Doggie Trivia: 15 Things You Gotta Know About Dogs

In the 12,000 years since dogs emerged from the wilderness to join humanity, our companions have never failed to amaze us. Their intelligence, courage, adaptability and physical abilities have reached legendary proportions in literature and the media.

But truth is always more amazing than fiction. Here, we've collected only facts about dogs for you to chew on, from their accomplishments to their remarkable abilities. The next time Scruffy tears up your favorite pair of slippers, consider what his forebears have accomplished. (And realize that maybe you just don't understand your dog's delicate genius.)