7 Dog Myths That Are Totally Wrong (And What’s Actually True)

We all love our furry friends, but sometimes what we think we know about dogs isn’t quite right. Many popular beliefs about our canine companions have been passed down for generations — told to us by relatives, reinforced at the dog park, or picked up from old books and cartoons. While well-meaning, many of these ideas don’t hold up to modern science or expert insights.

The truth is, dogs are complex, intelligent, and emotionally rich animals. Yet for years, myths about their behavior, health, and needs have shaped how we treat and understand them — often in ways that are outdated or even harmful. For example, did you know that a wagging tail doesn’t always mean a dog is happy? Or that dogs don’t actually age at a perfect 7-to-1 ratio compared to humans?

As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to stay informed and curious. By questioning what we think we know and embracing facts over folklore, we can become better caregivers, deepen our connection with our pups, and even catch early signs of health or behavioral issues we might otherwise miss.

In this article, we’re setting the record straight by breaking down seven of the most common dog myths. You may be surprised at how many of them you’ve heard — and believed — for years. Let’s dive into the facts and give our dogs the well-informed love they truly deserve.

1. Dogs See the World in Color, Not Just Black and White

Contrary to popular belief, your pup doesn’t see the world like an old black-and-white movie. Dogs actually have two types of color receptors (compared to our three) that allow them to see primarily blues and yellows.

Their vision is somewhat similar to a person with red-green colorblindness. While they might not appreciate a vibrant rainbow the way we do, they certainly don’t live in a grayscale world. This color vision helps them navigate their environment and spot things that matter in their world.

Dogs also have superior motion detection and can see better in dim light than humans, adaptations that made them excellent hunters in the wild.

2. A Wagging Tail Doesn’t Always Signal Happiness

That rhythmic tail swing might not mean what you think. Tail wagging is actually a complex form of communication that can express excitement, anxiety, aggression, or insecurity—not just happiness.

The position and speed matter tremendously. A high, stiff wag might signal alertness or potential aggression, while a low, gentle wag typically shows submission or nervousness. Even the direction is meaningful—studies show dogs tend to wag more to the right when they’re happy and to the left when stressed.

Learning to read your dog’s full body language, including ear position and facial expressions, gives you a much better understanding of their emotional state.

3. The Dog Age Formula Is Much More Complex Than 7:1

Remember being told one dog year equals seven human years? That simple math doesn’t hold up to scientific scrutiny. Dogs actually mature much faster in their early years and then aging slows down.

A one-year-old dog is closer to a teenager than a seven-year-old child. Small breeds also age differently than large breeds—generally, smaller dogs live longer and age more slowly. A Great Dane might be considered senior at 6-8 years, while a Chihuahua might not reach senior status until 10-12.

Modern veterinarians use breed-specific charts that account for size and genetic factors to determine a dog’s true physiological age.

4. A Dry Nose Doesn’t Mean Your Dog Is Sick

Many worried pet parents rush to the vet when they notice their dog’s nose isn’t cold and wet. Relax! A dog’s nose naturally fluctuates between wet and dry throughout the day.

Your pup’s nose might be dry after a nap, in low humidity, or after exercise—all perfectly normal situations. The moisture level depends on many factors including hydration, activity, and even the weather. A truly concerning nose would show additional symptoms like unusual discharge, cracking, or bleeding.

Rather than focusing on nose moisture, pay attention to changes in appetite, energy levels, and behavior as better indicators of your dog’s health.

5. Grass-Eating Is Normal Canine Behavior, Not Always Illness

Watching your dog munch on lawn salad doesn’t necessarily mean they’re trying to self-medicate. Grass-eating is actually normal behavior with several possible explanations beyond stomach upset.

Many dogs simply enjoy the taste or texture of certain grasses. Others might be seeking additional fiber or fulfilling an ancestral instinct—wild canids occasionally eat plant material too. While some dogs do eat grass when nauseated (and sometimes vomit afterward), research shows most grass-eating dogs show no signs of illness beforehand.

As long as the grass hasn’t been treated with chemicals and your pup isn’t obsessively eating large amounts, this behavior usually isn’t cause for concern.

6. Senior Dogs Can Master New Skills Just Fine

The old saying about teaching old dogs new tricks couldn’t be further from the truth! Senior dogs are absolutely capable of learning—sometimes even better than puppies. Their longer attention spans and established relationship with you can actually make training smoother.

What changes is how they learn. Older dogs might need shorter, more frequent training sessions and may benefit from different motivational techniques. They might also have physical limitations that require adaptations to how you teach certain commands.

Mental stimulation through learning new skills is especially beneficial for senior dogs, helping keep their minds sharp and providing valuable bonding time as they age.

7. Mixed Breeds Aren’t Automatically Healthier Than Purebreds

The health advantage of mixed breed dogs isn’t as straightforward as many believe. While mixed breeds can benefit from hybrid vigor (genetic diversity that may reduce certain inherited conditions), they aren’t immune to health problems.

Responsible breeding practices matter more than whether a dog has a pedigree. A purebred from health-tested parents with a careful breeding program may have fewer issues than a mixed breed whose parents both carried similar genetic problems. Mixed breeds can inherit conditions common to all the breeds in their background.

Every dog—regardless of breeding—deserves regular veterinary care, appropriate exercise, and a healthy diet to maximize their chances for a long, healthy life.