Written by Sunny
Modified & Updated: 07 Dec 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
From their mischievous puppy eyes, to their fluffy tails and adorable antics, there’s no denying that puppies are some of the cutest (and most lovable) creatures around. But have you ever stopped to think about just how fascinating these furry friends really are? Whether you’re an aspiring dog parent or an animal lover simply curious about pups, here are 19 amazing facts about puppies that will make your heart melt!
Newborn puppies are deaf, blind, and toothless.
When puppies are born, they cannot see or hear. Their eyes and ear canals are closed, and they also lack teeth. It’s only around two weeks old that they start to open their eyes and hear the sounds of the world around them.
Puppies sleep a lot.
Just like human babies, puppies need plenty of sleep. They can sleep for up to 20 hours a day! This is crucial for their growth and development.
Puppies have baby teeth.
Yes, puppies have baby teeth, just like humans! They start to come in when they’re around 2 to 4 weeks old. By the time they’re about 4 months old, these baby teeth fall out, and their adult teeth start to grow in.
The number of puppies in a litter varies.
The number of puppies in a litter depends on the breed. Some breeds typically have only one or two puppies, while others, like the Labrador Retriever, can have up to 12!
Puppies learn through play.
Playtime is more than just fun for puppies. It’s also a crucial learning time. Through playing, puppies learn important social skills, such as how to interact with other dogs and how to understand body language.
Puppies are born with a blueish hue.
Puppies are often born with a blueish hue, known as a “puppy coat.” This color usually fades as they grow, and their adult coloration comes in.
Puppies are considered adults at one year.
Although they’re still playful and energetic, dogs are generally considered adults when they reach one year of age. However, larger breeds may take longer to mature.
A puppy’s sense of smell is more powerful than humans.
A puppy’s sense of smell is thousands of times more potent than that of a human. This makes them excellent at finding hidden treats and sniffing out interesting smells on walks.
Puppies can be trained from a young age.
Although they’re young, puppies can start learning basic commands, like “sit” and “stay,” as early as seven to eight weeks old.
Puppies need lots of socialization.
Puppies need to meet and interact with lots of different people, animals, and environments to grow into confident, well-adjusted dogs. This process is known as socialization.
Puppies have a unique way of drinking.
Puppies (and dogs in general) lap up water with the back of their tongues in a scooping motion. This might make a mess, but it’s a perfectly normal way for them to drink!
Puppies can get hiccups.
Just like humans, puppies can get hiccups! This is usually nothing to worry about and can be quite adorable to witness.
Puppies grow rapidly.
Puppies grow incredibly quickly. In fact, smaller dog breeds can reach their adult size in just ten months, while larger breeds can take up to two years.
Puppies have a high body temperature.
Puppies typically have a higher body temperature than adult dogs. A normal puppy temperature is around 99.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Puppies experience Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep.
Puppies, like humans, experience REM sleep where dreaming occurs. If you see your puppy twitching or moving their paws while sleeping, they’re probably dreaming!
Puppies’ coat color can change.
A puppy’s coat color can change as they mature. This is common in breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier, which are born black and tan but develop a blue and gold coat as adults.
Puppies need regular feeding.
Young puppies need to be fed several times a day. Their small stomachs can’t hold much food, but they need lots of nutrients to grow and develop healthily.
There are two ‘National Puppy Day’.
Who wouldn’t want to celebrate the joy that puppies bring into our lives? National Puppy Day is celebrated on March 23 in the US, and International Puppy Day is on September 23!
The world’s largest litter of puppies is 24.
The largest known litter of puppies ever recorded was 24! This incredible feat was achieved by a Neapolitan Mastiff in the UK in 2004.
Conclusion
Pups bring so much joy to our lives, but they are also incredible creatures in their own right. From the incredible lengths they go to communicate with us, to the remarkable way their brains have evolved over time, each of these 19 amazing facts is a testament to the intelligence and likeability of puppies that make them so beloved by us all. So no matter what type of pup you have or want in your life, it’s certain that they’ve already won everyone’s heart. With each fuzzy paw and tail wag reminding us why we care, one thing is for sure: puppies truly are a delight!
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