9 Funny Dog Superstitions That People Still Believe

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Dogs have been part of human history for thousands of years, and with that long companionship comes many strange beliefs. From ancient civilizations to modern pet owners, people have come up with some pretty funny superstitions about dogs—some still believed today. Dogs have been given mystical abilities that defy logic (and sometimes common sense). Some beliefs are based on old folklore, while others seem to have come from people simply trying to explain their dog’s weird behaviors. Either way, they make for some hilarious theories about our four-legged friends.

If a Dog Follows You Home, It’s Bringing You Luck

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Many cultures consider a stray dog following you home a sign of good fortune. Some believe money is on the way, while others think it’s a sign that your life will take a positive turn. In some places, people even go out of their way to feed stray dogs in the hopes that one will follow them home and bring prosperity. Of course, the dog is probably just hoping for a free meal, but that hasn’t stopped people from believing that an unexpected canine companion is a sign of great things to come.

Dogs Can Predict the Weather

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According to old folklore, dogs can sense when a storm is coming, and their behavior changes accordingly. Some say that if a dog scratches at the ground, it means rain is on the way. Others believe that a cold front is approaching if a dog sleeps with its tail curled over its nose. While it’s true that dogs have heightened senses and can detect changes in barometric pressure, they’re not exactly meteorologists. More likely, they’re reacting to environmental shifts or just getting comfortable—but that hasn’t stopped people from treating them like furry weather forecasters.

Stepping in Dog Poop Brings Good Luck (Sometimes)

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Believe it or not, in some cultures, stepping in dog poop is actually considered a good thing—depending on which foot you use. According to an old French superstition, stepping in dog poop with your left foot brings good luck, while stepping in it with your right foot means bad luck is coming your way. This belief seems like a desperate attempt to turn a disgusting accident into something positive, but some people still hold onto it. So, if you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation, check which foot took the hit—you might have just stumbled upon some unexpected good fortune.

A Dog Sneezing Means Company Is Coming

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In some cultures, a dog’s sneeze isn’t just a sneeze—it’s a sign that visitors are on the way. According to this superstition, you should prepare for guests if your dog sneezes unexpectedly. Some even believe the number of sneezes predicts how many visitors will arrive. Of course, dogs sneeze for plenty of normal reasons, like allergies, excitement, or just because they felt like it. But if your pup lets out a sneeze and someone happens to knock on the door shortly after, you might find yourself believing in this quirky little superstition.

Dogs Can See Ghosts

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Many people believe that dogs have a sixth sense of the supernatural. If a dog suddenly starts barking at nothing, staring at an empty corner, or refusing to enter a certain room, some say it’s because they’re seeing a ghost. This belief has existed for centuries and is still widely held today, especially among paranormal enthusiasts. While it’s more likely that dogs are reacting to sounds or scents that humans can’t detect, the idea that they have a supernatural connection makes for a fun (and slightly creepy) explanation for their occasional weird behavior.

If a Dog Walks Between a Couple, They’ll Break Up

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According to an old superstition, if a dog walks between a couple, their relationship is doomed. This belief is especially common in some European cultures, where people see it as a warning sign of an impending breakup. The reasoning behind this one is unclear, but it might stem from the idea that the dog is “splitting” the couple apart. In reality, dogs love squeezing into tight spaces—especially if they think they’re about to get some attention or a belly rub. But if you’re superstitious and in a relationship, you might want to keep your pup from weaving between you and your significant other, just in case!

A Dog’s Tail Wagging to the Right Means Good Luck

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People love reading signs into their dog’s behavior, and one particularly strange superstition claims that the direction a dog wags its tail can predict the future. Some believe that if a dog wags its tail to the right, good luck comes your way, while a tail wag to the left signals bad luck. Scientists have actually studied this and found that dogs wag their tails slightly more to the right when they’re happy—but whether it predicts luck is debatable. Either way, if your dog is wagging at you, it’s probably a good sign that they’re happy, which is pretty lucky!

A Dog Howling Means Someone Is About to Die

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One of the oldest and most widespread superstitions about dogs is that a howling dog is a bad omen—specifically, a sign that someone is about to die. This belief has roots in many cultures, from ancient Egypt to European folklore. The idea probably comes from the eerie, ghostly sound of a dog howling at night, which people once associated with spirits or supernatural forces. In reality, dogs howl for all sorts of reasons—boredom, sirens, or just because they enjoy the sound of their own voice. But even today, some people still get nervous when a dog howls in the middle of the night, convinced that something bad is about to happen.

If a Dog Barks at Midnight, Trouble Is Coming

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There’s an old belief that if a dog starts barking at midnight, it’s a warning sign of impending danger or misfortune. Some say it means bad news is coming, while others claim it’s a sign that an unwanted visitor is nearby. This superstition likely comes from ancient times when people relied on dogs to alert them to threats in the dark. In reality, dogs bark at all hours for many reasons—stray animals, distant sirens, or just because they feel like it. But if you hear a dog barking at midnight, you might wonder if there’s more to it than just a noisy pup.

The Truth Is Out There,, But Your Dog Knows Better

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These dogs have been surrounded by superstition for centuries. While most of these beliefs are more funny than factual, they show how much humans have always been fascinated by their canine companions. Whether or not you believe in these superstitions, one thing is certain—dogs will always have a mysterious way of making our lives more interesting. And if a dog follows you home, sneezes at the right time, or howls at midnight, well, who’s to say they aren’t onto something?