101 Fun and Interesting Dog Facts

fun and interesting facts about dogs

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Most people would agree dogs themselves are fun and interesting, but they’re so much more than that. Dogs have captured most of the hearts and souls on this planet. They’re our best friends, family members, and furry children. Dogs make us laugh, cry, and shake our heads. And we just can’t live without them.

From the tiniest dog alive to the heaviest dog breed, and from dogs in the U.S. to dogs across the world, we searched high and low for everything canine. We scoured the globe and found amazing dogs who lead the way, perform heroic deeds, give their all, and are just plain crazy. The fact is people are nuts about dogs. So nuts, we created a list of 101 fun and interesting dog facts. But the truth is, the list is so chock-full of good information, there are an additional 30 plus facts stuffed inside.

If you’re considering adding a four-legged friend to your family, check out our lists of the best animal shelters in America and the best dog breeders in America.

Top 10 Fun and Interesting Dog Facts

Rank Most Interesting Dog Fact
1. The Afghan Hound may become extinct by 2025.1
2. Dogs have been man and woman’s best friend for about 23,000 years.2
3. Not all dogs have fur or hair.3
4. A wet dog nose is beneficial for the pup’s sense of smell.4
5. The Cane Corso was once considered rare.5
6. Around the world, Europeans have the most active dogs.6
7. Americans are feeding their dogs more refrigerated and frozen dog foods than in previous years.7
8. Dogs can sniff out disease.8
9. The first dog to ride cross country in a car was a bully breed.9
10. Millions of Americans take their dog to work and out to eat with them.10

Keep reading to learn more fascinating facts about man’s (and woman’s) best friend.

Facts About Dog Breeds

From the origins of breeds to the unique traits that some breeds have, we’ve got you covered in dog breed facts from Chihuahuas to Great Danes.

1. Not all dogs have fur or hair.

The American Hairless Terrier, Peruvian Inca Orchid, and Xoloitzcuintli are the only three dog breeds to be considered hairless. From small- to large-size dogs, these hairless breeds require top-notch care of their bare skin. 1

2. The Cane Corso was once considered rare.

Originating from southern Italy, the Cane Corso is a large dog that can weigh over 100 pounds. Just 35 years ago, the breed was believed to be a rare sight. 2

3. Pugs are one of the original dog breeds.

One of the oldest breeds in the world, Pugs are said to originate from China in 400 B.C. Pugs were a favorite of the Tibetan monks. The tiny dog with the smooshed nose didn’t arrive in the U.S. until the 19th century. 3

4. The Chow Chow sports a solid blue, black, or purple shaded tongue.

The only other dog breed to feature a dark tongue is the Shar-pei. The Chow’s coat color is blue or black as well, or maybe even red, cinnamon, or cream. 4

5. The dog breed with the loudest bark is the Golden Retriever.

A Golden Retriever from Australia made it into the Guinness World Records for having a bark that registered 113 decibels. He bumped a German Shepherd from the title whose bark registered 108 decibels. 5

6. The German Shepherd is fiercely loyal to his main guardian, forming a tight-and-lasting bond.

A popular breed, the German Shepherd is known for being a “one-man” breed, becoming attached and loyal to his number-one family member. This trait makes the breed a great police, service, and search-and-rescue dog. 6

7. The Great Dane originates from Germany, not Denmark.

It’s unknown why the Great Dane is connected to Denmark. It was the Germans who bred the dog as a boar hound some 400 years ago. 7

8. The Maltese is South Korea’s favorite breed.

With nearly 6 million dogs in South Korea, almost 25 percent are of the Maltese breed. This tiny dog has been around for centuries and was revered around the world. 89

9. The Shiba Inu is Japan’s oldest and smallest breed.

Shibas are the top choice as companion dogs in Japan. They’re excellent hunting dogs that once survived the many mountains of Japan. 10

10. The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog.

This tiny breed hails from Mexico and is believed to be a descendant of the Techichi – a breed that goes as far back as the 9th century AD. The Chihuahua is known for its feisty personality, especially in such a small body. 11

11. At one time, only the elite could afford a French Bulldog.

Though once upon a time French Bulldogs were popular among Paris street walkers, 50 years later they were highly sought by wealthy women. Petitioned by the Rockefellers and J.P. Morgans, the American Kennel Club recognized the Frenchie in 1898. 12

12. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was once referred to as a lion dog.

Originally from South Africa, the Ridgeback came from the native Hottentot dog that was used to hunt large game. This dog had a ridge of fur on the back, growing in the opposite direction. 13

13. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the official dog of Maryland.

Originating from an English ship, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever landed in Maryland in the early 1800s. Well-known for his retrieving skills, the Chessie was the most popular retriever breed in America in the 1930s. 14

14. The Norwegian Elkhound is the original Viking dog.

Popular among the Vikings in Norway, the Elkhound was bred to hunt large game. Though Elkhounds are not typically very large, they could hunt moose, elk, bears, and wolves. 15

15. The Prairie Dog is not actually a dog.

The Prairie Dog is actually a rodent, who often barks like a dog. They typically weigh between 2 and 4 pounds. 16

Dog Facts: From Puppies to Adults

Whether they’re weeks old or years ahead, puppies and dogs portray special characteristics that make them uniquely canine.

16. A wet dog nose is beneficial for a dog’s sense of smell.

Dogs lick their noses to retrieve scent chemicals absorbed through sniffing. The olfactory glands in their mouth help them better understand the scent they’ve just had their noses pressed up against. 17

17. A dog’s nose has up to 300 million olfactory receptors.

Dogs can utilize smell thousands of times better than humans can. They can also breathe and sniff in a scent at the same time due to separate airways in the nasal passages. 18

18. Your dog’s nose print is unique.

Like fingerprints, there are no two dog nose prints alike. The ridges, creases, and patterns differ from dog to dog. 19

19. Dogs see the world in blues and yellows.

Dogs may not see the world the way humans do, but they’re able to view life in more than just black and white. A dog’s eyes have more rods than cones, which changes color perception. 20

20. Dogs are like 2-year-old toddlers.

Many people claim having dogs is like having kids. Science agrees. Turns out dogs have the mental abilities of a 2- to 3-year-old child and can understand more than 150 words. 21

21. A medium- to large-size, 1-year-old-dog is physically about 15 years old in human years.

Gone is the myth of one dog year equaling seven human years. After the first year, a dog physically ages about nine human years by their second birthday. Aging then slows to about five human years per dog year. 22

22. Puppies reach adulthood by the time they’re 1 to 2 years old.

Dogs go through life stages from puppyhood to adulthood. Around 3 to 6 months old, puppies are thought of as pre-adolescent. At about 6 months to 1 year, they’re awkward like teenagers. A dog is typically fully grown by 18 months. 23

23. Puppies don’t sleep as much as human babies.

Puppies sleep up to 13 hours a day, whereas newborn babies typically require up to 20 hours of sleep a day. And though puppies have trouble sleeping at night, they’re still twice as active as adult dogs. 24

24. Adult dogs can sleep up to 14 hours a day.

Most dogs sleep a lot, no matter their age. A high-energy breed, however, may not. But all dogs go through sleep cycles and dream, just like humans. 25

25. Small dogs live longer than large dogs.

Dogs age faster than humans, and some dogs age faster than other dogs. Extra-large dog breeds, such as the Great Dane, have a shorter life expectancy than a small breed, such as the Chihuahua. 26

26. Small breeds produce the smallest litters.

Small dogs have fewer puppies than large dogs. Based on tens of thousands of litters across a couple of hundred breeds, the Norfolk Terrier, Toy and Miniature Poodle, Pomeranian, and Chihuahua have the smallest litters, averaging only three pups. 27

27. Puppies are unable to see or hear until about 10 days to 2 weeks old.

Each breed develops these senses at a different rate. For instance, a Fox Terrier puppy opens his eyes later in life than a Cocker Spaniel puppy. 28

28. Dogs would love a new toy every day.

This might not be news, but dogs get bored pretty quick with the same old toy, especially if they’ve de-squeaked it. But if a toy is unpredictable, makes noise, or smells interesting then most pups want to investigate. 29

29. A dog owner’s personality plays a large part in shaping their dog’s behavior.

They say dogs and owners start to look alike after a while. Well, they’ll also behave similar, too. A 2021 study found that extroverted owners made a more favorable impact on the dog’s training. Another study concluded neurotic owners produced aggressive dogs. 3031

30. How you train your dog has a direct impact on your dog’s behavior.

Positive training techniques lead the way in successful dog training. Studies have shown positive training produces positive outcomes and desirable behaviors. 32

Facts About Dogs in the United States

Just under a quarter of American homes have at least one dog. 33 Americans definitely think of their dog as one of the family.

31. Americans are feeding their dogs more refrigerated and frozen dog foods than in previous years.

Across the nation, dog food sales have increased. But American dog owners are veering away from kibble. Sales from frozen or refrigerated food, like Freshpet, have gone up 30 percent. 34

32. Millions of Americans take their dog to work and out to eat with them.

Nearly 3 million pups get to go to work with their owner, and a whopping 11 million pups are treated to dinner out. That’s a lot of lucky dogs. 35

33. For Americans who don’t take their dog to work with them, there are 16,000 dog day cares in the U.S. to choose from.

It’s a booming business with about $4.5 billion in revenue each year. However, there are even more if you count day care services offered through the veterinary industry. 36

34. Americans prefer to have dogs as pets.

With 69 million U.S. households having at least one dog, only 45 million homes have cats. Unfortunately, about 14 percent of dogs are given up due to insufficient housing. 3738

35. Dog owners love to dress their dogs in designer clothing.

Just over 30 percent of owners dress their dogs, either for fun or function. Most folks who buy clothing for their pups purchase designer brands. 39

36. Americans prefer purebreds.

While many Americans adopt their dogs, resulting in mostly mixed breeds, most folks favor the purebred. Purebreds are usually purchased through a breeder, though some may be found in shelters or rescues. 40

37. Most of the pet dogs in America are neutered.

Though the majority of pet dogs in the U.S. are neutered, the amount has decreased over the years. In 2016, 85 percent of the pet dog population was neutered. Now, it’s 77 percent. 41

38. About 30 percent, or 1-in-3, dogs are obese.

Canine obesity is up 158 percent since about 2010. The heaviest dogs reside in Minnesota and Nebraska. 42 43

39. The most active dogs in the U.S. reside in Massachusetts.

Dogs are active across the world, but FitBark recorded more activity from dogs in Massachusetts, followed by New York and Colorado. Most of the activity took place on the weekends. 44

40. Nearly 60 percent of households in Idaho have a dog.

Idahoans house the most dogs in the country, but the folks in Montana run a close second. West Virginians love their dogs as well, with about 52 percent of homes featuring a furry family member. 45

41. Less than 25 percent of homes in D.C. have a dog for a pet.

And less than 20 percent have a cat. D.C. just doesn’t have very many pets in general. 46

42. Since 2005, puppies from shelters across the U.S. have participated in America’s favorite pastime.

Shelter and rescue pups star in their own football game every year on Super Bowl Sunday. The Puppy Bowl aims to bring awareness to shelter and rescue dogs in need of homes (if you’re bringing home a puppy of your own, check out our new puppy checklist). 47

43. American animal shelters adopt out 2 million dogs every year.

But the intake is about 3.1 million. However, this number is down 800,000 from previous years. Of the animals not adopted, 70 percent are strays that are returned to their owner, while the remaining are euthanized. 48

44. Dogs go to the vet, on average, two to three times per year.

Just under 70 percent of Americans take their dog to the veterinarian for an annual checkup. More than half of owners report vaccines as the main reason for the visit, with just under half of them specifying the rabies vaccine. 49

Facts About Dogs Around the World

Around the world, dogs are the favorite pet. They’ve been with us since at least the last Ice Age.

45. Dogs have been man and woman’s best friends for about 23,000 years.

A 2021 study has found that dogs were more than likely domesticated in Siberia around the last Ice Age. But some experts suggest that the dog was domesticated around 100,000 years ago. 50

46. Women played a large role in domesticating dogs.

Research historians analyzed archaeological data regarding the domestication of canines from wolves. They learned that dogs were influenced by females more than males, ushering in the human-dog bond. 51

47. Dog fossils have been found as far back as 3,000 to 4,000 years ago.

Dating back to the Bronze Age, canine remains in fossil deposits were identified as the Great Pyrenees. The breed was believed to originate from Siberia or Central Asia. The Great Pyrenees first came to the U.S. in 1824. 52

48. There are currently about 471 million pet dogs in the world.

The world loves dogs, from America to Europe to Latin America. This number doesn’t include strays or those in shelters or rescues. 53

49. Around the world, Europeans have the most active dogs.

Switzerland hosts the fittest dogs in the world. Great Britain and Germany also feature super-fit dogs. 54

50. Across the world, Vizslas, Spaniels, Terriers, and Pointers are the most active breeds.

From puppyhood to senior status, the most active dog breeds, according to FitBark, are Vizslas, the German Short Haired Pointer, Spaniels, the Miniature Pinscher, Terriers, the Basset Hound, and Weimaraner. 55

51. The largest dog walk ever took place in the U.K.

Who wants to go for a walk? 22,742 dogs got together to go for a walk. In 2011, 182 different breeds joined the Great North Dog Walk in South Shields to take part in the largest dog walk ever recorded. 56

52. The world’s favorite time to walk their dog is 6 p.m.

Around the world, canines are mostly being walked at 6 p.m., but Singapore and Australia prefer big morning walks. The UK, however, is a fan of the midday walk. 57

53. Italians are the most likely to feed their dogs a homemade diet.

Dogs are mainly rescued off the street in Italy, and dog owners prefer to feed a mix of traditional dog food and natural whole food. Up to 94 percent of owners inquire about nutrition at their vet’s office. 58

54. The most famous canine influencer in the world has just over 32 million followers across social media.

Jiffpom, a worldwide sensation, has amassed 32,156,000 followers as of January 9, 2022, between Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. This tiny influential pup even has toys created in his image. 59

55. The world’s largest assistance dog organization has trained tens of thousands of dogs for blind or partially sighted people.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, located in the UK, has given aid to thousands of individuals who need assistance with mobility. As of 2016, the organization taught 33,910 dogs to assist the visually impaired. 60

56. The Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has operated its animal shelter since 1871.

Located in the UK, this animal shelter has been in the same spot for more than 145 years, earning the honor in the Guinness World Records. The shelter was first established in London on May 13, 1871. 61

57. The African wild dog is endangered.

Once running throughout all of Africa, wild dogs are now found mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. Sometimes referred to as the ‘painted dog,’ African wild dogs sport a mottled coat. 62

Dog Facts: Canine Accomplishments

Dogs love to lead the way. And these dogs accomplished something first among all dogs.

58. The first dog to ride cross country in a car was a bully breed.

In 1903, the first dog to enjoy the sights of the country by way of an automobile was a Pit Bull named Bud. Thanks to his driver and rescuer, Bud had special goggles to protect his eyes from the world blowing in his face. 63

59. The Saluki is believed to be the first domesticated dog breed.

Certainly one of the oldest dog breeds to exist, the Saluki is thought to have been around since 329 B.C. and possibly earlier – maybe 7,000 B.C. A royal dog of Egypt, the breed was once used to hunt gazelles. 64

60. The first seeing eye dog paired with the average person was a German Shepherd named Buddy.

Inspired by a German school that trained dogs for blind World War I veterans, Morris Frank visited a dog training school in Switzerland. It was there he met his new partner, Buddy, whom he traveled around the country with to show how dogs can assist people. 65

61. The first service dog training school started in the U.S. in 1929.

Though service dogs have existed since the 1700s, the first organized school to train them didn’t come about until the early 1900s. However, only about 2 percent of the blind population has access to a guide dog. 66

62. In 1957, the first dog went to space riding Sputnik 2 and orbited the Earth.

The legendary dog, Laika, was found as a stray wandering the streets of the Soviet Union. She entered the space program and made a successful space flight. 67

63. German Shepherds were the first breed of police dogs.

From as far back as World War I, German Shepherds were used to detect bombs. Today, Shepherds like K-9 Mattis serve on the force alongside human partners. Mattis aided in more than 200 arrests during his five-year career. 6869

64. The first U.S. Navy Sea, Air, and Land, or Navy Seal, dog was a Belgian Malinois.

Named Cairo, the dog played a role in the Seal Team Six that was credited for defeating Osama Bin Laden. In 2011, Cairo was honored as Animal of the Year by Time magazine. 70

65. The first dog to be covered by pet insurance in the U.S. was Lassie, the infamous television dog who saved Timmy from the well.

In 1982, the first pet insurance policy was issued for a Border Collie who also happened to be a famous TV star. However, pet insurance has been around since the early 1900s. 71

66. The first cloned dog was an Afghan Hound.

In 2005, scientists in South Korea cloned a 3-year-old Afghan Hound. The puppy was born after a full pregnancy before a successful cesarean 60 days later. The puppy was named Snuppy. 72

67. The first Hero Dog Awards honored eight special dogs for bravery, skill, and compassion.

In 2011, American Humane began awarding heroic dogs in eight categories: guide, hearing, law enforcement, military, service, shelter, therapy, and search and rescue. 73

68. One of the first cartoon dogs was a character named Snowy from The Adventures of Tintin.

In 1929, a small, white, mystery-solving canine was featured in a cartoon. He could speak and had an affinity for food and drink. Another famous cartoon, Snoopy, didn’t appear until 1950. 7475

69. One of the first songs ever written about a dog was Old Shep.

Written by Red Foley and Arthur Williams, this 1933 song is about Foley’s childhood dog, Hoover. Though the song is heartbreaking, it’s a country classic that’s been covered by numerous artists. 76

70. One of the most iconic animal books of all time featured two dogs and one cat trekking cross country.

The Incredible Journey showcases a traveling trio of animals through the Canadian wilderness, inspired by the author’s own pets. The film version came out in 1963, and in 1993, the movie Homeward Bound was released. 77

71. The song, How Much is That Doggie in the Window, hit number one on the Billboard charts.

You know the dog with the wagg-ily tail? I wonder if he is for sale. Patti Page sings this winner that was released in 1953. 78

Dogs are the Best Pets (That’s a Fact!)

Everyone knows dogs are the best pets. But what makes them so awesome? Read on to find out.

72. Dogs can sniff out disease.

Dogs have been known to detect disease in humans by using their incredible noses. From cancer to diabetes, Parkinson’s to epilepsy, dogs have an amazing ability to sniff out what’s wrong. 79

73. Some dogs are considered geniuses among their peers.

Dogs are smart. Few reach genius status. The Border Collie is known to be the smartest dog breed. Though testing for intelligence in dogs is limited to the ability of the trainer, a small handful of dogs are clearly smarter than the rest. 80

74. Dogs give humans a sense of peace and calm.

Science has proven that dogs help people retain good health. Petting a dog helps lower blood pressure, keeps an individual calm, and provides humans with feel-good hormones. Dogs also help lower stress. 81

75. Research shows that human-animal interaction, particularly with dogs, raises oxytocin levels in the brain.

Studies report that when people interact with dogs, the neuropeptide increases, having a positive effect on bonding, stress relief, breathing, focus, and more. Other hormones are also positively affected, such as cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. 82

76. Dogs don’t like people who aren’t nice to their owners.

Science suggests dogs have the ability to read a social interaction and respond accordingly. Loyal as ever, dogs avoid people who interact negatively with their owners. 83

77. Women sleep better with a dog by their side.

And most women prefer it that way. Studies have shown both sentiments to be true. Dogs are usually great guardians at night, and often act as a second blanket to help keep warm. 8485

78. The majority of people between 50 and 80 years old have at least one dog.

Of those dog owners, most of them know their dog makes their life better. About 80 percent of them also reported getting help to take care of their dogs. 86

79. Nearly half of nursing homes have a pet therapy program.

Dogs brighten our day. Nursing homes all over the world are using therapy dogs to enhance the lives of their residents. Just 10 years ago, it was almost unthinkable to have an animal in a nursing home environment. 87

80. Therapy dogs have been helping people for more than 100 years.

Thanks to the bond humans have with canines, dogs have been making people feel better for a very long time. In the 1960s, psychologists began introducing therapy dogs to the medical field, schools, and nursing homes. 88

81. An ice-skating Labrador Retriever helps kids with disabilities using his on-ice skills.

Benny, a Lab from Las Vegas is a favorite with the Las Vegas Knights crowd at hockey games in the T-Mobile Arena. But Benny’s special ability is being an exceptional therapy dog. 89

82. Dog-friendly hotels are a must for 25 million dog owners who travel.

Dogs like to travel, too, and millions of people don’t want to leave their dogs at home or in boarding. Some hotels cater to dog people, but many hotel chains offer dog-friendly rooms. 90

83. Most dogs are showered with gifts during the holidays.

About 80 percent of pet owners buy their dogs presents for holidays such as Christmas, and other special occasions like their birthday. Plenty of pups get a party, too. 91

84. Male and female dogs enjoy the active lifestyle, equally.

Small and large, puppy, adult, or senior, both genders get the exercise they need. FitBark’s database discovered very similar activity levels between the sexes. 92

85. March 23 is National Puppy Day.

Beginning in 2006, this day was set aside to celebrate puppies all across the U.S. Though dogs are typically considered an adult around age 1, all dogs are puppies at heart. 93

86. National Dog Day is August 26.

Since 2004, this day has grown to be celebrated by the world. But other countries celebrate their dogs with their own celebrations, such as Kuku Tihar, Birthday of the Dog, and St. Roch’s Day. 94

Crazy Dog Facts

Dogs can do crazy things, and some are in their own league. From a barkless dog to an extinct hound, here are some more crazy, fun, and interesting dog facts.

87. The Afghan Hound may become extinct by 2025.

The original, purebred Afghan Hound might be on the way out. With a decrease in popularity, the Afghan founder population has dropped dramatically, producing fewer litters to carry on the genes. 95

88. The Greyhound can run at 35 mph for up to seven miles.

The fastest dog breed there is, the Greyhound could technically win a race against a cheetah. Cheetahs sprint at top speed, but Greyhounds run faster with longer distances. 96

89. Not all dogs bark, or can.

Referred to as Africa’s “Barkless Dog,” the Basenji doesn’t bark like most other dogs. Instead, the dog expresses herself with yodels, howls, and snorts. Joining in on the fun would be the Beagle, who takes the prize for the most vocal dog breed. 97 98

90. A dog’s paws are cleaner than a human’s shoes.

Dutch researchers studied the pads of dogs’ paws and the soles of human shoes. They discovered 72 percent of paws were negative for bacteria, while only 42 percent of shoes tested negative. (If you’re trying to keep your dog as clean as possible, you can check our guide to selecting the best dog ear cleaner solution for your pup) 99

91. Australian Shepherds appear to have no tail.

The length of the Aussie tail varies from bobbed to long, but the naturally short tail often gets lost underneath all of the dog’s fur. This gives the appearance of no tail. 100

92. A dog’s ears can measure over 2 feet in length.

A black and tan Coonhound is on record for having the longest ears on a living dog. Each of Lou’s ears measures just over 13 inches. Tigger, a Bloodhound, is on record with ears that measure almost 14 inches, taking the prize for longest ears ever. 101102

93. The Norwegian Lundehund has six toes and eight pads on each paw.

Normally, a dog’s paws feature only four toes, maybe five if you include the sometimes-there dewclaw. The Lundehund also sports an unusually flexible body. 103

94. The longest-lived dog was 29 years old.

Bluey, an Australian cattle-dog from Victoria, Australia, is on record for having lived 29 years and 5 days. For 20 years between 1910 and 1939, Bluey worked with cattle. 104

95. When you yawn, your dog is more likely to return the favor and yawn as well.

Dogs also experience the contagious yawn. The majority of dogs will yawn in response if they see a person yawn. They’re four times more likely to yawn if it’s their family member. 105

96. In 2021, dogs were named after Olympians, celebrities, and the pandemic.

A large number of canines are walking around with names inspired by the Olympics, travel itineraries, celebrities, and the pandemic period. With names like Simone, Naomi, Suga, Eiffel, Pfizer, and Covi, our chosen dog names reflect the times. 106

97. People love to name their dogs after food and drink.

Popular food and drink names include Miso, Loaf, Bacon, Pork Chop, Beef, and Bologna. Other names include Tofu, Tempeh, and Almond. 107

98. The most-watched, and subscribed to, dog on YouTube is a Beagle named Maymo.

The most famous dog on YouTube has 11.1 million subscribers. Maymo, whose owners record the dog in comedic situations, has had 4,732,729,812 total video views. 108

99. The largest breed of dog is the Old English Mastiff.

Rivaling the weight of the Mastiff is the Saint Bernard. Both breeds, when fully grown, can weigh up to 200 pounds. 109

100. A Golden Retriever achieved the world record for holding five tennis balls in the mouth at one time.

Dogs like to cram as many toys in their mouth as possible. They’ll carry multiple sticks, balls, and squeaky toys at a time. For safety reasons, this should not be encouraged. 110

101. In 1931, a Poodle inherited $15 million, making the dog the richest dog in the world.

A New York dog owner left her Poodle, Toby, millions of dollars in her will. The Guinness World Records honored the dog with the title of “wealthiest dog.” 111

There you have it – more than 130 cool, fun facts about the world’s most favorite pet. Whether you cuddle a Pomeranian, walk a Labrador Retriever, or play fetch with a German Shepherd, dogs have been, and always will be, our best companions.

If you’re interested in facts about dogs, you probably have interest in dogs. If you’re a dog owner, we have a load of resources that can help.

One set of guides is our collection of buying guides which can help you find the best waterproof dog bed, the best outdoor dog bed, the best elevated dog bed, or the best dog bed for the couch.

You can also check out our puppy size calculator, dog growth charts including our goldendoodle growth chartsgreat dane growth chartschihuahua growth chartslabrador growth charts, and golden retriever growth charts (and our general overview of the ideal dog weights), buying guides for important products like the no escape dog harnesses, our list of foods dogs can and can not eat and our article on how long it takes for a dog to digest food.

Beyond that, if you’re looking for additional resources to help keep your puppy healthy and looking good we also have a series of buying guides to help you select the best dog ear cleaners, the best professional dog clipper, the best dog clipper for poodle hair, and our guide to finding the best Australian Shepherd dog brush.

Article Sources

Pet News Daily uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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Pet News Daily writers are experts in pet care, health and behavior. We are members of Society for Professional Journalists and practice ethical journalism.