These surprising truths about dogs will make you question everything you thought you knew.
Dogs have been by our side for thousands of years, but that doesn’t mean we fully understand them. Some of the most widely accepted beliefs about our furry companions are actually misconceptions, while other lesser-known facts challenge how we see them altogether. From strange habits to scientific discoveries, the world of canines is full of surprises.
Some of these facts might make you rethink your dog’s behavior, while others could stir up debates among pet owners, trainers, and researchers. The truth isn’t always what we expect when it comes to man’s best friend.
1. Dogs can be trained to predict future events under the right conditions.
Many dog owners believe their pets have a sixth sense, but there’s actually science behind it. With the right conditioning, dogs can learn to anticipate events before they happen. This ability isn’t magic—it’s a combination of keen observational skills and pattern recognition.
According to The Drake Center, some dogs have even been trained to detect medical emergencies like seizures or low blood sugar before they occur. Their heightened senses allow them to pick up on subtle changes in body chemistry, behavior, and environmental cues. While it might sound like superstition, there’s real evidence that dogs can sense things long before humans do.
2. Some towns have legally elected dogs as their mayors.
It may sound like a joke, but there are real places where dogs have held political office. Small towns across the United States have elected dogs as honorary mayors, proving that people sometimes prefer a four-legged leader over a human one.
As stated by The American Kennel Club, one of the most famous canine mayors is Max, a Golden Retriever who has been the honorary mayor of Idyllwild, California, since 2012. These elections are usually symbolic and serve as fundraising events, but they reflect just how much people love and trust their pets. While it may not be serious politics, it’s a heartwarming example of the bond between humans and dogs.
3. Dogs align their bodies with the Earth’s magnetic field when they relieve themselves.
This might be one of the strangest facts about dogs, but research suggests they prefer to poop in a specific direction. Studies show that dogs often align their bodies with the Earth’s magnetic field when doing their business.
According to National Geographic Kids, scientists observed hundreds of dogs and found a pattern in their behavior. The research suggests that dogs may be unconsciously reacting to the planet’s magnetic field, though no one knows exactly why. Next time your dog takes forever to find the perfect spot, they might not be picky—they could just be following the pull of the Earth itself.
4. Every puppy is born completely deaf, no matter the breed.
No matter how small or large, every single puppy enters the world unable to hear. Their ear canals are sealed shut at birth and don’t open until they’re about two weeks old. Until then, they rely entirely on their sense of smell and touch to navigate their surroundings.
As noted by Purina, this temporary deafness is completely normal and part of their early development. Once their hearing kicks in, they quickly become attuned to sounds, eventually developing the ability to hear frequencies far beyond what humans can detect. This explains why dogs often react to things we can’t hear—like high-pitched noises or distant sounds.
5. Almost half of all dogs sleep in their owner’s bed, sparking debates about hygiene.
It’s a divisive topic among pet owners: should dogs be allowed to sleep in bed with humans? Studies show that about 45% of dogs share sleeping space with their owners, despite concerns about hygiene and sleep disturbances.
Some argue that co-sleeping with dogs improves mental health and strengthens the bond between pet and owner. Others worry about allergens, bacteria, and disrupted sleep. While the debate continues, one thing is certain—many dogs prefer sleeping next to their humans, whether their owners like it or not.
6. A dog’s nose print is as unique as a human fingerprint.
No two dog noses are the same. Just like human fingerprints, a dog’s nose print has a distinct pattern that can be used for identification. In fact, some countries have explored using nose prints instead of microchips to track lost pets.
The ridges and creases on a dog’s nose are completely individual, making it a reliable way to distinguish one dog from another. While this method isn’t widely used, it’s another fascinating example of how nature gives each animal a unique identity.
7. Rin Tin Tin was once nominated for an Academy Award.
A German Shepherd nearly became an Oscar-winning actor. Rin Tin Tin, a famous Hollywood dog from the 1920s, was so popular that he received enough votes to win Best Actor at the first-ever Academy Awards.
However, the Academy decided that a human should receive the award instead, snubbing the talented canine in favor of an actor. Despite missing out on an Oscar, Rin Tin Tin remained a beloved Hollywood star and helped popularize German Shepherds as household pets.
8. The Basenji doesn’t bark—it yodels.
Unlike most dogs, the Basenji doesn’t produce a typical barking sound. Instead, this ancient breed makes a unique yodeling noise due to the unusual shape of its larynx. Their vocalizations can range from chortles to howls, often sounding more like singing than traditional barking. This trait makes them particularly appealing to owners looking for a quieter dog, though they still find plenty of ways to make their presence known.
Basenjis were originally bred for hunting in Central Africa, where their near-silent nature made them excellent trackers. Instead of barking, they communicate through body language, expressive eyes, and their distinctive yodel, which can still be surprisingly loud in certain situations.
9. The Australian Shepherd isn’t actually from Australia.
Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd was developed in the United States, not Australia. The breed’s ancestors were brought to America by Basque shepherds, and over time, they were refined into the modern Australian Shepherd. Their misleading name came from the belief that their ancestors worked alongside Australian sheepdogs before arriving in the U.S. Despite this misnomer, Australian Shepherds have become one of the most beloved herding breeds in the country.
They are known for their boundless energy, intelligence, and strong work ethic, making them ideal for ranch work and dog sports. While they thrive in active homes, their need for mental stimulation and exercise can be overwhelming for inexperienced owners.
10. Dogs can see in color, but their vision is limited.
The idea that dogs see the world in black and white is a myth. They do perceive color, but their vision is limited to shades of blue and yellow, similar to a person with red-green color blindness. This means they struggle to distinguish between reds and greens, making those colors appear more muted or grayish. While their color perception is limited, their superior ability to detect movement gives them an edge in spotting prey or tracking fast-moving objects.
In low-light conditions, dogs can see far better than humans due to the increased number of rod cells in their eyes. Their night vision and motion detection make them exceptional hunters, which is why they rely more on movement than color when identifying objects.
11. Scientific studies suggest dogs are capable of true altruism.
Many people assume animals only act out of self-interest, but studies suggest that dogs can display true altruism. Research has shown that some dogs willingly help others without expecting a reward, a behavior once thought to be uniquely human. This selflessness has been observed in both domesticated and wild dogs, reinforcing the idea that empathy may not be limited to humans. Some studies even suggest that dogs can recognize distress in other animals and respond accordingly, further proving their emotional intelligence.
Dogs have even been known to comfort grieving humans, putting themselves between their owners and perceived dangers without hesitation. Their ability to form deep emotional connections is one of the reasons they are so valued as service animals and therapy dogs.
12. Dog saliva has antibacterial properties but isn’t as clean as some believe.
It’s often said that a dog’s lick can heal wounds, but that’s only partially true. While dog saliva contains proteins that can help inhibit infection, it also harbors bacteria that can be harmful to humans. Some of these bacteria, like Capnocytophaga, can cause serious infections in people with weakened immune systems. Although dogs instinctively lick wounds as a way of cleaning them, experts recommend sticking to proper first aid methods instead.
In some cases, excessive licking can actually make a wound worse by introducing harmful bacteria or delaying the healing process. While a dog’s mouth isn’t as dirty as some people claim, it’s definitely not a substitute for proper medical care.