Pub trivia: Dogs
Dogs
It's said that a dog is a man's best friend. All our friends happen to be human, but we're not going to judge a man that keeps canine company. Here are some furry facts to fascinate your friends with, whoever they are.
-
Fact
Chocolate can kill a dog. Theobromine, a substance similar to caffeine, is a bitter alkaloid that is found in cocoa. Dogs metabolise theobromine far more slowly than humans, so even small amounts of chocolate can cause lethal amounts to build up.
-
Fact
Founded on November 5th 1875, Blackburn Rovers owes its name to its lowly beginnings. The team lacked an official ground for quite some time after its formation, causing them to be dubbed the "Rovers".
-
Fact
Dog's nose prints are like human fingerprints - every single one is completely unique.
-
Fact
Ever wondered why dogs turn around several times before they lie down? It's all down to genetic memory, and stems from the days when their wild ancestors would trample down grass and foliage to make a bed for the night.
-
Fact
The first animal to be sent into space was a dog called Laika. Found wandering the streets of Moscow, she was trained as a cosmonaut and died in orbit on November 2 1957. The fact that she was never intended to survive the mission has been a source of controversy ever since.
-
Fact
We have a dog to thank for both Chewbacca and Indiana Jones. The dog in question was George Lucas's pet Alaskan malamute Indiana, whose name was given to the archaeologist and whose appearance and character inspired the Star Wars Wookiee.
-
Fact
The original dog to play Lassie was actually called Pal, and almost every Lassie since then has been one of Pal's direct descendants, specially bred to mimic the original. In fact, the Lassie "look" – four white feet, full white collar, white blaze on nose – is trademarked.
-
Fact
One of the most ancient and idolised dog breeds still around today is the Basenji, which was a favourite pet of the pharaohs. It's also notable for being the only breed that doesn't bark – though it does make an odd yodelling sound instead.
Dara O'Briain interview
Suavely suited and booted, Irish wit Dara O'Briain's tongue is as sharp as a jagged razor blade. We chatted to the big man (he's 6' 4'') about college, cartoons and off-the-cuffery.
Danny Wallace interview
His book Yes Man has been turned into a Hollywood film, so we caught up with Scottish-born comic Danny Wallace for all the glitzy goss.
