Ten surprising facts about dogs that you probably didn't know!

Your dog is not only your most loyal companion, but also a wonderful, surprising creature. As you walk, play and cuddle together every day, your four-legged friend reveals a whole host of unique characteristics. Here at Laelaps Paris, we love sharing our passion for these unique animals. Join us as we reveal 10 fascinating facts about dogs that will transform your perception of your loyal friend forever.

1. A nose like no other

Your dog's sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times stronger than yours. While you might notice the smell of freshly baked biscuits, your dog can perceive each individual ingredient. Those subtle sniffs during your walks? With these, your dog can tell a whole story about who passed by earlier, when, and in what state of mind. No wonder they sometimes pause at what seems to us like an inconspicuous kerb stone!

2. Unique noseprints

Just as your fingerprints are unique, each dog has a completely distinctive nose print. The lines and ridges on your dog's nose are so distinctive that they can be used to identify your pet, like a signature. It's an elegant reminder that every dog, like every Laelaps accessory, is unique. 

3. Dreams in motion

Have you ever wondered why your dog moves around while sleeping? Research shows that, like humans, dogs dream during REM sleep. During REM sleep, they process the day's experiences, as evidenced by the subtle movements of their paws or ears. The next time you see your four-legged friend 'running' in his sleep, it's likely that he's thinking back to your nice walk in the woods earlier that day. 

4. Sweaty paws

Did you know that dogs don't sweat like we do? They mainly regulate their body temperature by panting. However, their paw pads do have sweat glands. So, if you ever see wet paw prints on a hot day, it means your dog is literally sweating.

5. How dogs see the world

Your dog sees the world differently from you. They are not completely colour-blind, but they see fewer colours. Their world consists mainly of blues, yellows, and greys. Red and green are difficult for them to distinguish. On the other hand, your four-legged friend has a much better ability to perceive movement and can see extremely well in dim conditions!

6. A heart full of rhythm

A dog's heartbeat reveals a lot about its emotional state. A relaxed dog has an average heart rate of 70–120 beats per minute, and small breeds often have a faster heart rate than large breeds. During moments of excitement or stress, this can rise to 160–180 beats per minute. A soft, comfortable dog harness can help keep your four-legged friend calm during tense moments.

7. Talking with their ears

Your dog's ears are not just for hearing; they are also an important means of communication. With over 100 different ear positions, your dog can express a wide range of emotions. From alertness and curiosity to relaxation and playfulness. Pay attention to how your dog subtly adjusts his ears according to the situation — this is one way he lets you know how he feels!

8. Moist noses have a function!

A moist nose helps your dog to perceive scents better. The humidity catches scent particles from the air, which your dog can then detect by licking his nose with his tongue. This provides him with more information about his surroundings. Incidentally, a dry nose is quite normal for dogs and is not a cause for concern. After a nap or in a warm environment, your dog's nose may feel temporarily drier.

9. Fine social feelers

Dogs are the only animals that interpret our gestures and facial expressions in a similar way to small children. They follow your gaze, understand cues, and can even read your emotional state. This sophisticated social intelligence is what makes the bond between you so special. It also explains why your dog knows exactly when it is time for a walk with its favourite Laelaps lead.

10. An heir to the wolf

Despite their differences in appearance, dogs worldwide share 99.9% of their DNA with wolves. That beautiful circle your dog sometimes makes before lying down? It's an ancient instinct to flatten the grass. And burying toys? It's a relic of hiding food scraps. Even the most sophisticated city dog still has a little wolf in him, which makes your bond even more special!