Animal Profiles
Mammals

Dog

Canis lupus familiaris

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The domestic dog is a social canid whose breeds vary greatly in size and appearance. People have selected dogs for companionship, herding and many other roles.

white and brown long coat large dog

Photo by Pauline Loroy on Unsplash

At a glance

Location
Domesticated worldwide, with some free-ranging and feral populations.
Habitat
Towns and cities, Grassland
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Animal and plant foods; domestic diets are usually supplied by people.

Classification

Common name
Dog
Browse group
Mammals
Scientific name or taxon
Canis lupus familiaris
Taxon rank
subspecies
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Source classification
Mammalia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Breeds vary greatly in body size.
  • Scent is important in exploring the environment.
  • Body posture and sounds both communicate information.

Habitat and range

Domesticated worldwide, with some free-ranging and feral populations.

Appearance and adaptations

Breed differences affect the coat, muzzle, ears and overall build. Scent is an important way dogs investigate their surroundings.

Diet and behaviour

Dogs communicate through posture, vocal sounds and scent. Their relationships with people and other dogs depend on individual experience and social setting.

More photos

two brown and white dogs running dirt road during daytime

Photo by Alvan Nee on Unsplash

Sources

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