Fun Facts! Part 3
3 Eyelids: Dogs have 3 eyelids: an upper lid, a lower lid, and a third lid, called a nictitating membrane, which helps protect and moisten their eyes.
St. Bernards were Lifesavers: St. Bernards were originally bred the for rescue work by the hospice of the Great St. Bernard Pass on the Italian-Swiss border. They were known for saving people trapped in snow and avalanches.
Dogs Have a “Sixth Sense”: Many dog owners believe their dogs have a “sixth sense” because they often seem to anticipate events, such as natural disasters or the return of a family member, before they happen. Many service dogs exist because they can sense when their companion is going to have a medical episode.
Dogs and the Moon: Dogs are known to howl at the moon, though the reason for this is more likely related to the sound-carrying qualities of the nighttime air rather than the moon itself.
First Dog in Space: The first living creature in space was a dog named Laika, a stray from Moscow who orbited Earth in 1957 aboard the Soviet spacecraft Sputnik 2.
Dalmatian Puppies Are Born Without Spots: Dalmatian puppies are born completely white, and their spots develop as they grow older, usually appearing after 3-4 weeks.
Dogs Can “Catch” Yawns: Just like humans, dogs can catch yawns from seeing a person yawn. This behavior is believed to be a sign of empathy.
Dogs Curl Up for Warmth: Many dogs instinctively curl up when they sleep, a behavior passed down from their wild ancestors who needed to keep warm and protect their vital organs while resting.
Smaller Dogs Live Longer: Generally, smaller dog breeds tend to live longer than larger breeds, with some small breeds living 15 years or more.
Dachshunds Were Originally Bred for Hunting Badgers: The name “Dachshund” literally means “badger dog” in German, and these little dogs were originally bred to hunt badgers.
