Dogs are cute, cuddly, loyal, and bring a lot of joy, variety, and purpose into life. This is well-known to anyone who is a proud owner of a four-legged companion or knows such a charming snout in their surroundings. However, there are also some amazing things to learn about dogs that are not so obvious. We’ve collected ten of them for you:

1. Most Popular Dog Breeds: Mixed Breeds Beat Purebreds

Elaborate pedigrees with well-documented ancestry? Think again! At least in the United States, people prefer to welcome a sweet mixed-breed into their homes, focusing less on a flawless bloodline and more on the strengths of different breeds and a cuddly overall package. This is also beneficial for animal welfare because those who adopt their very own dog-Best-of often provide homes for dogs from shelters or euthanasia stations abroad.

If it’s a purebred dog you prefer, the classics like “Labrador Retriever,” “German Shepherd,” and “French Bulldog” lead the race in terms of popular dog breeds.

2. The Laziest Dog Breed

Dogs are agile, love to run, and are active, leaving many couch potatoes astonished with their cheerful energy. This raises the question of whether there are breeds that take it easier and are more inclined to a cuddly streaming evening with their owner than hours of playing in all weather conditions.

Good candidates for this are the Chow Chow and the Bulldog, which are content with an average daily exercise requirement of 43 and 44 minutes, respectively. Perhaps that’s why the French Bulldog is so popular.

However, even the coziest dog lover should not forget that even the “laziest” four-legged friend appreciates a bit of exercise, interaction with fellow dogs, and daily “nose work” both inside and outside the home. Every dog wants to be challenged and engaged in their own way, and conversely, even the most active dog probably wouldn’t mind a chilled-out lounging session with their favorite person after an exploration tour.

3. Dreams in Dogs: Every Dog Breed Dreams Differently

A sleeping dog is an incomparable sight. But what does your beloved pet dream about when it twitches and barks so sweetly next to you on the sofa or in its bed in the evening? Well, according to a study by Harvard University, this heavily depends on its breed. A hunting dog might be chasing an imaginary rabbit, or a guard dog might be barking at potential threats, while water-loving breeds may indulge in refreshing splashing.

In many cases, according to the Harvard researchers’ study, you as the owner play the lead role in your dog’s dreams. And honestly, can there be a more beautiful compliment?

4. The Dumbest Dog Breed… is Quite Smart

Dogs are certainly not unjustly considered intelligent and trainable animals, but even with such a clever species, there must be exceptions that prove the rule. Or not? To put it casually: Who is the dumbest dog in the world? Answering this question is not easy because “stupidity” naturally depends on how you define intelligence.

If intelligence is measured solely by how well a dog learns and executes commands, as in the experiments of the US psychologist Stanley Coren, both the Afghan Hound and the Basenji don’t perform well. However, since these breeds are skilled hunters and resourceful self-sufficient thinkers, it would probably be wrong to label them as “dumb.” If anything, these dogs might lack obedience.

5. Dogs Have Popcorn Feet

Yes, you read that right! Not in all cases, but for many dog owners, the smell of dog feet evokes associations of movie visits with bags full of popcorn or bowls of savory tortilla chips. Responsible for making the paws smell so delicious are certain yeast fungi and bacteria of the genera “Proteus” and “Pseudomonas.”

However, both the fungus and these bacteria are entirely normal and completely harmless for both the dog and you as a human. So feel free to sniff to your heart’s content.

6. Dogs Sniff Out Emotions

As remarkable as their feet may smell, what your dog can sniff out in you and other people is truly fascinating. This applies not only to delicious food but also to fear, stress, and other emotions and moods. According to a study by the Italian University “Frederico II,” dogs show a stronger interest in happy people.

However, if you’re angry or stressed, your dog senses that and understandably isn’t very motivated to come to you. Even if you’re anxious, your dog reacts to it, seeks increased eye contact, and exhibits stress symptoms. A more relaxed interaction with your cuddly wolf can, therefore, have a positive impact on its obedience and well-being. Learn more about the amazing abilities of the dog’s nose in the article “The Dog’s Nose.”

7. The Most Expensive Dog in the World

That your dog is precious to you is undoubtedly reflected not only in the money you spend on it. However, some dog lovers are also willing to dig very deep into their pockets for their beloved pet. And we’re not talking about expensive treats or diamond collars but just the purchase price.

The most money ever spent on a dog was invested by the fortunate owner—a Chinese broker—in his Do Khyi male. He shelled out approximately $1.4 million for his luxury basket-dwelling companion. However, this must have been an exceptional specimen because typically one pays between $1,000 and $7,000 for a puppy of the breed also known as the “Tibetan Mastiff.”

8. Most Popular Dog Names: Goddesses and Jungle Bears

Choosing a name for a dog is always an equally delightful and tricky affair. After all, you’ll be calling the chosen name quite often, and it should not only appeal to you but also be memorable and recognizable for the dog. Short and snappy dog names with two syllables are therefore ideal. This holds true for the names that were most commonly given to dogs in 2021.

For female dogs, the most popular name was “Luna,” derived from the Roman moon goddess, and for males, the name “Balu” or “Balou” was highly favored. While this Indian name is derived from the Sanskrit word for “young,” many might also recognize it from Rudyard Kipling’s children’s book “The Jungle Book” or the popular Disney animated version. In these, it refers to an amiable bear who likes to take it easy.

9. Dogs Have Built-in Night Vision Devices

Can dogs see in the dark? As a dog owner, you probably already have an idea of the answer to this question. You’ve likely noticed that your dog confidently navigates through even the most challenging thicket during nighttime walks in the woods. This is not just due to its keen sense of smell but also its remarkable night and dusk vision.

The fact that dogs can see well in the dark is not coincidental. Like us, dogs have rod cells in their eyes that are wonderfully suited for perception in low light conditions, only they have significantly more of them than humans. Additionally, there’s the “tapetum lucidum” (“shining carpet”), a reflective, yellowish to bluish-green layer in the eye that significantly improves light utilization.

Despite this ability, dog eyes have their weaknesses. Unlike us, they are blind to the red color spectrum, seeing only in the yellow-green and blue-violet spectrum.

10. The Smallest and Largest Dogs in the World

Slightly harder to spot in the dark are the currently smallest dogs in the world. The title of record-holder is shared by two furballs, both belonging to the already petite Chihuahua breed. A female from Puerto Rico with the melodic name “Miracle Milly” stands out with a shoulder height of just 9.65 centimeters, while “Heaven Sent Brandy” from Florida, with a tiny length of 15.24 centimeters, induces sugar shocks and amazement.

Looking down at these cute tiny dogs was a breeze for the Great Dane “Zeus” with his 1.12 meters shoulder height. Especially when he stood at his full height, making many people appear small with his total length of 2.02 meters. The 2014-deceased male continues to be recognized as the world’s largest dog.

So, do you see your furry friend with different eyes now? Or have we just confirmed what you already knew, that dogs are pretty much the most fascinating creatures the animal kingdom has to offer? In any case, you should give your pet some extra cuddles and ask yourself if their amazing body is adequately protected in case of emergencies. With dog health insurance or dog surgery insurance, you can ensure that your dog’s night vision eyes, empathetic nose, and popcorn feet are always in safe hands without making it the most expensive dog in the world for you.