6 Most Surprising Facts About Dogs Most Pet Parents Don't Know

Dogs know more than most pet parents think they know. Here are some really interesting facts about our canine friends and what makes them even more unique than they are now.

1. Dogs are as smart as 2-year-olds

Canine researcher Dr Stanley said while it might not look like it when you spot a chewed sneaker or watch your friend chase their tails, dogs are actually very intelligent creatures with their minds. The ability is close to that of a 2-year-old child.

Studies have found that dogs can understand up to 250 words/gestures, count up to 5, perform simple calculations, and can deliberately deceive dogs and people.

2. Dogs can read our emotions

When a dog looks at your face, they don't always try to get your attention or beg for a treat. Sometimes, they're picking up on your emotions. According to researchers at the University of Lincoln, dogs are the only animals that can see us happy, sad or angry at a glance.

3. Dogs don’t feel guilty

When dogs are caught doing something they shouldn't, they sometimes display a guilty look -- their heads bowed, their ears set back, and their eyes glazed. You might think your dog is showing shame and seeking forgiveness, but animal behaviorists report that dogs don't feel guilty.

Instead, this "guilty" look is likely a reaction to the owner's angry or upset reaction.

4. Dogs have a sense of smell 10,000 to 100,000 better than ours

Everyone knows that a dog's sense of smell is amazing, but did you know that it is 10,000 to 100,000 times stronger than ours? ! A dog scientist likened a dog's ability to smell to being able to spot a rotten apple in 2 million barrels.

5. The diversity of dogs is amazing

According to a study published in the American Journal of Naturalists, dogs are one of the most diverse species in terms of skull shape. Between different dog breeds, skulls vary as much as they vary across species. So, for example, a German Shepherd's skull is different from a Golden Retriever's skull, just as a cat's skull is different from a bear's skull.

6. Dogs can see some color

It has long been thought that dogs can only see shades of grey. Dogs can actually see colors, although they are not as bright and few as humans. Psychology Today reports that dogs see the world mostly in yellow, blue and grey. This explains why your dog may sometimes forget their red ball in the grass.