Dogs have been humanity’s loyal companions for thousands of years, and in that time, countless myths and misconceptions about them have taken root. From old wives’ tales to commonly accepted “facts,” there’s a lot of misinformation out there about our furry friends. Here are the top 12 dog “facts” that are actually false.
A Dog’s Mouth is Cleaner Than a Human’s
Many people believe that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s, but this is a myth. While it’s true that dogs have different bacteria in their mouths than humans do, they also lick all sorts of unsanitary things, including their own wounds, other animals, and whatever they might find on the ground. A dog’s mouth is far from sterile, and it’s not necessarily cleaner than a human’s.
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Dogs See in Black and White
Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not see the world in black and white. While they don’t see the full spectrum of colors that humans do, dogs can see shades of blue and yellow. Their color vision is similar to what a person with red-green color blindness experiences. So, while their world isn’t as colorful as ours, it’s far from black and white.
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Dogs Age 7 Years for Every Human Year
The idea that one dog year equals seven human years is an oversimplification. The rate at which dogs age varies depending on their breed and size. Smaller dogs tend to live longer and age more slowly compared to larger breeds. Puppies and young dogs age more rapidly, with their first year often equivalent to about 15 human years. The aging process then slows down as the dog gets older.
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You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
This saying has been around for ages, but it’s not true. Older dogs are perfectly capable of learning new tricks and commands. While they might take a bit longer to pick up new skills compared to younger dogs, with patience and positive reinforcement, senior dogs can learn just as well. In fact, mental stimulation through training is beneficial for older dogs, helping to keep their minds sharp.
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Dogs Eat Grass to Make Themselves Vomit
It’s commonly believed that dogs eat grass to induce vomiting when they’re feeling unwell, but this isn’t entirely accurate. While some dogs might vomit after eating grass, not all do, and many dogs simply enjoy the taste or texture of grass. Eating grass is a natural behavior for dogs, and as long as they’re not consuming large amounts or showing signs of illness, it’s usually harmless.
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A Wagging Tail Means a Dog is Happy
While a wagging tail can indicate that a dog is happy, it’s not always the case. Dogs wag their tails for various reasons, and the position and speed of the wag can convey different emotions. For example, a tail wagged high and fast might indicate excitement, while a low, slow wag can signal fear or uncertainty. It’s important to consider the dog’s overall body language to understand what they’re really feeling.
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Dogs Eat Poop Because They’re Missing Nutrients
Coprophagia, or the act of eating feces, is a behavior that puzzles and grosses out many dog owners. However, the belief that dogs eat poop because they’re lacking certain nutrients is mostly a myth. There are various reasons why a dog might eat feces, including curiosity, attention-seeking, or simply because they like the taste. It’s generally a behavioral issue rather than a dietary one.
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Dogs Have a Pack Mentality and Need to See You as the “Alpha”
The idea that dog owners need to establish themselves as the “alpha” to maintain control over their pets comes from outdated research on wolf behavior. Modern studies show that domestic dogs don’t organize themselves into strict hierarchies like wolves do in the wild. Positive reinforcement, rather than dominance-based training, is a more effective and humane way to train dogs.
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Dogs Feel Guilty When They Do Something Wrong
We’ve all seen that “guilty look” on a dog’s face after they’ve done something they shouldn’t have, like chewing up a shoe or knocking over the trash. However, studies suggest that what we interpret as guilt is more likely a response to our scolding or disapproval. Dogs are masters at reading human body language and tone, so that sad expression might just be a reaction to your behavior rather than an actual feeling of guilt.
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Mixed-Breed Dogs are Always Healthier than Purebreds
While it’s true that mixed-breed dogs can have a lower risk of certain genetic disorders compared to some purebreds, this isn’t a blanket rule. The health of a dog depends on many factors, including breeding practices, genetics, and overall care. Both mixed-breed and purebred dogs can be healthy or prone to certain conditions, depending on their individual circumstances.
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