Dog notes

The dog (Canis familiaris when considered a distinct species or Canis lupus familiaris when

considered a subspecies of the wolf)[5] is a member of the genus Canis (canines), which forms part of
the wolf-like canids,[6] and is the most widely abundant terrestrial carnivore.[7][8][9][10][11] The dog and
the extant gray wolf are sister taxa[12][13][14] as modern wolves are not closely related to the wolves that
were first domesticated,[13][14] which implies that the direct ancestor of the dog is extinct.[15] The dog
was the first species to be domesticated,[14][16] and has been selectively bred over millennia for various
behaviors, sensory capabilities, and physical attributes.[17]
Their long association with humans has led dogs to be uniquely attuned to human behavior[18] and
they are able to thrive on a starch-rich diet that would be inadequate for other canids.[19] Dogs vary
widely in shape, size and colors.[20] They perform many roles for humans, such
as hunting, herding, pulling loads, protection, assisting police and military, companionship and, more
recently, aiding disabled people and therapeutic roles. This influence on human society has given
them the sobriquet of "man's best friend".

Contents

 1Terminology
 2Taxonomy
 3Origin
 4Biology
o 4.1Anatomy
 4.1.1Size and weight
 4.1.2Senses
 4.1.3Coat
 4.1.4Tail
 4.1.5Differences from wolves
o 4.2Health
 4.2.1Lifespan
o 4.3Reproduction
 4.3.1Neutering
o 4.4Inbreeding depression
 5Intelligence, behavior, and communication
o 5.1Intelligence
o 5.2Behavior
o 5.3Communication
 6Ecology
o 6.1Population
o 6.2Competitors and predators
o 6.3Diet
o 6.4Range
 7Breeds
 8Roles with humans
o 8.1Early roles
o 8.2As pets
o 8.3Work
o 8.4Sports and shows
 o 8.5As food
o 8.6Health risks to humans
o 8.7Health benefits for humans
o 8.8Shelters
 9Cultural depictions
o 9.1Mythology and religion
o 9.2Literature
o 9.3Art
o 9.4Education and appreciation
 10See also
o 10.1Lists
 11References
 12Bibliography
 13Further reading
 14External links

Terminology
 The term dog typically is applied both to the species (or subspecies) as a whole, and any
adult male member of the same.
 An adult female is a bitch.
 An adult male capable of reproduction is a stud.
 An adult female capable of reproduction is a brood bitch, or brood mother.
 Immature males or females (that is, animals that are incapable of reproduction)
are pups or puppies.
 A group of pups from the same gestation period is called a litter.
 The father of a litter is a sire. It is possible for one litter to have multiple sires.
 The mother of a litter is a dam.
 A group of any three or more adults is a pack.