Quite Interesting Facts
Dog facts

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Dog facts

Dog facts

  • Chocolate can kill a dog. Theobromine, a substance similar to caffeine, is a bitter alkaloid of the cocoa plant, found in chocolate. Dogs metabolise theobromine far more slowly than humans, so even small amounts of chocolate can cause lethal amounts to build up.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Dog's nose prints are like human fingerprints - every single one is completely unique.

  • 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.

  • 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.
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