate, macadamia nuts, cooked onions, or anything containing caffeine can also be deadly. Best to keep them on their own diet.
  • Would you save your wife’s dog from a coyote? Ozzy Osborne tackled a coyote that tried to grab wife Sharon’s Pomeranian and wrestled the dog free. What a rock star.
  • You might have heard that dogs don’t sweat. Well they do and their sweat glands are located in between their paws.
  • Dogs need flexibility to run. A dog’s shoulder blades are not attached to the rest of the skeleton to aid in that activity.
  • During the Middle Ages it would not be unusual to see Great Danes and Mastiffs decked out in armor ready for battle or to assist in the protection of caravans.
  • Want to know how long your dog will live? Look him or her right in the face. Dogs that resemble wolves with sharp, pointy faces will live longer than those with very flat faces.
  • Federally certified search and rescue dogs don’t come cheap. The price to train one — $10,000.
  • The German government is credited with being the first to train guide dogs for the blind to aid soldiers blinded in World War II battles.
  • It’s easier for dogs to learn voice commands if they are accompanied by gestures or hand signals. So talk with your hands.
  • A dog’s measure of intelligence is on par with a two to three year old child. They can understand hand and body movements and up to 150-200 words.
  • Which breed is the best date bait? Everyone’s favorite is the Golden Retriever. While a Pit Bull will turn the ladies off.
  • Not a good idea to kick a dog that’s facing you. Many dogs can bit you 10 times before you can respond.

Some Final Thoughts

Dogs are amazing creatures. They give unconditional love and devotion. They will die trying to protect you. Petting dogs have even been shown to lower your blood pressure. It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there so best to have a canine watching your back.

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