You might own a lot of dogs or Spike may have been your best friend for more than three years, but I can still say there are many things that you don’t know about man’s best companion.

#1. The “Smell” Center of a Dog’s Brain Is 40 Times Larger Than Yours

If you were asked what’s that one thing dogs have that we don’t, what would be your answer?

Well, it’s the 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses (even though I would have said their loyalty) compared to the six million in us. No one can beat the incredible sense of smell of dogs(except maybe Jerry and his smell for cheese).

This astonishing ability to be able to detect a teaspoon of sugar in an Olympic-sized pool or a rotten apple in two million barrels, I wish I had that.

#2. Your Dog Can Hear Better Than You

Were you browsing quietly on your phone when suddenly your dog’s ears prick up, even when you didn’t hear the buzzing sound of a fly?

And, no, he is not crazy. Nor, is it time to take him to a pet psychologist. Instead, he’s picking up sounds that you cannot hear. This impressive ability saved the life of 12-year-old Michael Auberry, who went missing in the woods for three days.

And, this superpower comes from the 18 muscles that control the ears of dogs, while ours consist of only 6.

#3. Dogs Dream Like People

Woke up from a horrible nightmare? (even worse than Harry seeing Voldemort) And, then you see your pooch sleeping soundly and think how lucky he is for not getting dreams. Wrong!

Several studies indicate that dogs have similar sleep patterns and brain activity as human beings. While you might be dreaming about that promotion or getting under the skirt of that new “chick”, your puppy might be dreaming of chasing rabbits.

#4. Dogs Only Mate Twice a Year

Dogs might dream like us, but when it comes to sexual activity, there is no similarity at all. Don’t be shocked, but apparently, dogs go into heat only twice a year. Can you imagine having that “fun” only twice a year?

#5. It’s Not Abnormal For Dogs To Eat Feces

Not the first time you hear that dogs can eat their own feces? Well, did you know that this utterly disgusting behavior is considered normal by the ASPCA?

Gross, I know, but this is more common in puppies compared to older dogs.

#6. Dogs Get Jealous

Ever praised another woman in front of your “woman”? Ever commented on the abs of Jason Statham in front of your boyfriend? If not, try it once (at your own risk, of course). I’m sure you would either get that sullen and gloomy look with clenched teeth or that small growl.

What’s that feeling? It’s called the “green-eyed monster.” In other words, jealousy!

But did you know that jealousy can also creep up on your dog?

As per some pet experts, “Your dog can act jealous when you give other dogs attention. It might not be exactly how we experience jealousy, but research has shown that it’s similar to how an infant might get jealous.”

#6. Suicide Dogs During Nazi Time

During World War II, when the redoubtable and evil enemy was not far away from the Kremlin gates, fully armed with explosives and machine guns, the situation was getting more and more hopeless.

When the situation reached a level even higher than hopeless, where the Soviet troops were out of effective anti-tank weapons, they had no other option than to use highly-trained military dogs.

The dogs were equipped with explosives all over their bodies and were trained to crawl under enemy tanks to destroy them. The training process consisted of letting them starved for days and teaching them not to fear heavy artillery.

Today, I know this will be seen as a cruel act in the eyes of many animal rights activists and I agree with them. However, it is important to remember that this act was done out of desperation.

If you want to learn more about these fascinating animals, why don’t you come back for the second part of this article?