Dog Facts & Worksheets

Man’s best friend, the dog, is a canine and a direct descendent of wolves. It is the oldest domesticated animal in the world and there are currently over 200 types of purebred dogs.

See the fact file below for more information on Dog or alternatively, you can download our 36-page Dog worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

ORIGIN OF DOGS

• The earliest known domestic dog called Bonn-Oberkassel was discovered at a burial site in Germany 14,000 years ago.
• Dogs were most likely the first animals to be domesticated. As a result, they have been with humans for nearly 20,000 years, and possibly up to 40,000 years.
• According to one early domestication theory, the human-canine (dog) bond began when humans moved into colder areas of Eurasian regions.
• Scientists agree that almost all dogs, domestic and wild, are descended from wolves. Dogs and wolves, on the other hand, split up at some point in their evolution.

CHARACTERISTICS OF DOGS

• Dogs come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on their breed. Dogs have a faster metabolism than humans, they breathe faster, pump blood through their bodies faster, and even have a higher normal body temperature.
• Dogs’ high metabolism, on the other hand, comes at the expense of a shorter life span.
• For the first two years of a dog’s life, 1 year is equivalent to 10 to 12 human years, then after that, 1 dog year is equal to 4 human years (per dog year).
• According to studies, the actual lifespan of a dog can also be determined by its health and size, with small breeds generally living longer than larger ones.
• Dogs are much better at preserving warmth than they are at cooling themselves.
• Most dogs, however, struggle in hot or humid weather because they cannot sweat and must instead lose body heat through panting.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR DOG

• Feed your dog on a regular basis; it is recommended that a dog be fed at least twice per day.
• Chocolate, raisins, avocado, bread dough, grapes, onions, or xylitol should not be fed to your dog as these could endanger their life.
• It is preferable to take your dog to a veterinarian for a check-up and vaccinations, as this is also beneficial to your dog.
• Maintaining the cleanliness of your dog’s coat or fur could prevent secondary skin infections and infestation of fleas and ticks. 
• For your dog to be protected from potential risks and threats, you must provide a safe and clean environment in which your dog can live.
• Dogs require activities to burn calories, boost their mind, and maintain their health. 
• Individual exercise requirements differ depending on breed or breed mix, sex, age, and level of health. Exercise also helps dogs avoid boredom, which can result in destructive behavior.

COMMON DOG ILLNESSES

• Dogs’ pathology is somewhat similar to that of humans, which explains why they have the same common diseases as humans and respond to the same treatments.
• Cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and even neurological disorders are among the most common diseases that dogs suffer from.
• Small dog problems – When selecting small dog breeds to domesticate, keep in mind that they are prone to certain health issues. To avoid these issues, encourage a healthy lifestyle for your dogs by feeding them a high-quality diet tailored to their specific needs and taking them to the vet on a regular basis.
• IVDD, also known as intervertebral disk disease, is a condition in which one or more of the cushions that exist between each vertebra makes contact with the spinal cord; this is most commonly seen in dogs such as Daschunds.
• Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas swells due to a variety of factors such as obesity and infection. This is a common condition in Miniature Poodles.
• Large dog problems – One of the most common diseases in large breed dogs is hip dysplasia. This is a hereditary disorder that causes the hip and socket joints of these dogs to misalign. 
• Large breed dogs are said to be by far the most commonly affected by bone cancer, known as osteosarcoma. It is most common in the limbs near the knee, shoulder, and wrist joints.
• Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis in dogs that is distinct from arthritis caused by infections or cancer. It puts a lot of pressure on the joints. This can be remedied by making some lifestyle changes for your dog. Two commonly recommended changes are losing weight to relieve joint pressure and taking supplements.

SEVEN DOG GROUPS

• There are several dogs in the world according to their groups you could choose from.
  • Gun Dogs – Dogs that were trained to find live game and/or retrieve game that had been shot and wounded. Examples include Labrador and Golden Retrievers.
  • Hounds – Dog breeds originally used for hunting either by scent or by sight.
  • Pastoral – These consist of herding dogs associated with working cattle, sheep, and other cloven footed animals.
  • Terrier – These were originally bred and used for hunting vermin and smaller animals.
  • Toy – Toy breed dogs are small companion or lap dogs.
  • Utility –  These are usually bred for specific purposes other than for working.
  • Working – Dogs selectively bred to perform special tasks including search and rescue, K-9, or guard dog duties.

Dog Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about Dog across 36 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about Dogs, “Man’s best friend, which is a canine and a direct descendent of wolves.

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Complete List Of Included Worksheets

• Dog Facts
• Gun Dogs
• Hounds
• Pastoral Dogs
• Terriers
• Toy Dogs
• Utility Dogs
• Working Dogs
• Amazing Mixes
• Largest Dogs
• Doggie Language
• Choosing Your Dog
• My Dog

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the seven dog groups?

There are seven groups of dogs in the world and they are: Gun Dogs, Hounds, Pastoral Dogs, Terriers, Toy dogs, Utility and Working Dogs

When did people start domesticating dogs?

The earliest known domestic dog called Bonn-Oberkassel was discovered at a burial site in Germany 14,000 years ago.

Where did dogs originate?

According to one early domestication theory, the human-canine (dog) bond began when humans moved into colder areas of Eurasian regions.

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