Did you know that dogs sweat through their paws? That they can sniff out medical conditions? And experience REM dreaming? They are the world's favourite pet and are so revered even fashion brand Vogue has launched a spinoff dedicated to them... Dogue.
We’ve rounded up more of the most extraordinary facts about dogs and their fascinating world below...
32 amazing facts about dogs
1. A dog's sense of smell is 40 times better than ours
Some breeds, such as the bloodhound, have a higher developed olfactory system (structures that serve the sense of smell) than others. Some rescue dogs are trained to follow a scent on the ground, and others are trained to scent the air.
2. They each have a unique nose print
Just like our fingerprints.
3. They can sniff out medical conditions
Trained medical detection dogs can sniff out tiny odour changes in their owner's breath (which could signal a change in blood sugar level, for example) and alert them to take action. Amazingly they can detect cancer in other dogs.
4. Dogs can move their nostrils independently
To work out the direction an odour's coming from.
5. Dogs can sniff while they are breathing
Smell is a vital sense for dogs. They can actually hold some air in their nose to analyse odour while directing another airstream to their lungs. Their nose slits help expel some air while keeping some in their nose.
6. Their hearing is incredible
Dogs can hear sounds of 35,000 vibrations per second (humans can register 20,000 per second). They can also can shut off their inner ear to filter distracting sounds.
7. Conversely, they have a terrible sense of taste
They'd eat pretty much anything if left to their own devices.
8. Lots have webbed feet
Many dog breeds have webbed paws, especially those that were bred for water-related jobs. Labrador retrievers and newfoundlands were used to retrieve fish and sometimes people lost at sea. Rarer breeds, such as the otterhound, had webbed feet and a sensitive nose to help hunt their aquatic prey - the otter.
9. Labrador retrievers originate from Newfoundland, Canada
The breed helped fishermen retrieve nets and lost lines, as well as pull carts loaded with fish.
10. A greyhound's top speed is 45mph
Salukis and sloughis can also reach speeds of over 40mph.
11. The Irish wolfhound is the biggest dog breed
The Irish wolfhound is a colossal dog – soaring to an average height of 61–82cm. Other giant breeds include the Saint Bernard and Great Dane.
12. Dogs love to eat grass
It’s a common misconception that if your dog eats grass it’s because they feel unwell or are missing something from their diet. Some choose to snack on it simply because they enjoy the taste.
13. Border Collies have the highest IQ
These smart pups have excelled in intelligence tests over the past decades.
14. Dogs can have autistic minds
Dog behaviour expert Carol Price believes the brilliance of the world’s most successful sheepdog could be explained by a form of canine autism.
15. 38 dogs have been awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal
Often known as the animal Victoria Cross, it's the highest award any animal can receive while serving in military conflict.
16. Dogs lick you to find out where you've been
Licking you in the morning or when you return home from work can be a sign of greeting. It also helps them find out what you’ve been up to through scent and taste – a bit like them asking how your day was.
17. They have their own day
International dog day is celebrated on 26 August every year.
18. Dogs do sweat
Dogs get rid of most of their body heat by panting. However, they do have merocrine glands in their paws and noses through which they sweat.
19. They have three eyelids
Like most animals, dogs have a third eyelid that sweeps back and forth across the surface of the eye providing protection and keeping the eye moist.
20. You can tell how a dog is feeling by its tail wag
A smooth, sweeping wag means its relaxed, a high tail with a fast wag means it's aroused or excited. A low tail or one that's tucked away can indicate worry or fear.
21. Puppies don't wag their tails
This behaviour develops at three to four weeks.
22. In fact puppies are born deaf and blind
They use their sense of smell to navigate life until their sight and hearing develops.
23. Some change colour as they grow
As you probably remember from the film, a Dalmatian is born completely white, and develops its spots at four weeks.
24. Adult dogs have many more teeth than puppies
Adult dogs have 42 teeth; 20 in their top jaw and 22 in the bottom jaw. Puppies have fewer teeth than adult dogs. They are actually born toothless then develop 28 teeth, which all fall out and are replaced.
25. Dogs dream
They even experience the rapid eye movement (REM) stage – the stage we tend to remember. You can spot a dog dreaming by its twitches and paw movements.
26. Some dogs howl to communicate
Dogs' closest living relatives are wolves, and just like them, they howl to communicate and signal their presence.
27. Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed
The chihuahua is considered the smallest dog breed in the world. It weighs up to 2.7kg, but can have a large, feisty personality.
28. There are over 30 vulnerable dog breeds in the UK
Some breeds of British and Irish dogs are so rare that they're deemed at risk of disappearing completely. When a breed has fewer than 300 registrations a year it's put on The Kennel Club's Vulnerable list. This includes the bearded collie, English setter and Irish wolfhound.
29. The cocker spaniel is king of Crufts
The cocker spaniel has had considerable success at Crufts, currently reigning as the most-awarded breed in Best in Show with seven wins to its name.
30. A greyhound was the OG Crufts Best in Show
In 1928 a greyhoud bitch named Primley Sceptre won the first ever Best in Show award at Crufts
31. People love to pamper their pooches
American singer Mariah Carey extends her life of luxury to her beloved Jack Russel terriers: a private chef prepares their meals and she reportedly flies them first class or in her private jet.
32. Vogue launched its own spinoff for dogs: Dogue
The fashion brand shoots covers featuring celebrity dogs.
Love dogs? Check out our pets section for advice on dog care from how to get rid of fleas and how to house train your puppy to dog walking tips.
Main image credit: Getty Images