The dog (Canis familiaris or Canis lupus familiaris) is a domesticated descendant of the gray wolf. Also called the domestic dog, it was selectively bred from a population of wolves during the Late …

As humans became more sophisticated, so did their dogs. Eventually, there emerged specific breeds of dogs, custom-bred to suit the breeders’ local needs and circumstances.

Dec 7, 2025 · What is a dog? A dog is a domesticated mammal of the family Canidae and the order Carnivora. Its scientific name is Canis lupus familiaris. Dogs are a subspecies of the gray wolf, and …

May 30, 2025 · Explore over 200+ types of dogs, detailing their size, temperament, and purpose to help you find the perfect canine companion for your lifestyle.

Get to know how today’s domestic dogs evolved from wolves, how to protect your dogs during a disaster, and the important roles dogs play in modern society.

All dogs descend from a species of wolf, but not the gray wolf (Canis lupus), like many people assume. In fact, DNA evidence suggests that the now-extinct wolf ancestor to modern dogs was...

But the most important job dogs have is being loyal companions to people. Even though dogs look very different from people, they have some of the same body features. They have hearts to pump blood, lungs to help them breathe, and stomachs to process food.

Likely of the same origin as other European water dogs, this rustic multi-purpose breed has been used for centuries in the Andalusian region of southern Spain to assist in herding, hunting and fishing.

Learn the unique history, breed specifics and health concerns of the wide variety of Dog breeds from the Veterinarians of VCA Animal Hospitals.

Looking to adopt a new puppy or adult dog? Adoptapet.com features adoptable dogs from over 15,000 animal shelters in the U.S. and Canada.