Dogs are beloved companions, but over the years, many myths about them have been accepted as fact. From their ability to see color to their supposed natural swimming skills, these widely held beliefs often misrepresent how dogs actually behave and function. These are twelve dog myths you probably believe but shouldn’t.
1. Dogs See Only in Black and White
Many people seem to believe that dogs can only see in black and white, but this is not true. Dogs do see color, though their color perception is limited compared to humans. While dogs have limited color vision, they have much better night vision compared to humans.
2. A Dog’s Mouth is Cleaner Than a Human’s
No, dog’s mouths are not cleaner than a human’s. Human and dog mouths both contain a lot of bacteria, around 600 different types. While we don’t have the same specific bacteria in our mouths that dogs have, neither mouth is “cleaner” than the other. It’s important for both humans and dogs to maintain good oral hydiene.
3. One Dog Year Equals Seven Human Years
Have you ever heard someone say one dog year equals seven human years? In reality, this formula is inaccurate. Dogs age faster in the first year of their life, with the first year being equivalent to about 15-20 human years. After that, the aging rate slows down and varies depending on the dog’s size and breed. Smaller dogs tend to age slower than larger dogs.
4. You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
The myth that you can’t teach old dogs new tricks is completely false. Dogs of all ages are capable of learning new behaviors and tricks. With older dogs, you just need to use the right approach and be patient. They might take longer to learn new tricks, but they are often more focused and attentive than younger dogs.
5. Dogs Eat Grass When They’re Sick
Many people believe that dogs eat grass when they’re feeling sick. While some dogs might eat grass when they’re feeling unwell, this behavior is not always indicative of illness. Studies show that less than 25% of dogs vomit after eating grass, and only 10% show signs of illness before grazing. Dogs often eat grass to add fiber to their diet or because they’re bored or anxious. Sometimes, they might just enjoy the taste or texture.
6. A Wagging Tail Always Means a Happy Dog
A wagging tail does not always mean that your dog is happy. This is a complex form of communication that can indicate many different things. A broad, relaxed wag often indicates friendliness, while a stiff, rapid wag might signal agitation or alertness. A low, slow wag could mean insecurity or submission, and a wagging tail held high might indicate dominance or threat.
7. Dogs Are Colorblind
As mentioned earlier in this article, dogs are not completely colorblind. Scientists have discovered that dogs have two types of cone cells in their eyes, which are sensitive to blue and green light. They can distinguish between blue and yellow but have trouble differentiating between red and green.
8. A Warm, Dry Nose Means a Dog is Sick
Contrary to popular belief, a warm, dry nose does not mean a dog is sick. A dog’s nose can fluctuate between wet and dry, warm and cool, throughout the day due to various factors like environmental conditions, hydration levels, and sleep patterns. A healthy dog could have a warm, dry nose, while a sick dog might have a cool, wet nose.
9. Dogs Only Yawn When Tired
Dogs do not only yawn when they’re tired; in fact, yawning in dogs serves multiple purposes. It can be a stress-relief mechanism, helping dogs self-soothe in anxious situations. They may also yawn out of excitement or anticipation, like during a walk or playtime. Additionally, yawning can signal confusion or frustration, especially during training sessions when they struggle to understand a command.
10. All Dogs Are Natural Swimmers
No, all dogs are not natural swimmers. A dog’s ability depends on many factors, such as breed characteristics, individual temperament and experiences, and physical limitations or health issues. While Labrador Retrievers and Portuguese Water Dogs are bred for water-related activities, dogs like Bulldogs or Pugs may struggle to swim due to their body shape or respiratory issues.
11. Small Dogs Are Yappier Than Large Dogs
Small dogs often have a reputation for being more vocal than larger dogs, but in reality, this behavior is not inherently linked to size. Factors that contribute to a dog’s tendency to bark include training and socialization, individual temperament, and environmental factors.
12. Certain Breeds Are Hypoallergenic
No dog breed is completely hypoallergenic. Every single dog produces allergens in their dander, saliva, and urine. However, some breeds may be easier to tolerate by allergy sufferers due to lower shedding rates, coat types that trap dander, and individual variations in allergen production.
