10 Facts About Dogs and Puppies That Will Blow Your Mind

If you’re on the lookout for some fascinating facts about dogs and puppies, you’re in for a treat. We’ve rounded up some of the most mind-blowing doggo trivia that covers the phenomenon of green puppies to Bloodhounds that can follow a scent up to 209km!

Fun facts about dogs

From a puppy’s playful quirks to the superhero-like tracking skills of a Bloodhound, these 10 fascinating facts will make you see dogs in a whole new light…

1. Facts about why dogs curl up

Ever stumble upon your dog curled up in a ball catching some zzz’s? That doughnut shape, with their legs tucked in and nose near their tail, looks super comfy (and it probably is), but it also reveals a lot about their emotional state.

A study in the journal Animals found that a dog’s sleeping position can reflect their mood. It can also indicate whether they’re in a deep sleep or feeling secure. When dogs curl up in a ball, they’re not just getting cosy; they’re also trying to appear smaller, stay snug, and shield their vital organs from any potential threats.

So, if you catch your pup snoozing in this position quite often, it may be worth exploring ways to help them settle into their environment. Or if you think your pup might be feeling a bit stressed but you’re not sure, learn how to identify signs of dog anxiety. Read on for more exciting dog facts…

2. From scent to sentence

Bloodhounds aren’t just famous for their floppy ears, they’re also incredible detectives (move over, Sherlock Holmes! – or get yourself a Bloodhound!). Bloodhounds have an extraordinary sense of smell, capable of tracking a scent trail that’s over 300 hours old and can follow it for up to 209km!

That’s why law enforcement agencies have been using Bloodhounds for centuries, and in some cases, their nose work has even been accepted as evidence in court.

A Bloodhound’s wrinkly skin isn’t just a cute factor; it helps trap scents to aid in tracking. Also, a Bloodhound’s long, droopy ears play a role by sweeping the ground to catch even more smells.

3. Facts about dogs yawning when you do

Ever caught your dog yawning right after you? It’s not just a coincidence! Studies show that yawning is contagious between humans and dogs, especially if they share a close bond. In fact, your dog is four times more likely to yawn after you do, if they’re familiar with you.

If your pup’s yawn comes with a whiff of bad breath, here’s how to get rid of bad dog breath fast.

4. Facts about how dogs predict your next move

Did you know dogs can figure out which way you’re going with just a few steps? Their sense of smell is so sharp, according to this study, they can detect subtle changes in the intensity of your scent trail in literally five steps. This makes them expert trackers, whether you’re walking backwards, at an angle, or straight ahead.

5. Doggone rich

While many dogs live lives that are rich with love and attention, some are quite literally loaded too. Gunther, a German Shepherd, was rumoured to have inherited $400 million (but it may be more fiction than fact).

That said, Leona Helmsley’s beloved Maltese, Trouble, really did inherit $12 million (although it was later reduced to $2 million by a judge). Talk about being born with a silver spoon… or, should we say, a diamond-encrusted dog bowl.

Oprah’s dogs are also in line for an impressive $30 million inheritance. And don’t forget sweet Jiffpom, an internet-famous Pomeranian, whose reportedly worth $25 million! Keep reading for more fascinating dog facts…

Interesting facts about puppies

Here’s some adorable puppy facts that’ll make you want to squish those little faces even more (if that’s even possible).

6. Puppy power naps

Ever notice how puppies seem to sleep ALL the time? Well, there’s a good reason for that! Puppies need about 18-20 hours of sleep a day. All that shut eye is crucial for their growth and development.

According to the American Kennel Club, it’s best to let a sleeping puppy be, no matter how adorable they look! Waking them up can disrupt this stage of crucial development. To help your puppy get the rest they need, try setting up a cosy, quiet space for them at home.

One of the most interesting puppy facts is that all these sleep sessions are important for developing their muscles, brain, and immune system. So, the next time you see your puppy curled up and dozing, remember – those naps are their way of working hard at growing up strong and healthy! Here’s more info on how to get puppy sleep training right.

This is just one of the many fascinating dog facts that highlight how important rest is for puppies.

7. Puppy Breath

Here’s a little-known fact that every dog lover can appreciate: irresistible puppy breath actually serves a purpose beyond making us melt. In the early weeks of a puppy’s life, that soft, sweet smell helps mother dogs identify their babies.

So, sweet-smelling puppy breath doesn’t stick around forever. Once a pup reaches about six to eight weeks and starts transitioning to solid food, the scent fades as their digestive system matures.

Mini fun fact: Some people love the smell of puppy breath so much that a company even started producing puppy breath perfume!

8. Teething terrors

Puppies start teething at around 3-6 weeks old and this can last until they’re 6 months old. During this stage, puppies go into full chew mode. This explains why they seem to destroy so many toys (and sometimes your shoes!) at lightning speed.

A simple trick? Freeze a wet washcloth. They’ll find relief for their sore gums with this solution. Here’s more on what to do about puppy teething.

This is also a good time to consider getting dog insurance because pets are young and often at their healthiest. Read about pre-existing conditions in dog insurance to find out why.

9. Puppies are born blind and deaf

Did you know that puppies come into the world with an extraordinary sense of smell? They possess this remarkable superpower alongside their irresistible cuteness from day one! However, these adorable furballs are completely blind and deaf when they first arrive. At birth, their eyes remain tightly shut and their ears are sealed. This leaves them functionally blind and deaf for the first few weeks of their lives.

So, why the delay in developing their vision and hearing? It’s all down to evolution. As carnivores, dogs needed to be efficient hunters. Shorter pregnancies (about two months) allowed canine mums to have more time for hunting.

However, this quick gestation results in puppies that aren’t fully developed at birth, so their eyes and ears need a little extra time to catch up. Read on for more exciting dog facts…

10. Some puppies are born green

Believe it or not, some puppies are born with a green tint! While it sounds like something straight out of a fairy tale, it’s a rare but real phenomenon. In 2017, this curious event even made headlines twice in the UK.

First, a two-year-old chocolate Labrador in Lancashire gave birth to a litter and one pup stood out – a little green one. Her owners, embracing the oddity, named her FiFi after Fiona, the green-skinned princess from Shrek. A few months later, another green puppy was born, this time to a golden retriever in the Scottish Highlands. The male pup was fittingly named Forest.

So, how do puppies end up with a green hue? It turns out, in rare instances, light-coloured puppies can be stained by biliverdin, a pigment found in dog placentas. Over the span of a few weeks, the puppy’s green fur will return to its normal shade. You weren’t expecting this paw-sitively intriguing dog fact, were you?

The most important fact about dogs

Whether you’re the proud pet parent of a Bloodhound, a playful green puppy, or good old Fido, here’s a well-known fact: dogs love to explore their surroundings, and sometimes that curiosity can get them into a bit of a pickle.

Pet insurance plans can be compared online to help ensure your pup is covered. Like any family member, they deserve to be protected, come rain or shine… or muddy puddles!

PD Insurance helps you cover a wide range of pet health issues, from accidents and illness to dental – simply choose which level of cover you want. As an added bonus, we’ll help cover any switching fees you might have when you sign up with us.

Get one or more months of FREE pet insurance when you buy your policy. Click below today to start your quote and secure your pet and your pocket’s soft landing.