1. A dog by the name of Laika was launched into space aboard the Russian spacecraft Sputnik 2 in 1957.
2. The Dalmatian dog is named for the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, where it is believed to have been originally bred.
3. Boxers were named after their habit of playing. At the beginning of play with another dog, a Boxer will stand on his hind legs and ‘box’ at his opponent.
4. The name of the Taco Bell dog is Gidget.
5. The real name of Toto the dog in “The Wizard Of Oz” was Terry.
6. Davy Crockett had a dog named Sport.
7. The first guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired were trained in Germany to provide assistance for those blinded in the war. German Shepherds were used for their protective and strong sense of loyalty to their owner.
8. In England, the most commonly used guide dog for the blind is the Yellow Labrador Retriever.
9. Humans can detect sounds at 20,000 times per second, while dogs can sense frequencies of 30,000 times per second.
10. Dogs sweat through the pads of their feet.
11. Philip Gilbert Hamerton, English art writer and landscape painter, noted, “If animals could speak, the dog would be a blundering, outspoken, honest fellow — but the cat would have the rare grace of never saying a word too much.”
12. The dog name “Fido” is from Latin and means “fidelity.”
13. An city dog lives on average three years longer than an country dog.
14. A dog’s nose has over 200 scent receiving cells.
15. The greyhound breed was developed in Egypt about 5,000 years ago.
16. Marie Antoinette’s dog was a spaniel named Thisbe.
17. There is a doggy disco held in Italy every year where owners can dance with their dogs.
18. 21% of dogs and 7% of cats snore.
19. Greyhounds have the best eyesight of any breed of dog. Today the dog is widely used in racing.
20. Greyhounds are the fastest dogs on earth, with speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.
21. The ingredient Theobromine in chocolate can be lethal to dogs.
22. A dog was killed by a meteor at Nakhla, Egypt, in 1911.
23. Newfoundland’s are such great swimmers because of their webbed feet.  Basset Hounds cannot swim at all.
24. Like human babies, Chihuahuas are born with a soft spot in their skull which closes up with age.
25. The largest breed of dog is the Irish Wolfhound.
26. The world’s smallest dog breed is the Chihuahua. The Chihuahua was named after the state in Mexico where they were discovered.
27. The St. Bernard is the heaviest dog breed.
28. The oldest known breed is likely the Saluki – originally trained by Egyptians to help track game.
29. Up until the late 1800’s, Collies were known as Scottish Sheepdogs.
30. There are over 700 breeds of purebred dogs.
31. All dogs are the descendant of the wolf that lived in eastern Asia about 15,000 years ago.
32. Dogs are natural pack animals and they are naturally submissive to any dog with a higher pack status – human or canine.
33. President Lyndon Johnson had two Beagles named Him and Her.
34. George Washington had thirty six dogs – all foxhounds.
35. The bible mentions dogs 14 times.
36. 33 percent of dog owners admit that they talk to their dogs on the phone or leave them messages on an answering machine.
37. If you love dogs, but dislike the sound of barking, a possible solution is a Basenji dog. This dog is a breed of dog that does not bark, but instead makes a yodel-like sound.
38. Dogs with little human contact in their first three months typically don’t make good pets.
39. A frightened dog will put its tail between his legs because it cuts off the sent glands in its anal region which a very vulnerable part of the anatomy. Since the anal glands carry personal scents that identify the individual dogs, the tail between the legs action is the dog’s equivalent of insecure humans hiding their faces.
40. Dogs can be trained to detect epileptic seizures.
41. 15 people die in the U.S. every year from dog bites.
42. In 2002 alone, more people in the U.S. were killed by dogs than by sharks in the past 100 years.
43. Bingo is the name of the dog on the side of the Cracker Jack box.
44. In Roman times, Mastiffs donned light armor and were sent after mounted knights.
45. A dog’s nose print is as unique as a human’s finger print and can be used to accurately identify them.
46. Soulmates: More than half of us say we share characteristics with our dogs!
47. During the Vietnam war 4500 working dogs were sent to aid the troops.
48. The world’s smartest dogs are thought to be the Border Collie, the Poodle, and the Golden Retriever.
49. A dog’s smell is more than 100,000 times stronger than that of a humans.
50. Rin Tin Tin was the first Hollywood dog star… and he really signed his movie contracts, all 22 of them with a paw print!
51. A one year old dog is as mature, physically, as a 15 year old human.
52. U.S. Customs dogs “Rocky” and “Barco” were so good at patrolling the border that Mexican drug lords put a $300,000 bounty on their heads.
53. Three dogs survived the sinking of the Titanic – a Newfoundland, a Pomeranian, and a Pekingese.
54. The Antpitta avis canis Ridgley is a bird species that barks like a dog.

Spring Break Pet Boarding At Greenbriar Luxury Pet Resort

As February draws to a close, we are all day dreaming about warmer weather and wishing Spring Break would arrive quicker! Whether you’re going near or far, don’t forget to book your Spring Break boarding reservations with Greenbriar Veterinary Hospital & Luxury Pet Resort.

We have a large variety of accommodations and added amenities to choose from for your pets enjoyment. Every suite will include: Bedding, toys and water containers. In addition we supply a dry, sensitive stomach food by Hills that is perfect for dogs in a boarding situation. Each dog goes home with a bath (done the day before) at no additional cost! We also offer lodging for our feline friends in our spacious kitty condos, located in our quiet cat ward to minimize stress.

As always, our veterinarians are on hand to perform exam’s and medical treatment as needed and our trusted kennel staff are here to properly administer all food, enrichment and medications.

Boarding spaces are filling up fast, so be sure to reserve a space for your pet soon. Peace of mind on vacation comes from knowing that everything at home is taken care of, so board your pet with us to ensure relaxation for the both of you!

Call to make your pet boarding reservations today! (301) 874-8880.

Winter Foot Care For Your Pet - Road Salt

We all know to wash your automobile as frequently in the winter to prevent corrosion from road salt. If road salt can corrode the metal under your car, just think of the damage it can do to your pets feet!

The salt spread on sidewalks and roads can soak into your pets footpads, causing drying, irritation, and in some cases painful cracks and sores. After winter strolls in areas where salt may be used, wash your pets feet with warm water. If you suspect that your pet has sustained any type of injury please take your pet to see the veterinarian as soon as possible!

Please feel free to contact us here at Greenbriar Veterinary Hospital & Luxury Pet Resort with any questions or concerns. (301) 874-8880.