Running a Gulf Coast of Florida pooper scooper service like Dog Scoopers means we get to learn fun facts about dogs we never knew. Beyond cleaning up after them, dog lovers are often fascinated by just how smart, athletic, and unique dogs really are. Here are some incredible facts about dogs that every pet parent and every professional pooper scooper should know.
Dogs Can Understand Over 100 Words
Most pups can follow basic commands like “sit” or “stay,” but the average dog actually understands around 165 words. The smartest breeds, such as Border Collies, can comprehend up to 500 words or more!
A legendary Border Collie named Chaser once learned the names of over 1,000 toys thanks to her owner, Dr. John Pilley. She could pick out toys by name, group them into categories, and even follow multi-step commands like “fetch the frisbee” or “touch with your nose.”
This level of comprehension shows just how emotionally aware and intelligent dogs can be.
Greyhounds Can Outrun a Cheetah in a Long Race
It sounds impossible, but it’s true. In a long-distance race, a Greyhound would likely beat a cheetah. Cheetahs can sprint up to 70 mph but only for about 20 seconds before overheating. Greyhounds, built for endurance, can maintain 35 to 40 mph for several minutes, making them the marathon champions of the animal kingdom.
Their lean bodies and deep chests allow for impressive lung capacity.
Some Dogs Have Webbed Feet
Certain breeds, like Labradors and Newfoundlands, have webbed feet, thin skin between the toes that helps them swim and walk on soft terrain. These breeds were originally bred for water work:
- Labradors retrieved fishnets and waterfowl.
- Newfoundlands assisted in water rescues.
- Portuguese Water Dogs helped fishermen herd fish.
The webbing acts like paddles, letting them push through water with ease. So if you visit lakes or beaches, don’t be surprised to see dogs diving right in with webbed paws leading the way!
Dogs Can Catch Human Yawns
If you’ve ever yawned and seen your dog do it too, that’s not a coincidence. This is called contagious yawning, a behavior linked to empathy and emotional connection.
Dogs are far more likely to mimic yawns from their owners or people they trust, showing how emotionally in tune they are with humans. This insight into canine empathy reminds pet care professionals, including dog waste removal specialists — that dogs are deeply connected to our moods and energy.
Dalmatians Are Born Completely White
Dalmatians enter the world without their famous black or brown spots. The pattern begins developing around two weeks after birth and continues for several months. No two Dalmatians share the same pattern, making each one as unique as a fingerprint.
Their spots come from a genetic trait known as piebald spotting, and the pigmentation often matches on both fur and skin. This makes Dalmatians not only beautiful but a reminder that every dog our pooper scooper service cares for is truly one of a kind.
Dogs Have a Third Eyelid
Dogs have something humans don’t, a nictitating membrane, or third eyelid. It slides diagonally across the eye from the inner corner and serves several key purposes:
- Protection: Shields the cornea from dust and debris.
- Moisture: Keeps eyes lubricated through tear production.
- Immunity: Provides an extra layer of defense against infection.
You might notice it when your dog is sleepy or recovering from illness. However, if the third eyelid stays visible, it could indicate dehydration, injury, or a condition like cherry eye, which should be evaluated by a vet.
Why Dog Knowledge Matters for Pooper Scooper Services
Owning or working in a pooper scooper business isn’t just about keeping yards clean, it’s about understanding dogs and their habits. Knowing how dogs think, play, and behave helps professionals anticipate their needs, build trust with clients, and provide safer, more attentive care.
A pooper scooper service that’s informed about canine behavior can go beyond cleanup, offering valuable insights, recognizing when a pet might be unwell, and strengthening the bond between dogs and their humans.
As North Florida’s #1 pooer scooper business, Dog Scoopers loves learning about our furry friends. The most intelligent, loyal, and fascinating companions on Earth.
👉 Contact Dog Scoopers today and let us pick up the dog poop so you don’t have to!
