9 Fascinating facts about dogs
Published on Wed Aug 1 2018 in Lifestyle
Pup, hound, pooch, fido… whatever word you use for dogs, you no doubt know that they are exceptional animals! Known for their unending loyalty and obedience, canines have held a special place in the human world for centuries. They’re one of the world’s most popular pets, with hundreds of breeds designed for all manner of jobs and temperaments.
In celebration of these faithful friends, here are nine fascinating facts about these furry creatures:
1. Dogs are New Zealand’s second most popular pet.
According to a report from the NZ Companion Animal Council (NZCAC), some 28% of Kiwi homes have at least one dog. That’s second only to cats, who share 44% of our homes.
2. We’re a bit particular about where we get our canine companions.
That same report found that almost half of all NZ dogs are purchased from a breeder or pet shop. Only 12% were adopted from the SPCA or an animal shelter, and just 2% of people said they took in a stray dog.
3. Canines are one of mankind’s oldest animal chums.
Dogs were the first animal that humans domesticated, welcoming these furry friends into the fold before we even started farming. Early humans may have found dogs useful in alerting them to danger and helping on the hunt.
4. Dogs are also good to have around on a cold night.
Another reason why humans may have domesticated dogs was to help provide warmth in winter. Indigenous Australians even have an expression that suggests this use. An exceptionally cold night is known as a “three dog night,” because it’s so cold that you need three dogs sleeping around you to stay warm!
5. Keeping dogs as pets is a fairly new practice.
Before the 1700s, canines were mostly kept for hunting and defense. The exception were “lap-dogs,” which were looked down upon because of their association with women. But as time went on, dogs snuggled their way into human hearts. By the mid-18th Century we start to see positive phrases about dogs, including the title of “man’s best friend.”
6. New Zealand’s most popular breed is the Labrador retriever.
NZ Kennel Club statistics show that Labradors are the purebred of choice for Kiwis. Nearly 42,000 were registered throughout the country in 2016. The Labrador’s popularity may be because they are great with children, making them an excellent fit for many families.
7. The oldest dog was named Bluey.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the oldest dog ever verified was an Australian cattle dog who lived in Victoria, Australia. Bluey lived to an impressive 29 years and 5 months! The average Aussie cattle dog lives for around 13-15 years, making Bluey one exceptional pet.
8. Dogs have been to outer space!
In 1957, Laika (a stray dog found on the streets of Moscow), became the first living animal to enter Earth’s orbit. Sadly, she died during the mission, but other Soviet space dogs were luckier. Strelka, who went to space in 1960, returned to Earth and went on to have six puppies.
9. One of Strelka’s puppies became President Kennedy’s pet.
Jackie Kennedy was quite taken with the Soviet Union’s space dogs, and asked Premier Khrushchev for one of Strelka’s puppies. A few months later, a pup named Pushinka arrived at the White House with a little Russian passport! After the FBI screened her for bugs, the puppy became part of the president’s family.
Thinking about adding a new dog to the family? Consider all the costs of pet ownership before you buy.
About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.
Sources:
NZ Companion Animal Council, Companion Animals in New Zealand 2016
Cornell Chronicle, Study narrows origin of dogs
Wikipedia, Australian Cattle Dog; Bluey (dog); Dog
The Phrase Finder, Man’s best friend
NZ Herald, The most popular dogs in New Zealand
BBC, The stray dogs that led the space race
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