Dogs are fun, loving and loyal companions that bring joy, support and comfort to our daily lives. How many of these do you already know? Read on to find out more about man’s best friend!

1. Newborn puppies are unable to open their eyes and ears that are sealed.

They however, are born with a fully functional sense of smell and touch. Their sense of smell enables the puppies to locate their mother’s teats and their litter mates during their early stages of their life.

Their eyes begin to open within nine to eleven days and their ears begin to unseal after 13 to 17 days. Their senses begin to improve rapidly during the first 3 months.

2. This breed of dog is small but with a big personality!

Yep, a chihuahua! Originating from Chihuahua, Mexico, the Chihuahua has an apple-dome skull, large, round eyes and large, erect ears. They usually stand between 6 and 9 inches high, and some grow up to 15 inches in height. They come in any color combination.

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the shortest dog living in the world is a chihuahua named Pearl F. Semler from Orlando, United States. Pearl measures 9.4 cm in height.

3. Dog’s urine contains high concentrations of nitrogen and other corrosive acids.

You should rethink letting your pet dog use the lamp post as its toilet. Dog’s urine contains high concentrations of nitrogen and other corrosive acids, that can damage paint, grass and other objects. Spraying the areas with water which your dog urinates on can lessen its negative effects.

In 2003, lamp posts in Croatia began collapsing, scientist were called in to solve this mystery. Their findings? Dog urine! The lamp posts were so popular with dogs that they collapsed. In 2019, a similar incident occurred in Pamplona, Spain. Letting your dog use the lamp post as its toilet is more dangerous than you think.

4. Dogs keep cool by sweating through their paws, mouths and yes, their noses!

Probing, pushing, sniffing and nudging. Ahhh yes, that moist sniffer. Ever wonder why your dog’s nose is often moist? Dogs keep cool by sweating through their paws, mouths and yes, their noses! Their noses also contain glands that secrete a watery material that contributes to its moisture. It is believed that moisture from their noses helps the dogs retain scents and this moisture also improves their sense of smell. Their sense of smell is so powerful that they can detect a scent up to 12 miles away!

Dogs also clean and groom their noses by licking them often.

5. Did you know that most dalmatians are born completely white?

Cruella De Vil sure loved her fur! This fictional character from the 1956 novel, The Hundred and One Dalmatians, written by Dodie Smith, became the symbol of greed, vanity and evil. She desired to make a coat out of dalmatian puppy fur and was disappointed when she found them spotless when they were born.

Did you know that most dalmatians are born completely white? It’s distinctive black or liver coloured spotting is actually on their skin, hidden underneath their fur when born. The hair then turns black or liver coloured within 10 days. Some dalmatian puppies have visible spots from birth. These markings continue to develop up until 18 months.

6. Dogs can be designed, too!

Designer clothes, shoes, perfumes and now Designer Dogs! First introduced in 1988, the Labradoodle was the first designer dog to be created. Australian breeder, Wally Conron, crossbred a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle to create a guide dog for people who are allergic to dog fur and dander. They are smart and friendly dogs that rarely shed.

Designer dogs has since been an ongoing trend, to date there are 500 designer breed recognized by the Designer Dogs Kennel Club.

7. Dogs have an impeccable sense of smell.

Are you familiar with a guide dog? The guide dog is a remarkable companion for the visually impaired and provides mobility and support. How about a Diabetic Assistance Dog or DADs or Diabetic Service Dogs or DSDs? Because of their impeccable sense of smell, some dogs are able to detect scents which are undetectable to human noses, one of this is the scent a person’s breath gives off when his/ her insulin levels drop. The DAD’s or DSD’s alerts the owner to take action. This of course should not replace regular checking of ones blood sugar levels.

8. Don’t let the cuteness fool you!

The Lhasa Apso, originated from Tibet. It is called the Apso Seng Kye which translates to Bark Lion Sentinel Dog. Resembling a cute and cuddly lapdog, with its beautiful mane, and lion like appearance, the Lhasa Apso is one of the toughest and strongest willed of all the small breeds.

The Lhasa Apso with its high energy, suspicious nature and a loud bark was used as a guard dog for tibetan nobles and holy men.

9. This color pattern applies to only one breed of dog.

Harlequin, not the DC Comics character. This harlequin is a color pattern only applicable to Great Danes. These are irregular sized patches of black and white appearing on their face and body.

10. The Most Photographed Dog in the World

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States of America from 1933 to 1945. He owned a Scottish Terrier named Fala that accompanied his master almost everywhere. Fala was dubbed as “The Most Photographed Dog in the World”. Fala is the only Presidential Pet honored with a statue beside his master.