Welcome back to The Myth Barksters, the investigative task force where one sniff of bad information is all we need to open a case. Today’s suspect: the enduring belief that a dry dog nose equals disaster.

Choosing a dog breed is a life-altering decision — second only to naming them something other than “Mr. Nibbles.” The more we know about our canine companions, the better we understand how to love them, live with them, and laugh at their glorious weirdness.