The Mysterious Carpal Pad
Unlike the other paw pads, the carpal pad sits higher up on your dog’s front legs, around the wrist, and normally doesn’t even touch the ground while walking.
So what is it doing there?
It comes into play when your dog needs extra grip — like when running downhill, moving across a slippery surface, or suddenly slowing down.
The pad can press against the ground, providing extra traction and helping your dog maintain balance. That’s why it’s sometimes called the “stopper pad” — basically, a small built-in brake.
It can even provide extra support when a dog crouches or crawls close to the ground.

Is Your Dog Left-Pawed or Right-Pawed?
And paws can reveal something else about your dog too — whether they prefer their left side or their right.
Just like humans can be left-handed or right-handed, many dogs show a preference for one paw. Research suggests that around two-thirds of dogs show either a left- or right-paw preference, while the rest use both more equally.
There are a few simple ways to test this at home.
One is the Kong Test: just stuff a Kong toy with treats, place it on the floor, and watch which paw your dog uses to hold it steady.
Another is the Food-Reach Test: place a treat just out of reach under something such as a low piece of furniture and see which paw your dog uses to fish it out.
Of course, one attempt doesn’t prove much, so the best way is to repeat the test several times and see whether the same paw keeps winning.

Dogs Walk on Their Toes
And whichever paw your dog prefers, there’s an interesting fact about the way they use all four of them, because dogs actually walk on their toes.
Humans are plantigrade, meaning we walk with our whole foot on the ground. But dogs are digitigrade — their heels stay raised, and their weight is supported mainly by their toes.
It’s basically as if you spent your entire life walking around on the balls of your feet.
This leg structure helps dogs move quickly and efficiently — but it also means that every step, sprint and jump puts a lot of force through a relatively small area.
And that’s where those thick paw pads become extremely important.

Built-In Shock Absorbers
The digital pads under each toe, together with the larger central pad, act like built-in shock absorbers. They cushion the impact every time your dog walks, runs, jumps, or lands, helping protect the bones and joints higher up the leg.
Underneath that tough outer surface is a layer of fatty tissue that helps absorb and distribute some of those forces.
So in a way, your dog is walking around with its own pair of biological running shoes.
But cushioning isn’t the only job these pads have — because they can also do something you probably wouldn’t expect from a dog.

Dogs Sweat Through Their Paws
They can sweat.
Yes, dogs actually sweat — just not quite like we do.
They have sweat glands in their paw pads, which can release moisture when they’re hot or even stressed. That’s why you might occasionally notice damp paw prints on the floor out of nowhere.
And interestingly – paw pads are the only place on the whole dog which can actually sweat!
But sweating through four small paws isn’t nearly enough to cool the whole body, so dogs still rely mainly on panting to get rid of excess heat.
So now you know that dog paws can release moisture – but did you know they can also release scent?

Secret Scent Messages
Dogs have scent-producing glands around their paws, and when they scratch the ground after peeing or pooping, they may be doing more than just kicking up grass.
The scratching can help spread their scent onto the ground while also leaving a visible mark behind.
So when your dog starts furiously scraping the grass after doing their business, they may actually be leaving a kind of signature for other dogs.
And from scent-marking paws, we move to another strange feature almost every dog has — webbing between the toes.

Your Dog Has Webbed Feet
All dogs have some connective skin between their toes, but in certain breeds it’s much more pronounced.
Dogs like Newfoundlands, Labrador Retrievers, and Portuguese Water Dogs have especially noticeable webbing, which helps their paws push against more water with each stroke.
It’s basically the same principle as wearing swim fins.
But webbing isn’t the only way paw shape can help a dog move through difficult terrain.

Built-In Snowshoes
Sometimes, simply having enormous paws can be an advantage.
Cold-climate breeds like the Newfoundland and Saint Bernard have large, broad feet that spread their weight over a bigger surface area.
That makes it easier to move across snow without sinking as deeply — almost like wearing a natural pair of snowshoes.
And paw size isn’t the only thing that varies between breeds.

Cat Feet vs. Hare Feet
Even the basic shape of a dog’s foot can be completely different — so different, in fact, that breeders actually describe them as cat feet and hare feet.
Dogs with cat feet have short, compact, rounded paws with tightly grouped toes. Breeds like the Akita, Doberman, and Giant Schnauzer are known for this type of foot.
Hare feet are almost the opposite. They’re longer and more elongated, with the two middle toes extending farther forward. You can see this shape in breeds like Greyhounds, Borzois, and Samoyeds.
And when you put the compact cat feet of a Doberman next to the long hare feet of a Greyhound, they almost look like they belong to two completely different animals.
But all paw shapes have on thing in common.

The Frito Feet Mystery
They can smell like corn chips.
Dog owners even have a name for it: “Frito feet.”
The smell comes from the normal community of microorganisms living on your dog’s skin. Bacteria — especially types such as Pseudomonas and Proteus — and possibly yeast can produce that distinctive corn-chip-like odor.
And paws are the perfect place for them. They’re warm, they can stay moist between the toes, and as we already learned, dogs even sweat through their paw pads.
A mild Frito smell is usually completely normal. But if the smell suddenly becomes much stronger, especially together with redness, itching, swelling, or constant licking, it can be a sign that something is wrong.
And while those warm paws are a great home for microbes, they also contain a surprisingly clever system for dealing with the exact opposite problem — extreme cold.

The Secret Heating System in Dog Paws
Inside a dog’s paw, small arteries carrying warm blood toward the pads run very close to veins carrying colder blood back toward the body.
This creates what’s called a counter-current heat exchanger. Some of the heat from the outgoing blood is transferred to the colder returning blood before it can be lost through the paws.
In other words, dogs can recycle some of their own body heat.
It doesn’t make their paws immune to frostbite or extreme temperatures, but it helps explain how dogs can spend surprisingly long periods walking and running on snow.
So far, we covered almost every part of the dogs paw - but there’s still one part of the paw we haven’t really talked about — the strange little extra toe sitting off to the side.

Dewclaws Aren’t Useless
The dewclaw.
It’s sometimes described as a useless leftover, but that isn’t really true — especially on the front legs.
Front dewclaws are usually connected by bone, tendons, and muscles, and dogs can use them to help grip objects like bones and toys. They can also provide extra stability and traction during fast turns or when climbing over uneven terrain.
And some breeds take dewclaws even further.
Great Pyrenees, Beaucerons, Briards, and several other breeds can have double dewclaws on their rear legs. In working breeds developed for mountains and rough terrain, these extra toes are thought to have provided additional stability and grip — and in several breeds, they eventually became part of the breed standard.
But even double dewclaws start to look pretty normal when you see the paws of one very unusual dog breed.

​The Six-Toed Dog
The Norwegian Lundehund – which was developed to climb steep Norwegian cliffs while hunting puffins, and its paws are unlike those of almost any other dog.
Instead of the usual four weight-bearing toes, Lundehunds have at least six toes on each foot — and several of those extra toes are fully functional, with their own joints, muscles, and tendons.
Together with their unusually flexible body, those extra toes helped them grip narrow ledges and climb across rough, rocky terrain.
And believe it or not, the paws aren’t even the strangest thing about this breed. But this goes far beyond our todays topic – the paws.

 FACT #1 — PHARAOH HOUND
Let’s start with a dog that can actually blush.
The Pharaoh Hound is one of the most elegant-looking dogs in the world, with a slim body, huge ears, and a very noble expression.
But its strangest feature is not its speed, its shape, or even its ancient-looking appearance.
It is its face.
When a Pharaoh Hound gets excited, happy, or emotional, its nose and the inside of its ears can turn a rosy pink color.
In other words, this dog can blush.
And no, it is not embarrassed because you called it cute.
This happens because Pharaoh Hounds have very little dark pigment in those areas, so when blood flow increases, the pink color becomes visible.
And honestly, i think this is one of the most charming traits in the entire dog world.


FACT #2 — NORWEGIAN LUNDEHUND
But if the Pharaoh Hound sounds unusual, the next breed looks like evolution gave it extra settings.
The Norwegian Lundehund does not have normal dog feet.
It has at least six fully developed toes on each foot.
And these toes are not useles. They helped the dog climb steep cliffs in Norway, where it was originally used to hunt puffins.
And believe it or not, six toes aren't even the weirdest thing about this breed.
This breed is also famously flexible.
A Lundehund can bend its head backward much farther than a normal dog, spread its front legs out to the sides, and even fold its ears closed.
Imagine a small spitz-type dog built almost like a mountain-climbing acrobat.
That is the Norwegian Lundehund.


FACT #3 — BASENJI
But not all strange dog facts are about the body.
Some are about the voice.
The Basenji is famous as the barkless dog.
But that does not mean the Basenji is silent.
Instead of a normal bark, this ancient African breed makes a strange yodel-like sound, often called a “baroo.”
It is not exactly barking.
It is not exactly howling.
It is something in between. And it sounds something like this:
So if you are looking for a dog that will not bark at every little sound, Basenji might be a good choice. But definitely do not expect a silent dog!


FACT #4 — NEW GUINEA SINGING DOG
And the Basenji is not the only dog with a strange voice.
Because the New Guinea Singing Dog takes this to another level.
This rare and primitive dog is famous for its unusual, musical vocalizations.
Its howl can rise and fall in pitch, almost like singing.
Some people describe the sound as a yodel. Others compare it to the haunting call of a wild animal.
And when several New Guinea Singing Dogs vocalize together, they can create a chorus of different tones.
Here is an example how it sounds:
It sounds wild.
Ancient.
Almost unreal.


FACT #5 — BLUE-BLACK TONGUES
So far, we have dogs that blush, dogs with extra toes, and dogs that sing.
But now let’s move to a feature you can see the moment the dog opens its mouth.
Most dogs have pink tongues.
But some breeds are famous for having blue, or better to say blue-black tongues.
The two best-known examples are the Chow Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei.
Their tongues can look dark blue, purple, or almost black.
This is caused by extra pigmentation.
But these are not the only Chinese breeds with blue tongues.
Breeds such as the Chongqing Dog, Chuandong Hound, Laizhou Hong, and some other regional East Asian breeds may also show dark pigmentation in the mouth.


FACT #6 — KOMONDOR, PULI, BERGAMASCO
And speaking of unforgettable appearances, some dogs look like they were designed by a mop company.
The Komondor, the Puli, and the Bergamasco are three of the most unusual-looking dogs in the world.
At first glance, many people put them all into the same category:
Living mops.
But they are not the same.
The Komondor is the giant white livestock guardian from Hungary.
Its long, heavy cords helped protect it from harsh weather and may have even offered some protection while guarding flocks.
The Puli is also Hungarian, but smaller, faster, and much more agile.
Instead of being a giant guardian, the Puli was traditionally a herding dog — quick, energetic, and surprisingly athletic under all those cords.
And the Bergamasco is different again.
Its coat does not form the same round cords as the Komondor or the Puli.
Instead, it forms flat mats called flocks, which can look like layers of felt hanging from the body.
So yes, all three may look like walking mops.
But one is a massive guardian.
One is a fast little herder.
And one wears a coat that looks more like natural armor.


FACT #7 — GLEN OF IMAAL TERRIER
And now, from dogs that look like mops, we go to a dog that sits like a tiny human.
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a rare Irish terrier with a very unusual sitting position known as the Glen Sit.
Instead of sitting like a normal dog, a Glen can sit upright on its back end, with its front legs lifted off the ground.
It almost looks like the dog is posing for a medieval painting.
Or waiting politely for dinner.
But the funny thing is, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is not some fragile little trick dog.
It is a tough, low-to-the-ground working terrier from Ireland, originally bred for hard farm work and hunting vermin.
So you have this strong, rugged terrier…
that also has one of the cutest sitting positions in the dog world.
And that contrast makes it even better.


FACT #8 — DALMATIAN
But the next fact is one of the simplest and most surprising of all.
You know, many dogs change their color a bit as they grow. But one breed has the most surprising change of all.
Because Dalmatians are not born covered in spots.
They are born white.
Those famous black or liver spots develop later, usually becoming visible in the first weeks of life.
So the most iconic spotted dog breed in the world starts life looking almost like a plain white puppy.


FACT #9 — CATAHOULA LEOPARD DOG
And from spots on the coat, we move to something even stranger:
cracked glass eyes.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is already famous for its wild coat patterns.
But its eyes can be even more striking.
Catahoulas can have blue eyes, brown eyes, amber eyes, eyes of different colors, or eyes with multiple colors inside the same eye.
These are sometimes called glass eyes, cracked glass eyes, or marbled eyes.
And when you see one up close, it can genuinely look unreal.
One eye may look pale and icy.
Another may look partly blue and partly brown.
Sometimes it looks like the color has been split, cracked, or painted in pieces.
It gives the dog an intense, almost supernatural expression.
And when you combine those eyes with the leopard-like coat, the Catahoula becomes one of the most visually unique breeds in the world.


FACT #10 — NOVA SCOTIA DUCK TOLLING RETRIEVER AND KOOIKERHONDJE
But not every strange breed fact is about appearance.
Some are about the job the dog was bred to do.
And this next one sounds almost like a trick from a cartoon.
I personally find this one of the most unique jobs dogs were ever given.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje are two breeds connected with a very unusual hunting method.
They were used as decoy dogs.
But that does not mean they wore duck costumes.
Their job was to attract ducks by moving, playing, and flashing their tails near the water.
Ducks are curious animals.
So when they saw this small, fox-like dog moving along the shore, they would come closer to investigate.
And that curiosity could lead them into range for hunters, or into traditional duck-trapping systems.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever used this method in Canada.
The Kooikerhondje has a long history in the Netherlands, working around traditional duck decoys.
So these dogs were not just retrievers.
They were performers.
Their job was to make ducks curious enough to make a fatal mistake.


FACT #11 — BAKHARWAL
And finally, we end with probably the most unbelievable fact on this list.
A livestock guardian dog traditionally described as mostly vegetarian.
The Bakharwal is a rare mountain dog from the Himalayan region, especially associated with nomadic shepherd communities.
It is a powerful guardian, bred to protect livestock in harsh mountain conditions.
But what makes it so surprising is its traditional diet.
The Bakharwal is often said to have been raised on a mostly vegetarian diet, including foods like bread, maize, milk, and other dairy products.
Now, this does not mean dogs are naturally herbivores.
Dogs are still dogs.
But in the traditional lifestyle of the shepherds who kept them, the Bakharwal was reportedly fed this way partly because meat was not always available, and partly because people believed it helped keep the guardian dog from developing a taste for the animals it was supposed to protect.
So yes — one of the strongest mountain guardian dogs in the world is also connected with one of the strangest traditional diets in the dog world.


And that is what makes dog breeds so fascinating.
Some blush.
Some sing.
Some have extra toes.
Some trick ducks.
And some look like living mops.
They are just so incredibly diverse.
But now I’m curious.
Do you know any other interesting dog breeds, or surprising facts about them?
Let me know in the comments.
And I will see you in the next one.                             

1) Sleeping Near You
And one of the biggest one is simply being close to you.
Most dogs choose to sleep right next to their owners.
But it does not even have to be on the bed itself.
Many dogs are perfectly happy sleeping on a dog bed nearby, just to stay close to the people they trust. Just like my dog. She sleeps every night right next to our bed and she loves it.
Behaviorists believe that this behavior goes much deeper than simple comfort.
Dogs are highly social animals, and sleeping close to trusted members of their group helps them feel safe, relaxed, and emotionally connected. In the wild, sleeping together also provided warmth and protection, and many experts believe modern dogs still carry these instincts today.
Scientists have even found that dogs often sleep better and show lower stress levels when they are close to people they trust.
So when your dog chooses to sleep beside you every night, they are not just looking for a comfortable place to rest.
They are choosing to stay close to the person that makes them feel the safest.
And even when you are not around… many dogs still look for the next best thing.
2) Your Scent, Their Safety
Because a dog’s favorite smell in the entire world… is probably you.
Dogs experience the world primarily through scent, and their sense of smell is estimated to be tens of thousands of times more powerful than ours. To them, your scent is familiar, comforting, and deeply connected to safety.
That is why many dogs love sleeping on your clothes, lying in your bed, or staying near objects that smell like you. Some dogs even become calmer when left alone with a piece of clothing carrying their owner’s scent.
Scientists and animal behaviorists believe familiar human scent can reduce stress and help dogs feel more secure, especially in unfamiliar environments.
And once you start noticing it, you will probably realize your dog has been surrounding themselves with your scent all along.
But dogs do not only connect with us through smell. Sometimes it is much more direct.
3) A Loving Gaze
Many dog owners have experienced that quiet moment when their dog simply looks into their eyes.
Not aggressively. Not fearfully. Just calmly watching you.
Studies have found that soft, relaxed eye contact between dogs and their owners can increase levels of oxytocin — often called the “love hormone” — in both the dog and the human. The same hormone is strongly connected to social bonding between parents and children.
But this only applies to gentle and relaxed eye contact. Hard staring, especially from strangers, can actually be stressful or intimidating for dogs. In the animal world, prolonged direct staring is often perceived as a threat.
Dogs evolved alongside humans for thousands of years and became uniquely skilled at reading our expressions, emotions, and body language. And with people they trust, eye contact became something very different.
So when your dog looks at you with that soft, relaxed stare, they may not just be looking at you.
They may actually be bonding with you.
4) Part of the Pack (Being included in family activities)
And bonding can take many different forms and for many dogs it is simply to be around you – around the family. They just want to be involved in whatever the family is doing.
Whether it is following you into the kitchen, lying beside you while you work, or trying to join every activity in the house, dogs often simply want to be involved.
And according to animal behaviorists, this makes perfect sense. Dogs evolved as highly social animals that depended on cooperation and close group relationships to survive. Being separated from the group often meant danger, stress, or isolation.
Of course, dogs cannot be with us all the time, and learning to stay home alone calmly is an important skill for every dog. But once we come back, many dogs immediately want to reconnect and be included again.
Even today, many dogs naturally feel more comfortable when they are near the people they trust. That is why some dogs follow their owners from room to room, even when nothing exciting is happening.
They are not always looking for food or attention.
Sometimes, they just want to feel included in the pack.
5) The Power of Praise (Praise and approval)
But attention, praise, encouragement and approval still plays enormous role in the dogs life.
That happy voice after they do something right, a smile, gentle petting, or simply hearing “good boy” or “good girl” can genuinely excite many dogs.
And studies have found that social reward can sometimes be just as motivating to dogs as food itself. Studies using brain scans have even shown that many dogs respond strongly to praise from their owners, especially dogs with close human bonds.
This is one of the reasons positive reinforcement training works so well. Dogs are not only learning for treats. In many cases, they are also learning because they enjoy making their owners happy.
And once you start paying attention, you will notice how often your dog looks at you after doing something right — almost as if they are waiting for your approval.
6) Seeing You Happy
And dogs are connected to us more than we might think. Many dog owners notice that their dog behaves differently depending on their mood.
When we are excited, dogs often become more energetic. When we are calm, they relax with us. And when we are stressed or upset, many dogs seem to sense it almost immediately.
And according to scientific studies, this is not just our imagination. Studies have shown that dogs are surprisingly good at reading human facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, and even certain chemical changes connected to emotion.
Researchers have even found evidence suggesting that stress can spread between dogs and their owners over time, especially in closely bonded relationships.
That is why many dogs try to comfort their owners during difficult moments, quietly staying nearby, resting their head on us, or acting more gently than usual.
And while dogs may not understand every human problem, they often understand one thing very clearly.
How we feel matters to them.
But dogs are not emotional creatures all the time.
Sometimes, they just want to have fun.
7) Play Fighting
Chasing, wrestling, tug-of-war, mock biting — play fighting is one of the most natural and enjoyable activities for many dogs.
And while it may look rough to us, healthy play between dogs or even you and your dog, is usually full of self-control, communication, and social learning. Dogs often take turns chasing each other, pause regularly, and use exaggerated movements to show that everything is still friendly.
Animal behaviorists believe play fighting helps dogs practice important skills like coordination, bite inhibition, and reading social signals from others. It is essentially a safe way for dogs to rehearse behaviors they would use in real-life situations.
Even adult dogs often continue to play fight because it provides both mental stimulation and social bonding.
And if you have ever watched two dogs bouncing around, sneezing, bowing, and acting completely ridiculous together, you have probably seen just how much joy dogs can get from play alone.
But not all the things dogs love make sense to us.
8) Rolling in Smells
For some reason, many dogs absolutely love rolling in terrible smells.
Dead animals, garbage, manure, or anything else humans would rather stay far away from.
And according to scientists, this strange behavior may actually be connected to ancient survival instincts. One theory suggests that wild canines rolled in strong smells to disguise their own scent while hunting. Another suggests they used unusual smells almost like information, bringing new scents back to the group.
The truth is, researchers still do not fully agree on why dogs do this. But one thing is very clear. Many dogs seem to enjoy it a lot more than their owners do.
And if your dog has ever proudly run back to you covered in something disgusting, you are definitely not alone.
And sometimes, dogs do not stop at strange smells.
Sometimes, they also feel the need to completely destroy something.
9) The Need to Chew (destroying things)
Most dog owners know the feeling of finding a destroyed toy, shredded pillow, or half-chewed shoe somewhere in the house.
And while it may seem like bad behavior, chewing is actually one of the most natural behaviors dogs have. Especially for puppies, chewing helps explore the world, relieve discomfort during teething, and release stress or boredom.
But even adult dogs often enjoy chewing because it is mentally satisfying and emotionally calming. Animal behaviorists believe chewing can help some dogs relax in a similar way repetitive activities help humans relieve stress.
That is why many dogs happily spend long periods chewing sticks, bones, or durable toys even when they are not hungry.
Of course, dogs still need to learn what they are allowed to chew and what they are not. But the instinct itself is completely natural.
To many dogs, chewing is not destruction.
It is entertainment, stimulation, and stress relief all at once.
But lets go back to basics for a while.

10) Going for Walks
Because only few words can excite a dog more than “walk.”
Many dogs instantly react to the sound of a leash, their owner putting on shoes, or even small routines connected to going outside.
And according to scientists and animal behaviorists, walks are about much more than simple exercise. For dogs, walks provide mental stimulation, exploration, social interaction, and the opportunity to experience the world through scent.
In fact, studies have shown that regular walks and outdoor enrichment can help reduce stress, boredom, and behavioral problems in dogs.
And while humans often think of walks mainly as physical activity, dogs experience them very differently. To them, every walk is full of information, new smells, sounds, animals, and changing environments.
And for many dogs, the best walks are not always the longest ones.
Sometimes, they are simply the most interesting.
11) Exploring the World (New walking routes)
Just like humans, dogs can become bored by the exact same routine every single day.
That is why many dogs become noticeably more excited when they get to explore a new trail, different street, forest path, or unfamiliar environment.
Studies have shown that novelty and exploration are extremely important forms of mental enrichment for dogs. New environments expose them to different smells, sounds, surfaces, animals, and experiences, all of which stimulate the brain in ways familiar routes often do not.
For dogs, exploring a new place is not just “seeing something different.”
It is experiencing an entirely new world of information through scent.
Even small changes, like walking in a different direction or visiting a new park, can make walks much more engaging and mentally rewarding for many dogs.
Because for dogs, curiosity is not just entertainment.
It is part of their natural instinct to explore and understand the world around them.
And nowhere does that curiosity become more obvious than during sniffing.
Because for dogs, smells are not just smells.
12) A World Through Smell (Sniffing on walks instead of rushing / pee mail)
Many dog owners become frustrated when their dog stops every few seconds during a walk to sniff the ground, a tree, or a random patch of grass.
And it is believed that sniffing is one of the most important ways dogs experience and understand the world around them. While humans rely mostly on vision, dogs rely primarily on scent. Their noses are so advanced that they can gather enormous amounts of information from smells we cannot even detect.
And when dogs sniff places where other dogs have urinated, they are often gathering social information — sometimes called “pee mail” by dog owners. Through scent, dogs may learn about other dogs in the area, their sex, emotional state, health, or how recently they passed by.
That is why many dogs prefer slow, sniff-heavy walks over constantly rushing forward. For them, stopping to sniff is not wasting time.
It is the walk.
And according to animal behaviorists, allowing dogs to sniff more during walks can actually reduce stress and provide valuable mental stimulation.
Because to a dog, every smell tells a story.
And sometimes, dogs do not just want to explore the world.
They want to run through it freely.

13) Running Free (Off leash freedom)
For many dogs, few things feel more exciting than running freely across an open field, forest path, or beach without the restriction of a leash.
And behaviorists believe that this makes perfect sense. Dogs evolved as active animals built for movement, exploration, chasing, and covering long distances alongside their social group.
Being off leash allows many dogs to move more naturally, choose their own pace, explore their surroundings more freely, and express behaviors that are difficult on a short leash.
Of course, freedom should always come with safety. Not every dog has reliable recall, and off-leash time should only happen in safe and appropriate environments.
But when done responsibly, giving dogs opportunities to run, explore, and move naturally can be extremely enriching both physically and mentally.
Because sometimes, pure freedom and movement are part of what makes dogs feel most alive.
But even the most adventurous dogs usually need something else as well.
A sense of stability and predictability.
14) Comfort in Routine
Many dogs thrive on routine.
Regular feeding times, familiar walking schedules, daily rituals, and predictable environments can help dogs feel calmer and more secure.
And according to scientists, this is not surprising at all. Predictability reduces uncertainty, and for social animals like dogs, knowing what to expect can significantly lower stress and anxiety.
That is why many dogs quickly learn household routines long before we realize it ourselves. Some dogs know exactly when it is time for a walk, when their owner usually comes home, or even when bedtime is approaching.
Of course, occasional change and new experiences are healthy too. But for many dogs, having a stable daily structure creates a sense of comfort and emotional security.
Because while dogs may love excitement and exploration, they also love knowing that their world feels safe and familiar.
And one of the best ways how to give a dog a routine is to give him a purpose.
15) The Need for Purpose (Having a job)
For thousands of years, humans selectively bred dogs for specific tasks.
Herding livestock, guarding property, pulling sleds, retrieving game, tracking scents, or protecting people.
And studies have shown that many dogs still carry strong instincts connected to those original jobs today. That is why some dogs naturally love herding moving objects, carrying things in their mouth, digging, guarding the house, or constantly searching for scents.
For many dogs, having a purpose or task to focus on can be deeply satisfying both mentally and emotionally. In fact, scientists have found that mentally engaged dogs are often calmer and less likely to develop behavioral problems connected to boredom or frustration.
And a “job” does not always need to be something complicated. It can be training exercises, scent games, retrieving toys, hiking with their owner, or simply feeling involved in daily activities.
Because many dogs do not just want activity.
They want purpose.
And for many dogs, one of the best ways to feel mentally engaged is surprisingly simple.
Using their brain to solve problems.
16) Mental Stimulation (Puzzle solving)


Many dogs genuinely enjoy challenges that make them think.
Puzzle toys, scent games, food-dispensing toys, problem-solving tasks, or learning how to access hidden rewards can keep dogs mentally engaged for long periods of time.
And according to animal behaviorists, mental stimulation is just as important for many dogs as physical exercise. In some cases, a mentally challenged dog can become more satisfied and tired than a dog that only exercises physically.
That is because problem-solving activates natural instincts connected to exploration, hunting, searching, and reward-seeking behavior.
Without enough mental stimulation, many dogs can become bored, frustrated, or develop unwanted behaviors simply because their brain has nothing meaningful to focus on.
And once dogs understand how a puzzle or game works, many become visibly excited to solve it again.
Because for intelligent social animals like dogs, using the brain can be just as rewarding as using the body.
And for many dogs, one of the most rewarding mental challenges of all… is learning something new together with their owner.
17) The Joy of Learning (Learning and training)
A lot of people think training is something dogs simply have to tolerate.
But for many dogs, learning can actually be exciting, stimulating, and deeply rewarding.
Dogs are highly intelligent social animals that constantly observe patterns, reactions, and communication from the people around them. And according to scientists, training sessions based on positive reinforcement can strengthen both mental engagement and the bond between dogs and their owners.
That is why many dogs become visibly excited during training sessions, especially when learning is connected to rewards, praise, play, or interaction with someone they trust.
And learning does not always have to mean formal obedience training. It can be teaching tricks, practicing recall, scent work, agility, or simply learning small everyday routines together.
Because for many dogs, training is not just about following commands.
It is about interaction, communication, and shared activity with the person they trust most.
And in the end, many of the things dogs love the most all lead back to the same thing.
Connection.
18) A Bond Unlike Any Other Emotional closeness / companionship


Dogs may love food, walks, games, smells, freedom, and exploration.

But studies have shown that one of the strongest sources of happiness for many dogs is simply having a close social bond with the people they trust.
For thousands of years, dogs evolved alongside humans in a relationship unlike almost anything else in the animal world. Over time, they became uniquely skilled at understanding our emotions, reading our behavior, and living closely beside us.
That is why dogs often seek eye contact, physical closeness, praise, companionship, and shared activity. To many dogs, these things are not small moments. They are part of feeling safe, connected, and emotionally fulfilled.
And while every dog has a different personality, one thing remains remarkably consistent across almost all of them.
Dogs do not just want to live beside us.
For many of them, we are their family, their comfort, and their entire world.

 “Mixed-breed dogs are healthier.”
I’ve heard this statement thousands of times.
And honestly?
At first…
it sounds completely logical.
Purebred dogs are associated with hip dysplasia…
heart disease…
breathing problems…
genetic disorders caused by inbreeding.
Meanwhile mutts are often seen as nature’s version of a dog.
Stronger.
Hardier.
Built by evolution itself.
And to be fair…
sometimes that really IS true.
My own mixed-breed shelter dog is incredibly healthy and resilient…
despite probably coming from some random backyard breeding situation.
Meanwhile, my aunt’s purebred dog…
from a responsible breeder…
started developing serious joint problems at a very young age.
So for a long time…
even I thought the answer was obvious.
Mixed breeds must simply be healthier.
But the deeper I looked into dog genetics…
the more complicated the story became.
Because what most people don’t realize…
is that purebred dogs are also the dogs scientists study the MOST.
Think about it.
If researchers are trying to discover the gene responsible for a disease…
they need dogs with known parents…
known bloodlines…
known medical histories stretching back generations.
And purebred dogs provide exactly that.
Which means many genetic diseases are discovered in purebreds first…
not necessarily because only purebreds have them…
but because purebred communities spent years funding research, collecting DNA, and tracking health problems.
And once those genes are discovered…
good breeders start fighting them.
One of the best examples is a condition called Exercise Induced Collapse.
A dangerous disease most famously linked to Labrador Retrievers.
Years ago, some Labs would suddenly collapse after intense exercise.
It was terrifying.
But once the mutation responsible was identified…
responsible breeders began DNA testing every breeding dog.
Today, many well-bred Labradors will never develop the disease at all.
And that’s when I realized something important.
Mixed breeding is NOT some magical genetic reset button.
Because mutations don’t disappear just because you cross two breeds together.
Sometimes…
they hide.
Quietly passing from generation to generation before suddenly reappearing years later.
A Labrador carrying a hidden mutation can still pass it into mixed-breed dogs.
And if another dog happens to carry the same mutation…
the puppies can still inherit the disease.
Even if they look nothing like Labradors anymore.
And suddenly…
the entire conversation started feeling way less black and white.
Because purebred populations are genetically isolated.
That can absolutely trap harmful genes inside the breed.
But isolation also works the other way around.
Some bad mutations never enter the population in the first place.
Take Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
They’re infamous for heartbreaking heart problems.
But something most people never mention?
They also have unusually LOW cancer rates compared to many other dogs.
Every population carries tradeoffs.
And that’s where the internet often oversimplifies things.
Because dog health is about far more than just “purebred” or “mixed.”
It’s structure.
Temperament.
Behavior.
Environment.
Breeding goals.
And most importantly…
whether the breeder actually cared about health in the first place.
Some mixed-breed dogs are incredibly healthy.
Especially naturally selected populations like village dogs of Mexico or Indian pariah dogs that survived through generations of natural selection.
But poorly planned designer mixes?
Backyard breeders crossing unhealthy dogs together?
That’s a completely different story.
Because mixing two unhealthy dogs together doesn’t magically create health.
Sometimes it creates chaos.
Unpredictable structure.
Hidden mutations.
Orthopedic problems.
Behavioral instability.
And ironically…
many well-bred purebred dogs come from generations of carefully health-tested parents selected specifically for stable structure, proper temperament, and working ability.
And that’s the key point most people miss.
The healthiest dogs are usually not determined by whether they’re purebred or mixed.
They’re determined by whether they were bred responsibly.
A well-bred purebred dog can be incredibly healthy.
A well-bred working cross can also be excellent.
A naturally selected village dog may be extremely resilient.
But poorly bred dogs…
whether purebred OR mixed…
are where the real problems begin.
Especially when breeders chase trends instead of health.
“Fluffy Frenchies.”
“Silver Labs.”
Extreme micro sizes.
Exotic colors that don’t naturally belong in the breed.
These trends often involve aggressive inbreeding…
poor genetics…
and breeders prioritizing appearance over function.
So…
are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs?
Sometimes.
But not automatically.
Because the real difference isn’t purebred versus mixed breed.
It’s ethical breeding versus irresponsible breeding.

 How fast can different dog breeds actually run?
Some dogs barely reach 10 miles per hour. Others can go over 40. And in this video, we are ranking dog breeds from the slowest to the fastest, based on their estimated top speed.
But one quick disclaimer before we begin: dog speed is not an exact science. Some breeds have reliable racing or sport data behind them, while others are based more on breed estimates and owner reports. So don’t think of every number as a perfect world record. Think of it as a realistic comparison of what a healthy adult dog of that breed may be capable of.
And with that said… let’s start the race.
Most dogs are much faster than people realize. The average healthy pet dog can usually run somewhere between 15 and 20 miles per hour. That already means many dogs can outrun the average human without much effort.
That brings up an important question. Why are dogs so fast?
And a big part of it is their anatomy. When a dog runs, its spine bends and stretches like a spring. This helps the body extend forward, then compress again, allowing the dog to cover more ground with every stride. Dogs also have powerful rear legs, flexible shoulders, and no collarbones like humans do, which gives the front legs more freedom of movement. In fast breeds, all of this is combined with long legs, a deep chest, a light body, and a narrow, aerodynamic head.
But not every dog was bred for the same type of movement.
Some breeds were created to sprint after prey in open landscapes. Others were bred to herd sheep, pull sleds, guard livestock, track scent, or simply keep people company. That is why speed varies so much from breed to breed. A Pug and a Greyhound are both dogs, but they are built for completely different jobs.
Body shape matters a lot. Long-legged, lean breeds usually have the advantage in pure speed. Short-legged breeds like Dachshunds and Corgis can be surprisingly quick, but they simply cannot match the stride length of a sighthound. Flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs are slower not because they lack spirit, but because breathing and cooling down during intense exercise is much harder for them.
Size alone does not decide everything either. Some giant breeds are powerful, but not especially fast. And some small terriers can explode forward with shocking speed because they are light, muscular, and full of drive.
Age and fitness matter too. Most dogs reach their athletic peak as young adults, usually between two and five years old. Puppies should not be pushed into hard running because their joints are still developing, and senior dogs naturally slow down as their muscles and joints age. A fit, lean dog will almost always run better than an overweight dog of the same breed.
So as you can see a dog’s speed is more than just a fun number.
It tells a story about anatomy, history, instinct, breeding, and behavior.
From the slowest little companions to the fastest canine athletes on Earth, every breed in this ranking was built for something.
Some were built for comfort.
Some were built for endurance.
And some… were built for pure speed.

 Most people think dogs smell bad because they rolled in something disgusting.
But that classic ‘doggy smell’ usually comes from something else entirely:
bacteria, yeast, trapped moisture, and oily buildup on the skin.
But luckily, you can reduce that smell with these 5 simple steps.
STEP 1 — Kill the Yeast
If your dog has that strong, greasy, musty smell… regular shampoo often isn’t enough.
Because the odor usually isn’t sitting on the fur.
It’s coming from microorganisms living on the skin itself.
That’s why many owners use anti-yeast or medicated shampoos designed to reduce bacteria and yeast buildup.
And here’s the mistake a lot of people make:
They wash the dog… and rinse immediately.
But most medicated shampoos actually need time to work.
So instead:

• fully soak the coat,
  
• massage the shampoo deep into the fur,
  
• focus on areas like paws, armpits, skin folds, belly, and around the ears,
  
• then let it sit for several minutes before rinsing.
  

Because those warm hidden areas are exactly where yeast loves to grow.
And honestly, one proper bath is often more effective than five rushed ones.


STEP 2 — Stop the Moisture
A surprising number of smelly dogs are simply staying damp for too long.
This is especially common in:

• double-coated breeds,
  
• dogs with thick fur,
  
• wrinkled breeds,
  
• and dogs that swim a lot.
  

Because trapped moisture creates the perfect environment for yeast and bacteria.
That’s why some dogs smell MUCH worse after getting wet.
So after baths, swimming, or rainy walks:

• dry the paws,
  
• underarms,
  
• neck,
  
• belly,
  
• ears,
  
• and especially the undercoat.
  

Some dogs feel dry on the surface… while the fur underneath is still damp for hours.
And that hidden moisture can create a really strong odor over time.


STEP 3 — Use Acid Against Odor
This is one of the most popular home remedies for doggy odor.
And the idea is actually pretty simple:
Yeast and bacteria don’t thrive as well in acidic environments.
That’s why many owners use a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse after bathing.
Here’s the basic recipe:

• mix 50% water,
  
• with 50% apple cider vinegar,
  
• then pour it into a spray bottle or bowl.
  

After the bath, lightly spray it onto the coat — or apply it gently using a soft cloth.
Focus especially on:

• paws,
  
• skin folds,
  
• underarms,
  
• and other smelly areas.
  

But there’s an important warning here.
Never use vinegar on:

• open wounds,
  
• irritated skin,
  
• inside the ears,
  
• near the eyes,
  
• or other sensitive areas.
  

Because it can sting badly.
And this should only be an occasional treatment — not an everyday routine.
For most dogs, once a week is more than enough.
Using too much vinegar too often can dry out and irritate the skin instead of helping it.


STEP 4 — Clean the Hidden Zones
Sometimes the smell isn’t coming from the entire dog.
Sometimes it’s coming from one small area owners forget to check.
Usually:

• the ears,
  
• paws,
  
• skin folds,
  
• saliva around the mouth,
  
• or oily areas near the tail.
  

Floppy ears are especially famous for trapping moisture and developing strong smells.
The same goes for wrinkled breeds.
And paws can also become surprisingly smelly because yeast loves warm damp spaces between the toes.
So even if the coat looks clean… hidden areas can still produce a LOT of odor.


STEP 5 — Fix the Problem Underneath
For many dogs, the smell is actually a symptom of an underlying skin issue.
And allergies are one of the biggest causes.
Because when the skin becomes inflamed or unhealthy, yeast and bacteria can multiply much more easily.
That’s why many owners see improvements after:

• switching to higher-quality food,
  
• identifying food allergies,
  
• adding omega-3 supplements like fish oil,
  
• and reducing skin irritation overall.
  

For example, some dogs constantly react to:

• chicken,
  
• certain grains,
  
• environmental allergens,
  
• or even frequent over-bathing.
  

And once the skin calms down… the smell often improves too.
But if your dog suddenly develops:

• severe odor,
  
• greasy skin,
  
• redness,
  
• hair loss,
  
• dark patches,
  
• or constant scratching…
  

…it may be time for a vet visit.
Because at that point, the smell could be coming from an actual infection — not just normal dog odor.
But for many mildly smelly dogs… these 5 steps can make a huge difference.
So remember:
kill the yeast,
stop the moisture,
use acid against odor,
clean the hidden zones,
and fix the problem underneath.
Because once you control the source of the smell… everything changes.