Owning a dog often requires unlearning popular misconceptions. Take Pit Bulls, for instance — their behavior is largely shaped by training, not an inherent tendency toward aggression. A dry nose isn't necessarily a sign of illness, and many small breeds are surprisingly good jogging companions. Even large dogs like Great Danes can thrive in apartment living. Understanding the facts allows you to be a more informed and attentive dog owner.
Pugs Aren't Active
Pugs might appear chubby with their short legs and stocky frames, but that doesn't make them lazy. Though they’re sometimes likened to bulldogs, pugs tend to be more attentive and typically respond better to training.
They’re lively, curious, and eager to be part of the action, no matter what their human is up to. While their physique isn’t ideal for long runs, it’s certainly not due to a lack of spirit. Pugs are loving, flexible, and always up for a good time.
Long-haired Dogs Should Be Shaved
Although Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds, and Alaskan Malamutes have dense coats designed for cold climates, shaving them during warmer months can do more harm than good. Their double coats don't just insulate against the cold—they also shield them from the sun and help regulate body temperature.
The top layer deflects UV rays and promotes airflow, which helps keep them cool. Rather than shaving, regular brushing is a much safer option, as it prevents matting that can trap heat and make them uncomfortable.
Mastiffs Are Intimidating
If you've watched *The Sandlot*, you’ll likely remember "The Beast" — the towering English Mastiff who struck fear into the neighborhood kids. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear this breed is much gentler than its size suggests.
English Mastiffs may be large and powerful, but they’re also devoted, affectionate, and remarkably laid-back. Often called gentle giants, they’re receptive to training and thrive on companionship. While it’s important to handle their strength responsibly, a mix of moderate exercise and lots of affection is usually enough to keep them content.
Dog Mouths Are Cleaner Than Ours
According to Harvard researchers, comparing a human mouth to a dog's is like comparing apples to oranges. While both contain a similar amount of bacteria, the bacterial strains are largely different.
The reassuring part — and likely where the myth started — is that a dog’s kiss rarely poses a health risk. Most of the bacteria in a dog’s mouth aren’t harmful to humans, making smooching your pup generally safer than kissing another person. Still, there are exceptions, so it’s wise to stay aware of what your dog has been chewing on.
Greyhounds Don't Like To Lounge
It's true that greyhounds are designed for speed — their streamlined bodies and narrow heads make them the sprinters of the canine world, much like cheetahs. But, just like their wild counterparts, their lightning-fast runs don’t last long.
What surprises many people is how laid-back and snuggly greyhounds tend to be. They’re gentle, loving, and incredibly affectionate, making them ideal cuddle companions. When they’re not racing around, they’re usually stretched out somewhere comfy, enjoying a peaceful nap.
Shelties Are Miniature Collies
If you've seen the Lassie movies, the dog in the picture might look like the famous character. But even though they share a common ancestor, this dog is actually a Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, not a Collie.
The mix-up happens because they look so much alike—with long snouts, thick fur, and similar coloring. Shelties are quite a bit smaller, which is why they’re often called miniature collies. Their similar personalities also add to the confusion.
Chihuahuas Are Yappy
When it comes to barking, Chihuahuas are like any other breed and need training to manage the urge. The idea that they're especially fussy likely comes from their bold personality, which is as confident as a much larger dog’s.
While their fearless nature can make them seem sassy, they actually have a moderate temperament and respond well to training. These elegant dogs enjoy showing off on walks and are more interested in winning people over than being aggressive. Still, they won’t hesitate to stand up to someone they see as a threat to their owner, so they need to be handled thoughtfully.
Rottweilers Are Not Friendly Dogs
This myth probably comes from their past as guard dogs and their strong bark. In fact, Dr. Brady Barr from National Geographic discovered that Rottweilers have the most powerful bite among common dog breeds.
Despite their tough reputation, Rottweilers are loving and easy to train. A properly socialized Rottweiler is well-mannered and waits for their owner's signal before approaching guests. Their deep loyalty should not be confused with aggression.
Akita Inus Are Easy Going
The Akita Inu, a breed from Japan, may seem too cute and friendly to be dangerous, with their charming looks and constant smile. But they were originally bred to hunt large animals like bears, boars, and deer. Although they are now popular family pets, they still have a strong, dominant personality.
These dogs are intelligent and independent, often watching their surroundings calmly and quietly. However, their behavior can be sudden and unpredictable. Akitas usually don't get along well with other pets because of their aggressive nature, but they are very loyal and protective. With a firm and consistent owner, an Akita Inu will stay devoted and reliable.
Dogs Eat Grass When They Need To Vomit
As far as we can tell, dogs cannot induce vomiting on their own. The myth likely comes from the idea that dogs eat grass because they are sick and trying to clear their stomachs. While eating grass can lead to vomiting, it's not something dogs do intentionally.
Scientists have speculated on why some dogs have a penchant for grass, even though it can upset their stomachs. One theory is that some dogs simply enjoy grazing rather than chewing. Regardless of the reason, it's best to address the behavior through training.
Great Danes Need Large Homes
It's no surprise that Great Danes are one of the tallest dog breeds out there. One look at them and you'll wonder if they give pony rides to kids. These large animals are active, but special attention needs to be taken due to their health risks.
Since they are prone to hip issues, serious digestive problems, and cardiac diseases, the breed will do fine in a small living space with a couple of walks each day. Additionally, their calm demeanor will make them less likely to reck the house than a spastic little dog.
Dobermans Will Turn On Their Family
While it's true that Doberman's are known to be fearless and keenly intelligent, they are also tremendously loyal. The myth that a Doberman is secretly vengeful and waiting to attack its owner is likely related to its willingness to stop at nothing to protect, even itself.
If they are mistreated by their owner, they will not hesitate to fight back. Far from timid, these dogs will stand up for themselves and for those they love. However, a Doberman with a loving and committed owner would never want to harm them.
Jack Russells Can't Run With You
While it's commonly assumed that only medium-sized to large dogs can be running companions, Jack Russell Terriers prove that this isn't always true. These animals are full of energy and have greater endurance than many of their small-breed counterparts.
Since they are smaller dogs, they'll expel more energy to keep up. This can actually be an advantage when looking to tire out the spazzy dog. However, it's important to ease into longer runs, be sure they stay hydrated, and give them proper time to rest between runs.
Poodle Mixes Won't Cause Allergies
Nowadays, allergies are at the forefront like never before. When it comes to pet allergies, many have looked to poodles and poodle-mixed breeds as a cure to dog allergies. However, just because a dog is hypoallergenic (meaning unlikely to cause symptoms), doesn't mean they can't cause symptoms.
What makes the poodle generally suitable for those with pet allergies is that the dander that causes an allergic reaction is less likely to escape when the dog hardly sheds. In other words, the allergens are still there but are significantly less bothersome.
Dogs Wag Their Tails When They're Happy
While it's true that dogs wag their tail due to excitement, that isn't always a positive thing. If they're wagging as they run-up to their owner who they haven't seen all day, it's obviously out of happiness.
However, if they do it while nearing someone they find to be a threat, it may be anxiety. Tail wagging is their way of communicating, kind of like a human waving their arms. It can be a sign of fear, a precursor to aggression, or a way to jump for joy.
One Human Year Is Seven Dog Years
Dog years is a myth in and of itself. It's a simplified way of trying to explain the aging process of dogs. One way that you can easily debunk this myth is by considering how quickly dogs take to reach full maturity and start reproducing (about a year).
Furthermore, many small breeds live to be 15 to 20, which would be more than 100 in "dog years." Finally, dogs age differently depending on the breed. A dog's true age is best determined by their health and demeanor.
Dogs Are Color-Blind
It may be shocking to hear, but recent studies have lead scientists to retract the notion that dogs only see in black and white. According to Pedigree, they see the world in yellow, blue, and gray and lack the ability to see colors ranging from green to red.
This might explain why your dog has a hard time retrieving certain toys in the grass, but will probably have no probably snagging the tennis ball again and again. While their noses are far more impressive than ours, their eyes contain 20% of the cone photoreceptors as ours do.
Dogs Should Eat Raw Meat And Ditch Grains
Dogs, like humans, are omnivores who need a well-balanced diet. While meat provides some of these nutrients, giving your dog a slab of raw beef every day will leave them devoid of vitamins and at risk of ingesting harmful bacteria and parasites.
In addition, dogs actually can ingest grains, according to WebMD. While some will frown upon dog foods that contain "fillers" like corn and rice, these ingredients actually enhance their diet. The important thing is that the grains are pre-cooked.
A Dry Nose Indicates Sickness
The American Kennel Club notes that there are several reasons a dog's nose might be dry that don't necessarily point to illness. While a cool, moist nose helps enhance a dog’s sense of smell by capturing scent particles, a dog often licks its nose to improve its ability to detect smells.
During sleep, a dog’s nose naturally dries out because it isn’t licking it. Additionally, winter’s warm air can contribute to a dry nose. Aging or having a shorter snout can also lead to a drier nose.
Pit bulls Can Lock Their Jaw
This myth has lost popularity in recent years as researchers and pitbull lovers make their voices heard. But just for good measure, the answer is no, Pit Bulls cannot lock their jaw. The breed has the same jaw mechanics as other breeds.
Additionally, Pit Bulls do not have the strongest bite. Many of these rumors spread out of fear of the misunderstood animal. Though they aren't as easygoing around other dogs as some breeds, they are not typically aggressive towards humans. Like many dogs, they are loyal to their family.