As a pet owner, you want to say you know a lot about dogs, but I have some facts about our beloved pets that you probably were not aware of. Are they random? Yes. Are they amazing? Yep. Should you read on? Definitely.

1. The most popular breed of dog in the world by registered ownership is…. the Labrador! We can see why! Aside from their gentle nature, Labs are obedient, intelligent, and have near limitless energy. Labradors make excellent family pets and are reliable as working or service dogs. Source: Sciencekids

Image source: Lovable Labradors

2. Dogs have three eyelids, an upper lid, a lower lid and the third lid, called a nictitating membrane or “haw,” which helps keep the eye moist and protected. Source: Animalplanet

Image source: Distractify

3. The Basenji, which originated in Africa, is the only dog that cannot bark. The most common vocalization is a mixture between a chortle and a yodel. Source: PBS

Image source: Petguide

4. It’s amazing that three dogs survived the sinking of the Titanic. Two small ( first-class) lapdogs, a Pomeranian and a Pekingese, boarded lifeboats while in the arms of their owners. A third dog, a large Newfoundland that belonged to the first officer of the ship, swam between a lifeboat and the rescue ship. The sound of his bark guided the survivors to safety. Source: PBS

Image source: Hubpages

5. Stray dogs in Russia are so smart they have figured out how to use the subway system to take them to more densely populated areas where food is more abundant. Source: Englishrussia

Image Source: Englishrussia

6. Did you know that at the end of the Beatles’ song “A Day in the Life”, a ultra high-pitched whistle, audible only to dogs, was recorded by Paul McCartney for the enjoyment of his Shetland sheepdog? Source: Mans-Best-Friend

Image source: Rgcred

7. A well-trained seeing eye dogs can go potty on command for the ease of their owner cleaning up after them immediately. Usually a command such as ” get busy” will prompt the dog to go, and based on the dogs stance, it’s owner can determine whether a clean-up is needed. Male dogs are also trained not to lift their legs. Source: MentalFloss

Image source: marcusengel

8. In ancient China, an emperor’s last line of defense was a small Pekingese dog called a “sleeve” and it was literally hidden up his sleeve. Why? Let’s consider him the ancient Chinese version of Mace. Source: thepekingeseclubofamerica

Image source: culturalchina

9. New Zealand has a unique dog-shaped building. Located in the town of Tirau, the giant dog which was crafted from corrugated iron, holds the town’s Information Center.

Image source: Grumpyoldlimey

10. During the Middle Ages, Great Danes and Mastiffs were sometimes suited with armor and wore spiked collars to enter a battle or to defend supply caravans. Source: Randomhistory

Image source: Thearma.org