Down-Low About Dogs

The canine nose works one million times more efficiently than the human nose.

Dalmatians, with all those cute black spots, are born white.

The Bloodhound doesn’t need to smell blood to find someone who is lost. It is said that its name instead means blooded hound, or aristocratic.

Barbara Bush’s book, Millie’s Book, is all about her English Springer Spaniel and was on the bestseller list for 29 weeks. Millie was the most popular “First Dog” in history.

Pekingese dogs were sacred to the emperors of China for more than 2,000 years. They are one of the oldest breeds of dogs in the world.

Perhaps many believe that the Canary Islands were named for a bird called the canary. Actually, they were named after a breed of large dogs. The Latin name was Canariae insulae – “Island of Dogs.”

The smallest breed of dog recognized by the American Kennel Club is the Chihuahua, which stands six to nine inches at the top of the shoulders and weighs two to six pounds. The largest in height is the Irish Wolfhound, which stands 30 to 35 inches at the top of the shoulders and weighs 105 to 125 pounds.

The only dog in the world that cannot bark is the Basenji, an African wolf dog, but they do make other noises like whining and howling.

At the end of the Beatles’ song “A Day in the Life,” an ultrasonic whistle, audible only to dogs, was recorded by Paul McCartney for his Shetland Sheepdog.

George Washington had 36 Foxhounds, and one was named Sweetlips.

The phrase “Dog Days of Summer” comes from an ancient Roman belief. It was believed that the Dog star, Sirius, gave off a lot of heat and caused higher temperatures during the months of June, July and August.

About Dog’s Best Friend

According to a recent AKC and Iams Company survey of 1,000 dog owners, the following information holds true:

Here Comes the Dog. Fifty-two percent of pet owners say they would include their dog in their wedding.

Why Go to a Therapist? Forty percent of pet owners say they’d share a secret with their dogs before anyone else.

Need an Exercise buddy? Eighty percent of pet owners say owning a dog increases their likelihood of exercising regularly.

All in the Family! Forty percent of pet owners sleep with their dogs in the bed.

Say no More! Eighty-five percent of dog owners say they understand what their dogs are saying when the barking begins. And, 93 percent think their dogs understand their owners.

My dog’s the best! Ninety percent of pet owners say they are more appreciative of their dog after watching a dog show on TV!

In photo: Knotty, Fourth Annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship 2005 Best in Show

2005 Iams Viewers’ Choice Award

Breed: Bloodhound

Age: 4

Home State:California

AKC Show Name: CH Heather’s Knock on Wood

Titles:

No. 1 Bloodhound in the United States and No. 1 hound in the United States

Story Behind the Name: The theme of Knotty’s litter at the Heather Kennel in Quebec, Canada, was wood. So, he became “Knock on Wood” and his litter mates, Logger and California Pepper. “Knotty” is also short for “Knotty Pine.”

Favorite Pastime:

“Bloodhounds have this reputation for being the kind of dog that likes to sleep on the porch,” owner Lyn Sherman says. “But that’s not true for Knotty. He’s a very high-energy dog.” When he’s not in the ring, he likes to trail. Recently, he tracked liver hidden in a plastic bag in the garage. His owner found him enjoying the treat on a workbench.

What People Are Saying:

Knotty is the only liver/tan bloodhound to ever win an all-breed Best in Show in the U.S. and now he has won 34 of them. Sherman has been told that Knotty’s color, upbeat attitude and excellent physical condition make him a truly outstanding bloodhound.

Knotty’s Training Routine

Physical Conditioning

Jogging on custom-made $2,800 dog treadmill 20 minutes a day

Hiking trails for three miles every day

Climbing stairs, three to five flights at least three times to maintain sleek 127 pounds of muscle

Walking the show floor every few hours before a competition to experience the congestion, bright lights and noise

Emotional Training

Listening to tapes of dog noises and traffic jams to prepare for travel and the show ring

Being followed by an imitation TV camera boom to become familiar with the foreign looking object

Hire security guard to fend off media and adoring fans at competitions

Beauty Regiment

Brushing teeth with Sonicare electric toothbrush

Sleeping on hotel beds while watching the History Channel

Having nails ground, not cut

Being spritzed with water from spray bottle to stay cool