Canine Mythbusting: Fact, Fiction, or Folklore?

In this episode, we dig deep into the depths of dog lore to separate fact from fiction.

If humans understood all the wags of a dog’s tail there might not be so many misconceptions about what they prefer to eat, whether or not they want that giant hug, or if they really play poker. But, the better we get to know our favorite dogs, the more myths we’re able to bust. More importantly, the better humans understand their dog’s needs, signals, and communication, the stronger the bond between us becomes.

 

Bonafide Bits

• Great Danes are actually German, not Danish.
• In 2023, Bobi, a Rafeiro do Alentejo in Portugal, was verified to be the world’s oldest dog at 30 years old.
• You really can teach old dogs new tricks, as expertly demonstrated by 95 Border Collies at the Clever Dog Lab in Austria.
• Dogs can see color, but are more likely to see blue and yellow toys than popular red or orange toys.
• Plants in the Allium family, particulary onions, are toxic to all dog breeds but more toxic to Japanese breeds such as Akitas and Shiba Inus.

Featured Breeds:

Bernese Mountain Dog

Big, powerful, and built for hard work, the Bernese Mountain Dog is also strikingly beautiful and blessed with a sweet, affectionate nature. Berners are generally placid but are always up for a romp with the owner, whom they live to please. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy worker who can stand over 27 inches at the shoulder. The thick, silky, and moderately long coat is tricolored: jet black, clear white, and rust. The distinctive markings on the coat and face are breed hallmarks and, combined with the intelligent gleam in the dark eyes, add to the Berner's aura of majestic nobility. A hardy dog who thrives in cold weather, the Berner's brain and brawn helped him multitask on the farms and pastures of Switzerland. Berners get along with the entire family and are particularly gentle with children, but they will often become more attached to one lucky human. Berners are imposing but not threatening, and they maintain an aloof dignity with strangers. Discover more about Bernese Mountain Dogs at AKC’s Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Biography.

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is a balanced, graceful dog of terrier-like demeanor, weighing no more than six pounds. The rounded “apple” head is a breed hallmark. The erect ears and full, luminous eyes are acutely expressive. Coats come in many colors and patterns and can be long or short. The varieties are identical except for the coat. Chihuahuas possess loyalty, charm, and a big-dog attitude. Even tiny dogs require training, and without it, this clever scamp will rule your household like a little Napoleon. Compact and confident, Chihuahuas are ideal city pets. They are too small for roughhousing with kids, and special care must be taken in cold weather, but Chihuahuas are adaptable as long as they get lots of quality time in their preferred lap. Discover more about Chihuahuas at AKC’s Chihuahua Breed Biography.

Chinese Crested 

With their spotted pink skin, spiky “crested” hairdo, furry socks, and feathery tail, you can’t mistake the sweet and slender Chinese Crested for any other breed. This frolicsome, ultra-affectionate companion dog is truly a breed apart. The Chinese Crested, a lively and alert toy breed standing between 11 and 13 inches high, can be hairless or coated. The hairless variety has smooth