Facts About Dogs - strangefacts

• About 30% of Americans admit to talking to their dogs or leaving messages on their answering machines for their dogs while they are away

• Babies that are exposed to cats and dogs in their first year of life have a lower chance of developing allergies when they grow older

• During World War II, Russians used dogs strapped with explosives to blow up German tanks. They trained the dogs to associate the tanks with food and ended up destroying about 25 German tanks using this method

• Reports from owners of cats and dogs indicate that 21% of dogs and 7% of cats snore

• In total there is said to be around 400 million dogs in the world

• The domestic dog has been one of the most popular working and companion animals throughout human history

• Dogs perform many useful tasks for humans including hunting, farm work and security as well as assisting those with disabilities such as the blind

• Although experts often disagree, there is scientific evidence which shows that the domestication of dogs could have occurred more than 15,000 years ago

• There are hundreds of different breeds of dogs

• Among dogs officially registered with kennel clubs in the U.S., Labrador Retrievers are the most popular breed followed by Rottweilers and German Shepherds

• Dogs internal clocks allow them to know when it's time for their owner to arrive home, feed them, or go to bed if you are normally on a schedule

• Examples of these breeds include: Bulldog, German Shepherd, Collie, Golden Retriever, St Bernard, Greyhound, Bloodhound, Chihuahua, Labrador, Great Dane, Rottweiler, Boxer and Cocker Spaniel

• The most popular breed of dog in the world by registered ownership is the Labrador. With their gentle nature, obedience, intelligence and near limitless energy, Labradors make for excellent family pets and reliable workers. They often assist police and are a common choice as guide dogs

• Dogs have formed such a strong bond as pets, workers and companions to humans that they have earned the nickname "man's best friend"

• Humans help train various dog breeds to enter in competitions such as breed shows, agility and obedience contests, racing and sled pulling

• A dog can hear sounds 250 yards away that most people cannot hear beyond 25 yards. The human ear can detect sound waves vibrating at frequencies up to 20,000 times a second. But dogs can hear sound waves that vibrate at frequencies of more than 30,000 times a second

• Those involved in dog breeding refer to males as ‘dogs’, females as ‘bitches’, dogs younger than a year old as ‘puppies’ and a group of offspring as a ‘litter’

• Domestic dogs are omnivores, they feed on a variety of foods including grains, vegetables and meats

• A woman once had her two dogs inherited the right to live in her seven-bedroom, $8.3 million Miami Beach mansion, their comfort ensured by a $3 million trust fund when she died

• Some dogs can predict when a child will have an epileptic seizure, and even protect the child from injury