March 2025

  • In ancient times, people bred a now extinct breed called the Wooly Dog for their fur. They were sheared like sheep because their fur was easy to weave.

  • Trying to get your dog to pay more attention to what you want them to do? A study at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna revealed that staring at an object or pointing at it are 'useful' tactics.

  • Dogs can be right or left-handed (or pawed). If they are sitting still, see which paw they lead with most often. Repeat and see if there is a pattern.

  • In Australia, there has been a debate about which breed makes a better working or muster dog, Australian Border Collies or Australian Kelpies. While both breeds have positive attributes as working dogs on a farm, many agree Border Collies make better pets and Kelpies are more serious.

  • Dogs know the difference between an hour and five hours and if conditioned they can predict future events, such as a regular walk time.

R.U. Steinberg

Mr. Smarty Pants read the above information in a book, magazine, newspaper, or website; heard it on the radio; saw it on television; or overheard it a party. Got any facts? Email them to Mr. Smarty Pants for possible inclusion in the column at MrPants@AustinChronicle.com.

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