CAN CANINES BE IDENTIFIED BY THEIR NOSE PRINTS?
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On July 15, 1922, the Evening Star published a front-page story informing readers that Detective Sergeant Fred Sandberg "wants to find out if it is not...true" that dogs can be identified by their nose prints.
The local police detective, having recently done his own research on cows at the Soldier's Home*, concluded that bovines can be identified by their nose prints. Now, he wants to learn if this works for canines.
Dr. Stanley Coren says the Canadian Kennel Club has accepted dogs' nose prints as proof of identity since 1938 and that they serve as a "unique biometric marker."
A new study is revealed in Psychology Today showing a dog's nose print is well established by two months of age and remains unchanged for the first year of life.
JFK+50 NOTE
The Star's article begins..."There's an old saying that every dog has his day."
*The Soldiers' Home, or Military Asylum was established in 1851 by General Winfield Scott. It was located on 225 acres near the northern boundary of the District of Columbia. Lincoln used it as a presidential retreat.
SOURCES
"Are Dogs' Nose Prints Really Unique and Unchanging?," by Stanley Coren, PhD, September 22, 2021, Psychology Today, www.psychologytoday.com/
"Nose Print of Dog May Come Next As Aid in Court Cases," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., July 15, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
