Fur real? Myths about dogs debunked

Dogs have been our loyal companions for thousands of years, but with that long history comes a slew of myths that shape how we see them. From their emotions to their physical abilities, these misconceptions can lead us to misunderstand our furry friends. Let’s dive into some common myths about dogs and uncover the truth behind the tail wags, aging tales, and more—because knowing the facts helps us care for them better and deepens the bond we share.

🐕Common myths about dogs

There are plenty of myths surrounding dogs as pets! Let’s dive into some common myths about your furry companion.

🐶Myth: Dogs are always loyal.

Dogs aren’t always loyal in some absolute, unwavering sense—it’s not a universal law baked into their DNA. They’re social animals wired to bond strongly with their pack, which often includes humans, and that bond can look like loyalty. A dog will stick by you through a lot, often because you’re its source of food, safety, and affection. Studies show they’ll even choose their owner’s company over a stranger’s, even if the stranger has treats. But it’s not flawless. Dogs can switch allegiances if neglected, abused, or rehomed—loyalty’s more about trust and habit than blind devotion. A stray might ditch you for a better meal elsewhere.

🐶Myth: Dogs see only in black and white (AKA colorblind).

They do see colors, but not as vividly or broadly as humans. Dogs have two types of color receptors (cones) in their eyes, compared to humans’ three. This means they’re dichromatic, seeing mostly shades of blue and yellow, while reds, greens, and oranges tend to appear as grays or muted tones to them. Their vision is optimized more for detecting motion and seeing in low light than for a full color spectrum. So, they’ve got some color, just not the whole rainbow we enjoy!

🐶Myth: A wagging tail always means a dog is happy.

While it can indicate happiness, that’s not always the case. It’s more about emotional arousal—it could be excitement, agitation, or even aggression. A slow, stiff wag might signal tension or a warning, while a fast, loose wag is more likely to mean joy or friendliness. The direction matters too: studies show dogs tend to wag more to the right when they’re feeling positive and to the left when they’re uneasy. Look for context—check the ears, eyes, and body posture. A wagging tail’s just one piece of the puzzle.

🐶Myth: Dogs age seven years for every human year.

The “7 dog years to 1 human year” idea is a rough oversimplification, not a precise rule. It’s based on the average lifespan of dogs (around 10-13 years) compared to humans (around 70-80 years), but it doesn’t hold up across the board. Dogs age much faster in their early years—a one-year-old dog is more like a 15-year-old human in maturity. After that, the rate slows down, and it varies by breed and size. Smaller dogs tend to live longer (up to 15-20 years), while giant breeds might only reach 7-10. A better estimate might be 10-15 human years for a dog’s first year, 6-10 for the second, and 4-5 per year after that, adjusted for size. Vets and researchers use more nuanced charts now, but the 7:1 thing? Just a handy myth that stuck!

🐶Myth: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

You can teach an old dog new tricks! Age doesn’t slam the door on learning. Older dogs might take a bit longer—less energy, maybe some stiffness, and entrenched habits—but their brains stay plastic enough to pick up new stuff. Studies on canine cognition show they keep problem-solving skills well into their senior years, and training can even help slow mental decline, like with humans. Keep it simple, use positive reinforcement (treats, praise), and be patient. A 10-year-old dog can still learn to sit or roll over if you make it worth their while—they’re not just napping through life yet.

🐶Myth: A dog’s saliva can heal wounds.

The idea that a dog’s saliva can heal wounds is a bit of a mixed bag—it’s not entirely true, but there’s a kernel of science behind the myth.

Historically, people noticed dogs licking their wounds and seeming to recover, which led to the belief that their saliva has healing powers. There’s some truth here: dog saliva contains enzymes like lysozyme that can kill certain bacteria, and it has minor antimicrobial properties. Licking can also clean a wound by removing debris, and the moisture might promote blood flow, which could aid healing in a pinch. Some studies, like those on wound healing in animals, suggest that saliva (not just from dogs) has compounds like histatins that can encourage tissue repair in small amounts.

But here’s the catch—it’s not a magic cure. Dog saliva also carries plenty of bacteria, including nasty ones like Pasteurella, Capnocytophaga, and even Staphylococcus. If a dog licks an open wound, especially a human one, it could just as easily introduce an infection rather than prevent it. Modern medicine has far better options—antiseptics, antibiotics, and proper wound care outshine saliva every time. Vets and doctors actually advise against letting dogs lick wounds, yours or theirs, because the risks often outweigh any minor benefits. For dogs themselves, excessive licking can delay healing by irritating the area or breaking down new tissue.

So, while there’s a faint glimmer of biological basis, the “healing power” of dog saliva is mostly a myth overstated by folklore. Stick to soap, water, and a bandage instead!

🐶Myth: Dogs feel guilt when they’ve done something wrong.

Dogs don’t feel guilt the way humans do. That sad, “guilty” look—droopy ears, averted eyes—people often see after a mess? It’s more about reacting to your cues than actual remorse. Studies, like one from Barnard College, tested this: dogs looked “guilty” when scolded, even if they hadn’t done anything wrong, suggesting it’s a response to your tone or body language, not an internal moral compass. “The guilty look can be seen as a response to the cues that an angry owner gives to their dogs rather than the product of guilt,” according to dog cognition expert and psychology professor, Alexandra Arellano. They’re pros at reading us and avoiding conflict, not ruminating over their sins. They live in the moment—guilt’s a human thing we project onto them! Learn more about how dogs communicate by reading this article, “Learning how dogs communicate with their owners.“

🐶Myth: Dogs with long or fluffy hair should be shaved in the summer.

Not necessarily true—you don’t always need to cut a dog’s long or fluffy hair in the summer. That coat isn’t just for looks; it regulates temperature. For double-coated breeds like Huskies or Golden Retrievers, the undercoat insulates against heat and cold while the outer layer blocks the sun. Shaving it off can leave them vulnerable to sunburn or heatstroke, and it might not grow back right. Vets often say to trim, not shave—keep it neat for airflow but leave enough for protection. Single-coated fluffy dogs, like Poodles, can handle a shorter cut for comfort, though. It depends on the breed and coat type. Brush more, shave less, and ask a vet if you’re unsure!

🐶You should put a dogs nose in their pees or poops to housetrain them.

You shouldn’t rub a dog’s nose in their pee or poop to housetrain them. It’s an old-school myth that doesn’t work and can backfire. Dogs don’t connect the punishment with the act after the fact—they’re not sitting there feeling guilty about the mess. Studies, like those from animal behaviorists, show they just learn to fear you or the situation, not to avoid pottying inside. It can make them sneakier about it or stress them out. Better way? Positive reinforcement—catch them going outside, praise them, toss a treat. Clean up accidents quietly with an enzyme cleaner. Patience beats nose-rubbing every time!

🐶Myth: Dogs only need food and water to be happy.

Our furry friends need more than just food and water to be happy. Sure, those are the bare minimum to keep them alive, but happiness? That’s a bigger ask. Dogs are social creatures—pack animals at heart—so they crave interaction, whether it’s with you, other dogs, or even a good sniff-fest on a walk. Studies show they release oxytocin (the “love hormone”) when bonding with humans, just like we do. They also need mental stimulation—chew toys, training, or chasing a squirrel’s shadow—because boredom can turn them into anxious, destructive wrecks. Exercise is huge too; a tired dog is usually a content one. Food and water? That’s the baseline, not the whole recipe! Also, remember, no two pets are the same. Some breeds and individual dogs have fewer needs.

🐶Myth: One walk a day is enough.

This is not universally true—one walk a day might cut it for some dogs, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all deal. It depends on the dog’s breed, age, energy level, and size. A chill, older Basset Hound might be fine with a single stroll, but a young Border Collie? That’s a recipe for chaos—they’re built to run miles herding sheep. Vets and behaviorists say most dogs need at least 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise daily, often split into multiple sessions. Walks aren’t just about burning energy; they’re mental stimulation too—sniffing, exploring, socializing. Skimp on that, and you’ll get a bored, antsy pup chewing your couch. One walk can work, but only if it matches what your dog is wired for.

🐶Myth: All dogs love water.

Not all dogs love water. Some breeds, like Labradors or Newfoundlands, are practically born for it—bred for retrieving or water rescue, with webbed feet and water-repellent coats. They’ll dive in without a second thought. But others? Not so much. Take a Chow Chow or a Greyhound—fluffy coats that soak up like sponges or lean builds not made for swimming—they might hate it. Even within breeds, it’s down to personality. Some dogs panic at a puddle; others cannonball into lakes. It’s a preference, not a rule—water’s a blast for some, a nope for others!

🐶Myth: Only male dogs hump.

Nope, it’s not true that only male dogs hump. Both males and females do it, and it’s not always about sex. I was about seven or eight when I first saw a female dog hump. It was a shock. Sure, intact males might hump more due to hormones, but neutered dogs, females, and even spayed ones get in on it too. It’s often about dominance, excitement, or just pent-up energy—like when they’re overstimulated at the dog park. Sometimes it’s play, sometimes stress. Vets and behaviorists say it’s normal unless it’s obsessive or causing fights. Gender’s not the gatekeeper here—humping’s an equal-opportunity dog move!

🐶Myth: Some dog breeds are hypoallergenic because of their fur.

Sort of true, but it’s not the full story. No dog is 100% hypoallergenic—there’s no breed that’s guaranteed not to trigger allergies. The idea comes from breeds like Poodles, Labradoodles, or Schnauzers, which shed less or have curly, dense fur that traps dander (the real allergen) better than loose, fluffy coats. Less shedding can mean less dander floating around, which might help some allergy sufferers. But it’s not just fur—saliva, urine, and skin proteins cause reactions, too. Studies show that allergen levels vary more by individual dog than by breed. So, “hypoallergenic” is more marketing than science—lower risk, maybe, but not a cure!

Conclusion

This exploration of common dog myths reveals that much of what we assume about our canine pals isn’t set in stone. Dogs aren’t always blindly loyal—they build trust based on care and connection, not just instinct. They see colors like blue and yellow, not just black and white, though their spectrum is narrower than ours. A wagging tail can mean joy, but also tension or aggression, depending on the context. The “seven years per human year” aging rule oversimplifies a process that varies by breed and size, and old dogs can absolutely learn new tricks with patience. That guilty look? It’s a reaction to us, not remorse. Plus, happiness takes more than food and water—dogs thrive on social bonds, exercise, and stimulation, with needs varying by breed and personality. Even their love for water isn’t universal; it’s a trait some embrace and others dodge.

These myths about dogs highlight how easy it is to project human assumptions onto our pets or cling to oversimplified ideas. Understanding the truth—whether it’s their nuanced emotional signals, diverse physical needs, or capacity for learning—helps us better care for them and strengthens our bond. Dogs are complex, adaptable companions, not one-dimensional stereotypes, and debunking these myths lets us appreciate them for who they really are.