15 Dog Myths and Misconceptions Busted! #7 Will Shock You!

Dogs have fascinated humans for millennia, yet many myths about our canine companions persist. In this article, we will debunk 15 common myths and misconceptions about dogs, separating fact from fiction to enhance our understanding of these beloved pets.

1. Dogs See in Black and White and Are Colorblind

Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not see the world in black and white, nor are they completely colorblind. While dogs’ color perception differs from that of humans, they can still distinguish between certain hues.

Dogs possess dichromatic vision, meaning they have two types of cone cells in their retinas, unlike humans, who have trichromatic vision with three types of cone cells. This difference limits dogs’ color range, but it doesn’t mean they see only in grayscale.

Research, including studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, has shown that dogs can differentiate between blue and yellow. However, they struggle with red and green, perceiving these colors as shades of gray or brown—similar to how red-green color blindness affects humans.

Dogs’ vision has evolved to excel in other areas. They have a higher concentration of rod cells, which help detect motion and improve vision in low-light conditions. This adaptation grants them superior night vision compared to humans.

2. A Warm, Dry Nose Indicates Illness

Many dog owners believe that a warm, dry nose is a sure sign of illness in their pets. However, this is a misconception that can lead to unnecessary worry.

A dog’s nose temperature and moisture level can fluctuate throughout the day due to various factors. These include environmental conditions, activity level, and even the dog’s sleep cycle. A warm or dry nose alone is not a reliable indicator of a dog’s health status.

Veterinarians emphasize that other symptoms are more indicative of illness. These include changes in appetite, energy levels, behavior, or the presence of unusual discharges. A consistently warm and dry nose, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, may warrant a veterinary check-up.

It’s important to note that some breeds, particularly brachycephalic dogs like Pugs or Bulldogs, naturally have drier noses due to their facial structure. This characteristic doesn’t necessarily indicate poor health in these breeds.

3. Dogs Age Seven Years for Every Human Year

The notion that one dog year equals seven human years is a widely accepted but inaccurate simplification of canine aging. In reality, dogs age at different rates depending on their size, breed, and individual characteristics.

Research conducted by the University of California San Diego School of Medicine has provided a more nuanced understanding of dog aging. They found that dogs age rapidly in their first year, equivalent to about 30 human years. The aging rate then slows down in subsequent years.

Large breeds tend to have shorter lifespans and age more quickly than smaller breeds. For instance, a 7-year-old Great Dane might be considered a senior, while a 7-year-old Chihuahua would still be in its adult prime.

Veterinarians now use more sophisticated age comparison charts that take into account these factors. These charts provide a more accurate representation of a dog’s life stage and help in tailoring appropriate care and health screenings.

4. A Dog’s Mouth Is Cleaner Than a Human’s

It’s a common myth that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s. In reality, both dog and human mouths harbor diverse bacterial populations, and scientific evidence does not support the idea that one is inherently “cleaner” than the other.

Dogs’ mouths contain a wide variety of bacteria, many of which are unique to their species. While many of these bacteria are harmless to dogs, some can cause zoonotic diseases—infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. For this reason, it’s best to avoid letting dogs lick open wounds or faces to minimize potential bacterial transmission.

A study published in the journal “PLOS ONE” by Sanguansermsri et al. (2018) found significant differences in the protein composition of dog and human saliva. The researchers identified over 2,500 proteins that showed different expression in dogs compared to humans, with 79 proteins found only in dog saliva.

The concept of “cleanliness” is somewhat misleading in this context, as the types of bacteria present differ between dogs and humans. Regular dental care, including brushing and professional cleanings, is essential for maintaining good oral health in dogs.

5. A Wagging Tail Always Means a Happy Dog

While a wagging tail is often associated with a happy dog, this behavior can actually convey a range of emotions. The key to understanding a dog’s mood lies in observing the entire body language, including ear position, facial expression, and posture, not just the tail.

Research in canine behavior has shown that the position, speed, and direction of the tail wag can indicate different emotional states. A study published in “Current Biology” found that dogs tend to wag their tails to the right when they feel positive emotions and to the left when they feel negative emotions.

A high, stiff wag may suggest alertness or aggression, whereas a low, slow wag might indicate insecurity or submission. A relaxed, mid-level wag is typically associated with a calm, friendly dog.

Understanding these nuances in tail wagging can help prevent misunderstandings and potential conflicts between dogs and humans.

6. Dogs Only Eat Grass When They’re Sick

The belief that dogs eat grass solely to induce vomiting when they’re sick is a common misconception. While some dogs may eat grass when they have an upset stomach, this behavior has multiple potential causes.

According to some studies, less than 25% of dogs vomit after eating grass, and only 10% show signs of illness before consuming grass. This suggests that inducing vomiting is not the primary reason for grass-eating behavior.

Many dogs eat grass just because they like the taste or texture. Grass contains fiber, which can aid digestion. Some experts believe that grass-eating might be an innate behavior inherited from wild canine ancestors who consumed whole prey, including stomach contents often containing plant matter.

Occasional grass consumption is generally harmless for dogs. However, it’s important to ensure the grass hasn’t been treated with pesticides or herbicides. If a dog shows excessive grass-eating behavior or signs of illness, it’s advisable to consult a veterinarian.

7. Dogs Feel Guilty When They’ve Done Something Wrong

Many dog owners believe their pets display guilty looks when they’ve misbehaved. However, research indicates that what we see as guilt is actually a reaction to human behavior.

A study published in the journal “Behavioural Processes” found that dogs’ guilty looks were more pronounced when owners scolded them, regardless of whether the dog had actually misbehaved. This suggests that the “guilty look” is a learned response to human disapproval rather than a reflection of the dog’s understanding of its actions.

Dogs are very sensitive to human emotions and body language. What we perceive as guilt may be a submissive response to our angry or disappointed tone and posture. Dogs may lower their heads, avoid eye contact, or show other appeasement behaviors to diffuse potential conflict.

Instead of attributing human emotions to dogs, it’s more effective to focus on positive reinforcement training methods to encourage desired behaviors.

8. All Dogs Love to Be Petted

While many dogs enjoy physical affection, it’s a misconception that all dogs universally love to be petted. Dogs, like humans, have individual preferences and comfort levels when it comes to touch.

Research in canine behavior has shown that dogs have sensitive areas where they may or may not enjoy being touched. A study published in the “Journal of Veterinary Behavior” found that many dogs showed signs of stress when petted on the top of the head, muzzle, or paws.

Some dogs may tolerate petting out of learned behavior rather than enjoyment. Signs that a dog might not be comfortable with petting include turning away, lip licking, yawning, or showing a “whale eye” (where you can see the white part of their eye).

It’s important to respect a dog’s individual boundaries and learn to read their body language. Some dogs prefer other forms of interaction, such as play or training exercises, over physical affection.

9. Dogs Can Only Learn When They’re Young

The adage “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is a popular misconception. In reality, dogs can learn at any age, and lifelong learning is beneficial for their cognitive health.

Research in canine cognition has shown that older dogs can learn new commands and behaviors. A study published in “GeroScience” journal found that older dogs performed as well as younger ones in learning new tasks, although they might take longer to master them.

Continuing education and training throughout a dog’s life can help maintain cognitive function and prevent age-related mental decline. Activities like puzzle toys, new tricks, and scent work can provide mental stimulation for dogs of all ages.

It’s important to adjust training methods for older dogs, considering potential physical limitations or sensory changes. Shorter training sessions with more repetitions can be effective for senior dogs.

10. A Fenced Yard Is Enough Exercise for a Dog

Many dog owners believe that having a fenced yard provides sufficient exercise for their pets. However, this is a misconception that can lead to under-exercised and potentially behaviorally challenged dogs.

While a fenced yard provides a safe space for a dog to relieve itself and enjoy some outdoor time, it doesn’t guarantee adequate physical activity or mental stimulation. Dogs often need structured exercise and interaction to meet their physical and psychological needs.

Research has shown that lack of exercise can lead to obesity and associated health problems in dogs. A study published in Nature by Sanguansermsri et al. (2024) found that insufficient physical activity in dogs is associated with an increased risk for noncommunicable diseases and impaired quality of life.

Another study by Vitger et al. (2016) demonstrated positive effects on weight and body condition score in obese dogs that performed regular treadmill exercises.

Different breeds and individual dogs have different exercise needs. Working breeds like Border Collies or Huskies typically need more intense exercise than smaller companion breeds. However, all dogs benefit from regular walks, play sessions, and mental stimulation activities.

11. Dogs Can’t Be Left-Handed or Right-Handed

Contrary to popular belief, dogs can show “handedness” or paw preference, similar to human left or right-handedness.

Research has shown that dogs, like humans, have a “dominant side” when it comes to certain tasks. This means that dogs often prefer to use one paw over the other, similar to how people are left- or right-handed.

A study by Duncan et al. (2022) found that most dogs—both male and female—tend to favor their right paw when doing specific tasks. This overall trend across many dogs is called a “population-level” preference.

Interestingly, dogs show a difference between males and females in which paw they prefer to use, similar to how humans have a gender difference in left- or right-handedness.

Several studies, including those by Wells (2003), McGreevy et al. (2010), and Quaranta et al. (2004) found that female dogs are more likely to be right-pawed than male dogs.

You can see these paw preferences when dogs do things like trying to remove something from their face or holding down a toy. How strong this preference is can vary depending on the task and the individual dog.

Understanding a dog’s paw preference can be useful in training and in identifying potential health issues. Changes in paw preference might indicate neurological problems or injuries.

12. Dogs Only Pant When They’re Hot

While panting is indeed a way for dogs to regulate their body temperature, it’s not the only reason they pant.

Dogs may pant due to various reasons, including excitement, stress, pain, or certain medical conditions. Research has shown that panting can be associated with a dog’s emotional state and overall well-being.

In a study on dog behavior, researchers paid close attention to panting. They described panting as “fast, shallow breathing with an open mouth, sometimes with the tongue out.” This shows they see panting as an important clue about how a dog might be feeling.

They also looked for hyperventilation (very heavy or rapid breathing) as a sign that a dog might be stressed or uncomfortable. This means that, in some situations, lots of panting could signal that a dog is feeling distressed.

Brachycephalic breeds, like Pugs or Bulldogs, may pant more frequently due to their facial structure, which can make breathing more difficult.

Excessive or unusual panting patterns should be monitored, as they could indicate underlying health issues such as heart problems or respiratory disorders.

13. All Dog Breeds Are Natural Swimmers

The belief that all dogs are natural swimmers is a dangerous misconception. While many dogs enjoy water, not all breeds are built for swimming.

Dogs with short legs, like Dachshunds and Basset Hounds, can struggle to stay afloat, as they don’t have the leg length to paddle efficiently. Breeds with heavy, muscular chests, such as Bulldogs, can become unbalanced and tire quickly.

Dogs with flat faces (or “brachycephalic” breeds), like Pugs and French Bulldogs, may have trouble breathing comfortably in the water, which can cause them to panic or struggle.

To keep dogs safe, it’s important to introduce them to water gradually, watching their comfort level and never forcing them. Using a dog-specific life jacket can help support them, making it easier for them to float and feel secure.

14. Dogs Can Mate with Any Other Breed

While dogs of different breeds can mate, it’s not always safe or advisable. The misconception that any dog can safely mate with any other breed overlooks important health considerations.

Size differences between breeds can lead to complications during mating or delivery. For example, a male Chihuahua and a female Great Dane would face significant physical challenges.

Genetic diversity is important, but indiscriminate breeding can lead to health issues. When certain dog breeds are bred specifically for desirable traits, it can raise the risk of passing on inherited diseases. These breeding practices reduce genetic variety and increase harmful genetic traits, making some dogs more likely to develop health issues.

For instance, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have experienced a genetic “bottleneck,” where limited diversity has made them more prone to inheriting certain health issues, including myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), a serious heart condition.

Responsible breeding considers factors like genetic health, temperament, and physical compatibility.

15. Dogs Have Poor Memory

The belief that dogs have poor memory is unfounded. Research shows that dogs have impressive memory capabilities.

A study published in “Current Biology” found that dogs can remember complex actions their owners performed up to an hour earlier, demonstrating episodic-like memory.

Dogs also exhibit long-term memory, particularly for emotionally significant events. They can remember people, places, and experiences for a long time.

Their ability to learn and retain commands over time further demonstrates their memory capacity. Ongoing mental stimulation through training and play can help maintain cognitive function as dogs age.