Why Dogs drink from toilets?

I just witnessed our dog drink from the toilet. This comes from the only dog I have ever met that refuses certain dog treats, pretzels and certain bread. He is picky but at the same time likes to slum it every now and then. 

Zeus.
2 yrs old.
Belgian Malinois.
56lbs.
Toilet Drinker!

This got me thinking about why dogs drink from the toilet. Why do this when they have access to a water bowl. I think it's their short term fixation for cool water. Our dog only drinks from the toilet after being outside.  The porcelain bowl insulates and keeps the water cooler than his steel or plastic water bowl.  Its a short term fix to an immediate problem. Drinking from the toilet is not in the least bit healthy and thus a poor long term solution,,, but its a fix nonetheless. Once he cools down he goes back to the water bowl. 

Since I have lots of free time I related this to the possibility of the US entering a new phase in our relationship with Russia. While many would agree improved relations between these nuclear powers is a good thing over long run maybe not so much. Since its inception as the USSR and now Russia they have viewed the west, in particular the US and UK, as the enemy. The ideological reasons have shifted over the years but the outcome is the same. We are the enemy. 

This does not bode well for long term relations. Short term, however, improved relations between the US and Russia could deescalate the situation in eastern europe and help roll back ISIS. 

If the US were to seek improved long term relations with any country it should be China. Unlike Russia they are an upcoming power and have an economy that is integrated, if not completely dependent upon two way foreign trade and are not currently invading other nations.  Russia has declining demographics (worse than China), has an economy based solely on the export of energy and has an overall standard of living that is in long term decline.

China, while not perfect would be a better long term investment than Russia. Russia may be great to satisfy our short term thirst for some degree of stability with a major power, but long term it will prove disastrous.