Here Are 14 Things You Didn’t Know About Puppies – Some of Them Will Surprise You!

Puppies are not only incredibly charming but also fascinating little creatures with unique characteristics.

Their first months of life are marked by rapid development as they learn, explore, and adapt to their surroundings.

Many of their behavioral patterns and physical traits have biological or evolutionary explanations, making them even more intriguing to study.

Although we often think of puppies as miniature versions of adult dogs, there are many aspects of their lives that are significantly different.

They go through several phases where both their bodies and behavior change dramatically.

Some of their most remarkable traits and characteristics aren’t always visible at first glance, but they make puppies one of the most unique animal species in our world.

When puppies are born, their eyes and ears are completely closed.

This means they cannot see or hear at first and rely solely on their sense of smell to navigate.

After a few days, their eyes and ears gradually begin to open, but their vision and hearing develop slowly over the following weeks.

During this period, they are entirely dependent on their mother and littermates.

If you ever need a little extra focus at work, try looking at pictures of puppies!

A Japanese study has shown that people who look at images of puppies and kittens find it easier to concentrate and complete tasks.

Researchers believe that cute images trigger positive emotions, which can boost motivation and accuracy in our work.

This means that puppies not only make us happy but can also help us become more efficient.

Although Dalmatians are known for their distinctive black or brown spots, they are actually born completely white.

The spots begin to appear after a few weeks as pigment develops in their skin and fur.

Some Dalmatians acquire more spots as they age, while others retain the same ones throughout their lives.

This unique trait makes Dalmatians even more special and charming.

Puppies and adult dogs know exactly how to melt our hearts.

Research shows that dogs have developed special facial muscles that allow them to create the classic "puppy eyes," which trigger an emotional response in humans.

This ability makes us more likely to give them attention and treats.

In fact, it appears that dogs evolved this trait specifically to strengthen their bond with humans.

For some dog breeds, a C-section is the only safe way to give birth.

This is especially true for breeds with large heads compared to their bodies, such as the English Mastiff and French Bulldog.

Their unique body structure makes natural birth risky for both the mother and the puppies.

As a result, many breeders choose to have a C-section planned in advance to ensure a safe delivery.

In the 1960s, a dog named Strelka was sent into orbit as part of the Soviet Union's space program.

Strelka was one of the first dogs to complete an entire space journey and return safely to Earth.

Her success paved the way for later manned missions and played an important role in the history of space exploration.

She became a true celebrity and even had a litter of puppies after returning home.

If you think your puppy sleeps all the time, that’s completely normal.

Puppies can sleep between 15 and 20 hours a day, as sleep plays a crucial role in their development.

During sleep, their brains process new learning, and their muscles and immune systems strengthen.

A well-rested puppy is not just adorable – it’s also healthy and ready to explore the world.

Some dog breeds have much larger litters than others.

Small breeds often have only a few puppies, while larger breeds can have significantly more.

The world record belongs to a Neapolitan Mastiff named Tia, who gave birth to an incredible 24 puppies in a single litter!

In general, the larger the dog, the greater the chance of having a big litter.

When humans see someone yawn, we often feel the urge to yawn as well – this is called contagious yawning.

However, puppies do not respond in the same way.

They only develop this behavior when they become adults, and it is believed to be a form of social empathy.

This means that while adult dogs may yawn along with their owners, puppies won’t react to yawning in the same way.

If you’ve ever spoken to a puppy in a high-pitched, affectionate voice, you’re not alone.

Studies show that puppies respond positively to the type of speech we typically use with babies.

They are more attentive and engaged when we speak to them in a soft, high-pitched tone.

Adult dogs don’t necessarily react the same way, but puppies love the extra attention.

Just like human babies, puppies are born without teeth.

Around three weeks of age, their small, sharp baby teeth begin to emerge.

However, these teeth fall out again when the puppy is between 12 and 16 weeks old, making way for permanent teeth.

The teething period can be uncomfortable for puppies, often resulting in an increased urge to chew on things.

Just like humans, puppies can be born as identical twins.

This occurs when two embryos share the same placenta and umbilical cord.

However, it is rare, as most litters consist of puppies that have developed individually.

When it does happen, twin puppies often look almost identical, though they may still have slight differences in temperament and behavior.

Pal, the first dog to play Lassie in the films, was far from a well-behaved puppy.

He was known for barking constantly and had a strong urge to chase motorcycles.

This created major challenges for the trainers trying to prepare him for film roles.

Fortunately, Pal learned to channel his energy and became one of the most famous canine actors of all time.

It might sound incredible, but some puppies are born with a greenish coat.

This happens when their fur is stained by biliverdin, a green pigment found in the placenta of dogs.

While it may look unusual, it is completely harmless, and the green color fades away after a few weeks.

As the puppy’s fur grows and is washed over time, it returns to its natural color.