Dogs aren’t just walking husks of drool and poop. Their brains aren’t just limited to the three commands of “sit,” “fetch,” and “stay.” Even if you haven’t owned a dog yourself, you should know that they are one of the most intelligent creatures on the planet that we can proudly have by our sides as humans. Dogs can even suffer the same afflictions that affect human’s brains as well. They might not be able to solve linear equations (neither can some humans who slept through algebra), but they can understand more than you think they can.

Top 10 Dogs for Lazy Owners

More and more scientific research is coming out about the mind of dogs, what they’re thinking inside, and how they interpret their surroundings. Although we may never know every single detail about the mind and body of dogs, the significant amount of progress we have made so far has given us more of an insight and a better understanding of canine cognition. Let’s take a look at ten interesting facts about the mind of a dog.

10 Dogs Can Suffer Depression And Anxiety Too

Every time you see a dog on a Facebook video (or even own your own ball of energy), you assume they’re just ready to party at any given moment. However, dogs can suffer depression and anxiety just like humans. Although dogs can be useful to humans in many ways regarding mental health, these furry companions can have struggles as well. Their depression can have triggers that would bring down any human as well such as adding someone new to the family or someone leaving the household. The symptoms of depression in a dog are just about as similar compared to the symptoms of depression in humans. They can lose their appetite, become inactive, lose interest in their favorite activities, and withdraw from the world.^[1]

9 Dogs Process Scent Better Than You Think

If you ever wondered why dogs sniff at almost everything (including the rear-end of other dogs), then be prepared for a shocker: a dog’s primary sense is smell. They can pick stuff up through their noses that humans can’t. If they couldn’t, then we wouldn’t have bomb or drug-sniffing dogs, we’d just have a bunch of creepy humans on all fours sniffing the floor of a crime scene. Dogs possess up to 300 million olfactory receptors, compared to six million humans.To go more into depth, if you look inside the noses of both humans and dogs, there are bony scroll-shaped plates called turbinates. This organ has a thick membrane which holds most of the scent-detecting cells. In humans, this area of the organ only measures up to about one square inch. If you were able to unfold this same area of the organ in a dog, it could be about as large as about sixty square inches (depending on the size and length of the nose).

A dog’s brain is specialized in identifying scents, which is why dogs rely heavily on their noses to help interpret the world around them. The percentage of the dog’s brain used for analyzing smells is forty times larger than a human brain. Since a dog’s nose is specifically adapted to function better than that of a human’s, they have lots of advantages that we do not. They have the ability to take in air and breathe it out at the same time. The purpose of this is to create an ongoing circulation of air, while us humans only have the ability to breathe in or out only one at a time.^[2]

8 Dogs Can Read Our Facial Expressions Just Like Other Humans

If you look sad, then you may find another human walking up to you and talking in an attempt to cheer you up. Dogs can process a similar reaction to a human’s facial expression. If you smiled at a dog, then a dog will process in its mind that you are happy and will probably smile back at you, in its own way. They may even react more overtly to indicates that they are happy by bouncing around, or wagging their tail, or zooming through your house or yard like a loon.

Evidence suggests that dogs are sensitive to emotional cues conveyed by a human’s face and will even experience an increased heart rate when they perceive that someone is angry, fearful or happy. Research also suggests that dogs have the same social recognition skills that a human infant aged between 6 months to 2 years of age does.^[3]

7 Dogs Want To Tell Us What They’re Thinking But They Can’t

It’s probably very frustrating trying to tell someone something when you just can’t get the words out. It’s like when there’s a language barrier and you’re hoping your weird combination of hand-movements will make someone understand what you’re trying to say. That is the everyday reality of dogs. They want to talk back to us, but can’t.

Dogs don’t have words, but they can communicate with us. They do this through a variety of body language techniques that can give us a wealth of information about what they’re thinking. If we know what to look for. For example, a dog turning their head away and licking their lips tells us they are nervous. If they wag their tail feverishly then we know they are happy.There are five common groups of canine communication signals (Fearful, arousal, anxious, aggressive, and relaxed). The problem we have is sometimes the way they communicate with us is so subtle that we don’t pick up on what they are saying. I guess until a dog can find a way to talk to us, there will always be a lot we don’t know about what they think or feel.^[4]

6 Dogs Can Understand What You’re Saying

Dogs might not be able to tell us what they’re thinking, but that doesn’t mean they can’t understand what we’re saying. Dr. Stanley Coren, a canine intelligence expert, says the average dog can understand about 165 words and possibly more with training. Although dogs can learn words as young as humans can, they just can’t reply to anything other than wagging their tails, growling, or tackling us when we ask, “walk?”

Dogs’ brains process language in a similar way to humans, with the right side dealing with emotion and the left processing meaning. They learn, just like a child, that certain sounds mean certain things. For example, the sound of the word “walkies” will quickly be associated with going for a walk, if that is what they do every time you say the word to them.^[5]

5Dogs Can Pick Up Auditory Mood Changes

Dogs can have a strong sense of smell, can see if we’re happy or sad, but did you know they can also hear mood changes? If a dog hears something negative (like yelling or a vacuum), then they’ll most likely run for cover. If they hear a human having a good time, then they’re probably going to jump in and start doing that weird dog dance where they bounce their entire bodies because dogs can’t really dance, but they’re doing their best.

It has long been known that dog’s pick up the tone of sounds, including our voices, more than actual words themselves.These sounds will then be attributed to a feeling within their brain, such as joy when hearing the clink of their food dish being taken from the cupboard or fear when they hear the bath running and they are being led into the bathroom.

Have you ever scolded your dog but been unable to do it in a stern voice? Saying “you naughty boy” whilst grinning and laughing will no doubt be greeted with a wagging tail and a bouncy dog. That’s because the tone of your voice sounds happy to them.^[6]

4 Humans Have Influenced Dog’s Brains Over Time

Border Collies didn’t just wake up one day knowing how to herd sheep. You also wouldn’t plop a chihuahua in the middle of a field and ask it to put all the sheep in the pen (if anything it would just stand there doing that weird shaking thing chihuahuas do). A dog’s brain varies depending on the breed. Some are wired for hunting while others are wired for sniffing. Most of this behavior was influenced by humans over time by us.

Scientists have proven that the selective breeding we have employed over the years to get the shape, color, or behavior we wanted has also had an impact on the way the dog’s brains work. A dog’s brain has been proven to vary from breed to breed and a lot of this variation is down to our own search for particular behaviors when selective breeding.

What this means is that dogs don’t just vary in size, shape and color but also in the way their brains work.^[7]

3 Dogs Can Figure Things Out (Sometimes Better Than Humans)

Dogs aren’t just dopey creatures who have a hard time finding the treat when you mix up behind your back and offer both closed hands to see if they can find it. It might be a fun trick to play to try to fool your dog, but they’re actually playing with us as they already know where the treat is (remember, sense of smell). They might also be more rational when it comes to decision-making than humans. Sometimes they won’t take the easy way, they’ll take the smart way, despite what others are doing.

Whereas humans can fall into the trap of what scientists call “over-imitation,” the process of trying to imitate our surroundings and those around us too much, dogs will learn from us but will be more rational in their thought process when deciding whether to follow our behavior. They will watch to see what we do but won’t copy us if the situation doesn’t warrant it. This gives them a more objective brain when it comes to problem solving. When solving a puzzle, for example, we will watch how others tackle the problem and copy them exactly with little variation. A dog will watch what we do but then adapt this to match what they think the problem requires.^[8]

2Dogs Are Better At Math Than You Think

They’re not going to know how to use a calculator or be able to solve y=mx+b, but they know basic arithmetic and can even beat a young child in simple math. Of course, without opposable thumbs, they can’t exactly walk up to a chalkboard and prove they know what 1+1 is, but they can count treats in their heads when you take one away.

Have you ever seen a retriever when out hunting? They will know exactly how many birds they should be fetching without having to be cajoled repeatedly into going out to get another. If three are shot, then three is what they will go and get. After fetching one, they will know there are two more. And after getting the second they will know there is one more. They know this because in a rudimentary way they count.

Another way you will see a dog count is when watching them decide which pile of food they should eat first. If you set out two dishes with differing amounts of dog biscuits on them, they will invariably head for the one with the most on first.^[9]

1 Dogs Can Get Jealous Too

No, dogs aren’t scrolling through Instagram obsessively checking who liked your selfie, but they can get jealous of others. You would think dogs just get jealous of other dogs, but they can also be jealous of other humans as well. They might also lash out like the older children in movies or TV shows who hate the fact that a newborn baby is getting all the attention. They aren’t able to take a marker and write all over the walls, but you might see them acting out a little more aggressively or whining when they don’t get their way.

Have you ever neglected your dog so you can speak to a friend? Have they snapped at you or tried to get your attention? That’s because they are feeling jealous. Dogs, like humans, want the attention of their loved ones. They need to feel like you are not neglecting them otherwise strong emotions rise within them.

In conclusion, Doctors and scientists all over the world are still trying to figure out dogs. They may be a very simple animal that can learn a trick or two, but their brains are very complex. There is still a bit of mystery behind why dogs do the things they do, but in the meantime, we have some of the best companions that the human race could ask for. At the very least, we can appreciate that they don’t jump on our keyboards when they want attention like cats.^[10]

You do spoil your dog, and it’s only right as they are a part of your family. While many inventions aim to make dogs self-sufficient while they are at home alone, no technological marvel bests spending time with them or frolicking together in the outdoors.

While you might second guess these unique pet products, hang on. If you think about it, even the inventor of the flea collar must have been fed up with pesky flea scratches. So they created a way to rid their pets of fleas and prevent them from coming back. Pet parents everywhere were skeptical that a collar could solve their four-legged friend’s flea problem, but now they’re practically a necessity. Let’s walk through the ten best inventions for dog owners—wait, did you say walk?

10 PetPeek Fence Window

Let’s face it. Your dog loves to have a better look at the other side of the fence. It’s the equivalent of a canine accomplishment. This is a neat invention for dog owners who wish there was something they can do to stop fence scratching, digging, or putting heads through chinks and holes.

The PetPeek fence window offers a safer, more generous, and aesthetic window than a simple hole in the fence. These clear glass half domes beat flat windows as your dog can put their head through, turn it around, and observe without putting themselves or others at risk.

It could be that your furry friend wants to see you off when you go or to keep an eye on every stranger passing outside the fence. The PetPeek fence window makes a concave dome that sticks out of the fence and helps curb incessant barking as they’re not too alarmed by what’s happening on the other side.

9 Kurgo Car Zip Line Harness

If your puppy is especially feisty, they might hop onto the front passenger seat or even wiggling onto your lap as you drive. Other than placing your furry pal in a seat belt harness, which they hate, the better option remains the Kurgo Car Zip Line Harness.

Your four-legged friend loves to ride in the car with you, but keeping still for safety isn’t easy. They want to stick their head out of one back window and then skip to the one on the other side before coming to stand in the center console to be next to you.

This just-in-time invention will keep your dog in the back seat but lets them slip back and forth between the rear windows. Your pet is kept secure, and they have access to all the wind they desire on their face while you drive safely.

8 Frostybowlz Chilled Water Bowl

Everyone hates drinking warm water, your dog included. A chilled drink makes all the difference. That’s why this low tech invention is so popular with pet parents who are tired of placing ice that melts in their dogs drinking bowls, particularly when summer comes around.

The chilled water bowl by FrostyBowlz keeps the water cooler for longer using an insert that freezes the bowl itself. This invention can chill water in the bowl for more than 14 hours, even in the hottest temperatures, and it works outdoors and indoors.

The dishwasher safe bowl is made from 28 oz heavy-gauge steel and has a non-skid surface. The FrostyBowlz uses FrostyCore innovative freezable gel that’s reusable for over 1000 times. You can also use the chilled bowl to keep dog food fresh all day, minimizing the risk of bacteria, and it has a moat tray around the edge to keep ants away.

7 SafetyFirst Universal Car Window Travel Vent

Now here’s something that dog owners desperately need when traveling with their pets, especially if you have to leave them in the car. The SafetyFirst Universal Car Window Travel Vent lets you crack down the car window further, and you don’t have to worry that your dog will jump out or strangers will reach in trying to play with them at the parking lot.

This is a collapsible grill that fits between the top and bottom of a half-open car window, allowing your dog more fresh air and preventing unwanted petting hands. You don’t have to rig contraptions that keep falling off or which won’t deter egress or entry, while the SafetyFirst Car Window Travel Vent costs less than $15

6 Playdate

Playtime can be tiresome for dog owners, but luckily dogs can have great fun all on their own with a little incentive. Playdate combines a Remote Operation Vehicle or ROV with a camera and packages in a pretty but sturdy plastic ball.

A mobile app lets you operate the robotic plaything from remote locations; you control functions like drive, smile, play, and repeat. Made from non-toxic polycarbonate, this top-selling, chew-resistant ball charges through a wireless docking platform.

Playdate is also a two-way audio device, with visuals provided by the wide-angle camera module, designed not to roll around with the outer ball. You can connect to this intelligent toy from anywhere using the android and iOS compatible apps, bringing you close to your pet when you’re not home.

5 LESYPET Leash with Umbrella

It’s not as though dogs mind getting rained on all that much, but you’ll have to dry them when you get back from a walk. The LESYPET Umbrella with Leash is for a small-sized dog or puppy. It attaches to the leash over your pet to keep them dry in the rain.

If rain ruins your dog walking, and you’re not looking forward to toweling them when you get back, this invention is worth a try. A see-through hood lets your pup navigate the puddles to keep their feet from getting wet.

4 iFetch

If there ever was an invention that dogs celebrated, it’s the automated ‘fetch’ robot that gave respite to tired human arms. iFetch is an automatic ball launcher that interacts with the dog, launching balls gently at three set distances, and there’s a mini version, a Frenzy, as well as the Too for fast-paced to large dogs.

Dogs never get tired of playing fetch, and you’ll see just how much this toy keeps your puppy bouncing around. With the touch of a button, iFetch balls start rolling, launched at up to 30 feet, and continue as soon as your dog brings it back to the funnel-shaped mouth.

This interactive toy launches a branded ball once your dog brings back one and returns it into its large container. The iFetch is also handy, a purely mechanical robotic toy that doesn’t use sensors or fancy apps to control.

3 Furbo High-Tech Treat-Tossing Dog Camera

If you’re out for the night, you should have a way to check in on your dog, maybe with a live-streaming device that has night vision? Yeah, that’s the stuff. For your dog, it’s even better when the Furbo High-Tech Treat-Tossing Dog Camera tosses them a treat, just to let them know you’re thinking about them.

A free iOS and android app connect seamlessly with this device, giving you access to a pet spy that shoots treats at your delighted canine. You reward your dog as you heap visual and verbal praises on them, all from a distance, and you’ll get push notifications when they’re barking.

Remind your dog from any location that you love them, switching on the camera that captures their furry grin, even in the dark.

2 Inubox

Dog owners need a solution when they aren’t around to take their pets out to go to the bathroom themselves. Even if you don’t have access to a backyard, your dog can easily use the Inubox self-cleaning dog waste management system.

This invention uses a hydrophobic tray and a weight sensor pad that activates waste clearing as soon as your dog steps off the litter box. When your four-legged friend makes a business visit, the Inubox dispenses a treat as a reward—a thank you note for absentee potty training.

But what will keep your treat-loving hound from coming back for more treats from the poop machine? The inventor of Inubox thought of that too. It can sense when they’ve actually done their business, prompting them to stop depositing smelly treats in any other part of the house.

1 Haptic Feedback Harness

Haptic feedback harnesses for seeing-eye dogs have jumped off the ol’ drawing board. A blind dog owner himself, Sean Marlin, lead author of the research paper on the experimental harness, tested the leash system, which contains an electrocardiogram and plethysmograph.

The dog’s heart rate and respiration are monitored, and the output is processed by an aptly named Beaglebone Black microcomputer at the harnesses’ base. Blind dog owners can now rely on their guide dogs’ cues with vibratory monitors at both sides of the leash handle.

You can also select the audio option via a Bluetooth headset too. This feature is being tested to remotely monitor the well-being of search and rescue dogs in dangerous situations.

Dogs have been around for as long as humans have been able to tame and work together with wolves, making them one of the oldest species to be domesticated.

Of course, they weren’t exactly domesticated, as they are the result of selectively breeding the wolf, and there have been tons of breeds over the past 14,000-29,000 years.

Unfortunately, some dog breeds have come and gone, and their like has never been successfully re-bred into existence. The ten dog breeds on this list were once popular for various reasons but have since disappeared.

10 People Killed By Their Dogs

10 Talbot

The Talbot was a once-popular hunting hound found throughout England during the Middle Ages. It’s believed that William the Conqueror brought the breed to England in 1066, though this has never been confirmed. The Earls of Shrewsbury, whose family name is Talbot, feature the dog on their crest. Interestingly, the Talbot and Greyhound are the only hounds used in English heraldry.

Talbots were small to medium-sized white dogs with short legs, long drooping ears, and a long curled tail. Records indicate it was prized for its sense of smell, though it’s unknown what it was primarily used to hunt (deer, boar, fox, rabbit, etc.).

There is evidence of the Talbot existing as early as the 15th century before becoming more popular throughout England in the 17th century. It was favored by hunters for its accurate tracking abilities.

Ultimately, the Talbot began to disappear around the end of the 18th century. At that time, the Northern Hound and Southern Hound supplanted it. The Talbot was likely bred out of existence with breeders favoring some aspects of the breed over others. It eventually gave rise to the Beagle, Bloodhound, and Coonhound.

9 St. John’s Water Dog

St. John’s water dog was a breed found in Newfoundland, which likely came into existence sometime in the late-16th century. They were hard-working dogs with a good temperament and were prized by fishermen for their qualities. They were excellent swimmers and retrievers, making them especially helpful in fishing communities.

Their precise genetic makeup is unknown, but it’s believed that they were a natural mixture of different working dogs found and brought to the province of Labrador. St. John’s water dogs were highly prized throughout the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were exported to England, but they went extinct due to two primary factors.

Canada began restricting dog breeding to encourage sheep farming, reducing their numbers. Around the same time, a measure meant to prevent a rabies epidemic in England forced their quarantine and ended their importation to the country. This resulted in far less breeding throughout the 19th century.

By the mid-20th century, the St. John’s water dog was rarely bred, and their numbers declined significantly. By the 1980s, the breed was extinct. Still, it left its mark, as it was one of the primary ancestors to all modern Retrievers, including the Labrador and Golden Retriever.

8 Grand Fauve De Bretagne

The Grand Fauve de Bretagne was a breed of scenthound used to hunt wolves and wild boars throughout Brittany. They were fairly large dogs with short, dense coats, and they were a pale golden-brown in color. They had a considerably difficult temperament, which made them ideally suited for hunting dangerous game.

Their temperament could be erratic, and they were hard to control. Grand Fauves de Bretagne were known to kill goats and sheep while tracking other game, which was problematic. Grand Fauves de Bretagne existed as early as the 1520s when they were prized for their excellent hunting abilities.

They continued to hunt alongside their human companions well into the 19th century, but they ultimately went extinct for an interesting reason. When wolves were extirpated from the vast majority of France, the breed was no longer desirable.

Since there were no wolves to hunt, breeders stopped breeding the Grand Fauve de Bretagne. By the early 20th century, the breed was considered extinct. Before that happened, it was crossbred with Briquet Griffon Vendéens to create the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne, a breed that remains popular in France.

7 Russian Tracker

For centuries, the Russian Tracker was used to herd flocks of sheep throughout the Caucasus Mountains. These large dogs were fast and well-suited to chasing off wolves to protect their charges. They were also considered highly intelligent and capable of keeping a flock alive without any human involvement for long periods of time.

The Russian Tracker weighed around 100 lbs. (45 kg) and sported a thick coat that protected it from the harsh cold weather of its homeland. The coat was also helpful in protecting the dogs from predators, which came in handy whenever wolves strayed too close to their flocks.

Despite their usefulness and popularity in the region, the Russian Tracker disappeared around the late-19th century. They were phased out as other dogs were brought into the area, and conserving the breed wasn’t a high priority for the people who used them.

Instead of conservation, the Russian Tracker was bred with bloodhounds and other breeds to create something new and capable of replacing them. Eventually, they all disappeared, but it is believed that they may have been the ancestors of the Golden Retriever, along with several other breeds.

6 Blue Paul Terrier

The Blue Paul Terrier was a Scottish breed with a violent history. The dogs were bred primarily for fighting, though their exact origin remains something of a mystery. What is known is that they were introduced sometime in the late 18th century and are likely the result of crossing an Irish Blue Terrier with a White Bull and Terrier, which is also extinct.

The Blue Paul Terrier had a dark blue color and a smooth coat, making their appearance similar to some Greyhounds. They had a large head with a flat forehead with small ears that were usually cropped.

The breed was incredibly popular in Scotland throughout much of the 19th century. They were prized for their strength and courage, which made them perfect candidates for dogfighting. They were considered cunning and highly capable of taking down their opponents.

The Blue Paul Terrier was aggressive when fighting. This ultimately led to its downfall, as it didn’t make for a healthy home companion. The breed became extinct by the early 20th century, mainly due to the criminalization of dogfighting in Scotland. The remaining dogs were likely crossbred out of existence.

5 Rastreador Brasileiro

The Rastreador Brasileiro was a large Brazillian breed first recognized in 1967, making it one of the newest breeds to go extinct. They varied in color from bluish to black, with many variations of spots or speckles on their short, smooth coat. In appearance, they looked like the American Coonhound.

They were first developed in the 1950s to aid in hunting peccaries, which are medium-sized wild pigs found in Central and South America. They were bred from American and European breeds to create the desired outcome. Still, the Rastreador Brasileiro was not long for this world.

Soon after it was introduced, the Rastreador Brasileiro went extinct following a double whammy. An outbreak of disease coupled with an overdose of insecticide completely destroyed the entire breeding stock. By 1973, the breed was delisted, as it was considered extinct.

Fortunately, efforts have been underway to recreate the breed. This is being done by identifying mixed-breed dogs and crossbreeding them to try and return the first Brazillian breed to be recognized back into the world. While it hasn’t been fully reintroduced, the Brazillian Kennel Club officially re-recognized it in 2019.

4 Turnspit Dog

While many dogs were bred in the Middle Ages for specific purposes, they were most often used for hunting. The Turnspit Dog is something else entirely, as it was bred for one purpose and one purpose only: to help out in the kitchen! These dogs were first described in the 16th century and have been called Kitchen Dogs and Cooking Dogs.

Their specific purpose in the kitchen was to run on a wheel. This would turn a spit (hence the name) and cook meat. It wasn’t uncommon for a kitchen to employ two Turnspit Dogs, which would work in shifts. The breed was well-adapted to its role, and they remained in the employ of English cottages for centuries.

Unfortunately, the Turnspit Dog became the victim of automation or the 19th-century kitchen equivalent. The invention of the spinning jenny, a multi-spindle spinning frame, made the dogs obsolete. Of course, it took some time, but eventually, they were no longer needed in English kitchens.

Their presence eventually “became a stigma of poverty,” and they weren’t desirable. Without their specifically bred need, Turnspit Dogs went extinct around the turn of the 20th century. Interestingly, there exists only one known taxidermied turnspit dog named Whiskey at the Abergavenny Museum in Wales.

3 Argentine Polar Dog

The Argentine Polar Dog is not a breed many were familiar with while it was around. However, it was nonetheless popular and essential for a select group of people. The dogs were bred by the Argentine Army in the 1950s as sled dogs for its bases in Antarctica.

These working dogs were powerful and skillful dogs derived from crossbreeding the Siberian Husky, Greenland dog, Alaskan Malamute, and a Manchurian Spitz. They were fairly large, reaching around 132 lbs. (60 kg) for males. Their triple coat made them considerably well-adapted to the polar temperatures.

It took 11 Argentine Polar Dogs to drag a sled weighing 1.1 tons, and they could move it quickly. On flat terrain, they could move at 22 mph (35 km/h), making them perfect for the needs of the Argentine Army. Unfortunately, they were extinct by 1994.

In accordance with the Protocol on Environment Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, every Argentine Polar Dog was removed from the continent. This was done due to the threat they were believed to pose to the native wildlife. After they were removed, they died out, as they lost the ability to fight off common canine diseases due to their isolation in Antarctica.

2 English White Terrier

In the 1860s, an eager group of breeders dubbed the name “English White Terrier” for a new breed of dog they hoped to popularize. The English White Terrier is a pricked-ear version of the white terriers common during that time. Ultimately, the goal was to create a new show ring breed, but the plan didn’t come to fruition.

For about three decades, the English White Terrier was bred and sold throughout Britain with the goal of having them outperform the other terriers of the day. They were likely crossbred from a fox terrier and a White Italian Greyhound, and they were first recognized in 1874.

The English White Terrier was far from a working dog, as it had no characteristics that made it helpful in hunting or any other task common to dog breeds. They were meant entirely for show, but they did make for loving companion dogs that require “a considerable amount of cuddling and care.”

After about 30 years, the English White Terrier was extinct, but its genealogy lives on in modern breeds. It was crossbred with the Old English Bulldog. This pairing eventually led to the Bull and Boston Terriers.

1 Molossus

The Molossus was an ancient breed of dog favored by the Greek tribe and Kingdom of the Molossians, which is where it gets its name. These dogs were bred for their great size and ferocity, which made them ideal working dogs in the realm of hunting, fighting, and herding.

Molossus were exceptionally large dogs, and they were written about by some of antiquity’s greatest poets and scholars, including Aristotle, Horace, Virgil, and many others. The precise origin of the Molossus breed has been lost to history, though there are some surviving stories.

Some say that Alexander the Great brought the dogs back from Asia, while others believe they were initially bred by the Romans, who used them as guard dogs for the Roman Army. None of these stories have ever been confirmed, but they speak to the awe and majesty of the Molossus.

The Molossus went extinct, though it’s not known how this happened. Crossbreeding may have bred them out of existence, which isn’t an uncommon end for a dog breed. The Molossus is the ancestor of numerous modern breeds, including the American Bulldog, Rottweiler, Great Dane, Mastiff-type dogs, and many more.

10 Lies About Dogs We All Believe

They’re man’s best friend, but how many humans know what makes their dogs tick? Probably not enough, that’s how many. And given how much of their behavior is intended to communicate—with us, no less—we ought to have our tails between our legs. 

Here are 10 things you’ve seen your dog do but haven’t the faintest clue why.

10. Chasing cats

Contrary to popular belief, dogs don’t hate cats. After all, they’re perfectly capable of sharing a household. So why do they chase them so aggressively?

The reason is your dog’s hunting instinct. Some breeds, especially herders and hunters like Shepherds and Retrievers, chase cats more than others. But even toy breeds instinctively hound moving objects—whether it’s a ball, a stick, or a cat. And, unlike balls and sticks, cats instinctively flee, which of course makes matters worse.

There’s also a language barrier between cats and dogs. While a dog wags its tail to show willingness to interact, a cat usually wags in irritation. In other words, Catese for ‘Go away’ is Doggian for ‘Wanna play?’. Hence dogs have chased cats for millennia.

9. Panting

Ever wondered why your dog pants even when they’re just sitting still? Most of the time they’re not out of breath, they’re usually just hot or dehydrated. Dogs don’t sweat like we do (thank goodness), so they pant to keep themselves cool. What’s happening is they’re rapidly taking in air and humidifying it before exhaling so it evaporates from the nose and lungs—cooling the body from the inside out. 

Obviously they need plenty of air and access to water for this process. It’s how dogs can die within minutes from heatstroke when left in hot cars—even with the windows cracked open. They just don’t have enough air.

This isn’t the only reason for panting, though. Depending on the context, it could also indicate excitement, stress, or pain. Sometimes it’s a side effect from medicine. It could also be indicative of a toxic or allergic reaction. It’s important to be aware of all the possible causes so you know when your dog is in danger.

8. Licking you

When your dog licks you, it’s usually a greeting. Nothing mystifying about that. But if that’s all it is, why don’t dogs lick each other instead of going straight in for their customary butt sniff? 

It’s because it’s a puppy behavior. In the wild, when a mother returns to her pups from a hunt, her dependents will lick around her snout—prompting her to vomit up some food. That’s basically what you are to your dog, a lifelong mother. By providing for all of their needs, we encourage a permanent puppyhood. Such retention of juvenile behavior into adulthood is called ‘neoteny’. Another example is how vocal domesticated dogs are (like puppies) compared to dogs in the wild. 

Keep this in mind if you’re licking-averse. Punishing your dog for licking your face is cold as well as confusing. The best thing to do is let them at it. But if you really don’t like it, try covering your face and rewarding when they lick your hand instead. Or teach them an alternative greeting.

7. Digging (including indoors)

Dogs dig holes for any number of reasons, not just to hide bones like their pre-domesticated ancestors.

One key reason is their instinct for denning. Outside, a hole would keep them sheltered from cold weather and cooler in hot. This is also the reason why you might see your dog scratching as though digging indoors—particularly on their bed. Another reason, especially if your dog was bred for hunting, is an instinct to catch prey (such as gophers) in burrows.

Yet another reason, though, is stress relief. Separation anxiety is common in dogs and if they’re left on their own in the yard all day, they’ll often channel that stress into digging. It keeps them occupied, like OCD. At least until you come home and scold them for a behavior you didn’t understand.

6. Eating grass

It’s a common understanding that dogs eat grass when they want to throw up. You may have seen your own dog chewing the lawn until they vomit yellow foam. This is bile, which builds up overnight and irritates the stomach when it’s empty. The solution is a small evening meal.

But this isn’t the only reason dogs eat grass—or even the primary reason. In fact, according to a study, only 22 percent eat grass until they vomit, and only nine percent seem ill before they start. Clearly, something else is going on. 

Aside from boredom, the main reason why dogs eat grass appears to be dietary deficiency. Grass contains a number of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that they may not be getting from their food but which, instinctively, their once-wild bodies crave. It’s been suggested that fiber is a big one.

5. Tilting their head at you

When dogs tilt their head, you can almost hear a Scooby Doo “huh?”. And that’s kind of what it is (assuming they don’t have a medical problem). Head-tilting usually just means dogs have heard something they don’t understand—but want to. For many breeds, it compensates for their ears. Dachshunds, for example, with their flaps, might tilt to uncover the ear canal. 

But there’s probably more to it than that. After all, hearing isn’t exactly a handicap for dogs; it’s one of the ways they’re better than us. So actually what we’re seeing when they tilt their head may be super hearing in action. According to some experts, dogs tilt their heads to triangulate the source of a sound. 

Obviously this doesn’t explain why they tilt their head at us. Unfortunately it’s not entirely clear. However, it may have to do with their vision, with head-tilting compensating for snouts. That may be why Bulldogs and other short-nosed breeds tilt their heads less than others. It may also be that you’ve unwittingly rewarded this cute dog behavior in the past, encouraging them to do it more often. 

4. Cowering from thunderstorms

All dog owners know the stresses of a thunderstorm. All of a sudden, it’s like your happy-go-lucky best friend is in need of some serious counseling—especially if storms are rare where you live. They’re also likely to be more afraid if their first 14 weeks of life (their socialization window) fell outside of storm season. You freaking out also doesn’t help.

Interestingly, though, it’s not just the noise. Primarily, it’s the static electricity, which runs through their fur and causes discomfort. In fact, it can even cause shocks. 

This is why they hide. It’s not to evade some unseen threat; it’s to ground themselves and minimize the static. Knowing this, there are ways we can help—such as guiding them to a good grounding spot or rubbing their fur with an unscented dryer sheet. It’s important not to be too overbearing, though, since your dog is already unnerved.

3. Moonwalking after doing their business

We’ve all seen it, that strange ritual habit of scratching the ground with the hind legs after taking a dump. To the uninitiated, it looks like an instinct to bury their do-do, hiding their tracks from other dogs. But it’s actually the opposite. Dogs’ toe pads are some of the only places on their bodies with sweat glands, so by wiping them on the ground they’re deliberately leaving their scent. Meanwhile, digging in at the same time with their claws leaves a clear visual mark for other dogs to find. The stronger the mark, the more impressive the dog—which is why they “sign their art” with such gusto. 

You see, for dogs toilet time is a social occasion; every deposit is packed with information. You may want to bear this in mind next time you catch them eating poop. Not only is it a behavior they learned from their mother, they’re communing with the neighbor dog that left it. (If nothing else, there’s minimal risk and it can even provide nutritional value.) 

Dogs sniff pee for much the same reason: Gathering intel. In fact, so data-rich is a puddle of pee that while dogs usually fail the traditional self-awareness test (e.g. putting them in front of a mirror with a mark on their body to see if they try to shake it off), they can easily identify their own urine.

2. Wagging their tail

We learn it in preschool: Dogs wag their tails when they’re happy. But, as you’ve probably learned since, it’s really not that simple. Dogs do wag their tails when they’re happy, but they wag for other reasons too—positive and negative. So all it can be said to reliably mean is your dog is communicating something. And you might want to learn to translate.

It depends on the speed and position. According to PetMD, a slightly upright tail wagging at moderate speed is Doggian for “I’m happy.” As it gets faster and faster—becoming the so-called ‘helicopter tail’—it tells you they’re super excited. No surprises there. But did you know that when the tail is arched over the back it indicates aggression? In this case the speed of the wag is a measure of how much the dog wants to bite you.

There’s also an important difference between wagging to the left side or right. It doesn’t matter what breed your dog is; when their tail is wagging slightly to the left, it means they’re feeling anxious, and when it’s wagging slightly to the right, it means they’re feeling friendly. And as pseudoscientific as this sounds, it has been extensively studied—particularly in the context of left-right asymmetries in the brain.

1. Walking in a circle before lying down

The received wisdom as to why dogs circle their bedding, or the couch, or the floor, or wherever they’re about to rest, is that they’re scanning the horizon for threats. Another common theory is that they’re scaring off vermin and pests. But, according to research, the explanation is actually pretty simple: They’re treading out bumps. Animal psychologist Professor Stanley Coren found dogs were three times as likely to circle on uneven bedding.

But why then do we also see dogs walking in a circle before doing their business outside? Scanning the horizon, right? No. Strangely enough, studies show a clear preference among dogs for pooping in alignment with the Earth’s magnetic field—at least for the fifth of the day when it’s stable. More specifically, they like a north-south alignment and avoid east-west.

Researchers aren’t sure why. Maybe dogs just feel better this way. Other animals, including birds and cows, also align themselves with the magnetic field of the planet. Whatever the reason, though, it seems fair to assume that it also comes into play when they’re circling for rest.

Looking for a great dog movie to watch with your dog? Dogs are not only the superstars of our lives, they are movie superstars also. There are a number of movies that are dedicated to our canine buddies, and they are great for any family or friends movie night.

Here are 10 great dog movies.

1. Marley & Me

Marley is a Labrador that has always been independent and unruly. Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson are the couple who eventually adopt him in Marley & Me, an enjoyable movie with plenty of events to give you new doggie goals. The film’s heartwarming moments will make it great for both of you; this should be your next family-friendly flick night out.

2. A Dog’s Purpose

The storyline of the movie is based on a book by W. Bruce Cameron and revolves around events that take place after the re-birth of an old dog, who serves his purpose four times before understanding it himself. The film will make you weepy for sure but in general, can be considered emotional and fulfilling to watch.

3. The Secret Life of Pets

Pets are known for being loyal and loving. But what do they do when you’re not around? How does their day look like? The Secret Life of Pets is the answer to these questions. This movie reveals everything your pets might be doing while we’re miles away at work or school, whether it’s sleeping in a cozy bed all day long or having an epic adventure with other animals! If you want something that will make you laugh out loud then this film is perfect for you – just don’t tell our furry friends about it until after watching so as not to spoil any surprises.

4. 101 Dalmatians

This is one of the most famous movies in recent history. It’s a classic story of dalmatian puppies escaping from Cruella De Vil and having to go on an adventure before they are found again- but unlike almost every other Disney film out there it has no magic spells, singing princesses nor does it involve any romance with princes. What makes this so great though? You can watch it both as cartoons and movie.

5. Dog Days

If you are a pet owner and wondering how your pet and especially a dog is making your life better then this movie is for you. Watch as these dog owners learn more about themselves through caring for their furry friends and come closer to each other in the process. The film shows that our pets bring us closer together with other people in both unexpected and amazing ways.

6. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

When the family goes on vacation, they leave their pets behind at a relative’s house. The two dogs and one cat are devastated by this thought of abandonment so much that they undertake an epic journey to find their loved ones. During the adventure, there is plenty of laughter as well as emotional moments along it. This story has something for everyone.

7. Beethoven

Beethoven has a reputation for being one of the most well-known and popular movies about dogs. It follows a Saint Bernard who is full of limitless energy, as he causes some damage to his owners’ house while also making it an adventure worth remembering in this whimsical film. By the end, they learn that even though their family now includes these large canines with questionable table manners–they are wonderful friends.

8. Air Bud

If you’re looking to motivate your dog and teach him how to stay active, this movie is just the thing for it. You’ll be able to see what a golden retriever does when he’s at his best during games and has plenty of winning streaks. In addition, while watching this film, you will also get some insight into which games you could play with your dog.

9. Bolt

Bolt is a great movie for the entire family to watch. The story follows Bolt, an adorable dog who plays the role of a dog with superpowers. The story begins when he gets lost and thinks that his owner has abandoned him, and he still is the super dog. In the process of finding his owner, he meets and befriends a black cat who has been abandoned by her owners and lives on the streets.

10. Lassie

The powerful movie demonstrates how love can overcome all odds, with a boy who refuses to give up on his dog no matter what. It has a powerful message about the power of love. The boy refused to give up on Lassie even though he was told that they could no longer afford him and it is clear from watching how much the dog loves his owner, which allows them to overcome any obstacles together.

All of these movies are great and show how dogs could make our lives better and more worth living. And they make great movies for weekends.

Did we miss any movie? Let us know in the comments below.