Scientific Name of Dog

The scientific name of dog is Canis lupus familiaris. Dogs are domestic creatures with a predominance of carnivorous behaviour. The scientific name of dog helps in accurately identifying its species and understanding the evolutionary relationship with other members of the Canidae family. The dog’s closest living relative is the contemporary wolf, descended from extinct Pleistocene wolves. In this article, we will read about the scientific name of dog, taxonomic classification, and more.

Scientific Name of Dog

The scientific name of the dog is Canis lupus familiaris. This classification places dogs within the genus Canis, which includes other canids such as wolves and coyotes. Understanding the scientific name of dogs helps scientists categorize and study their evolutionary history, behaviour, and genetic relationships with other canids. Additionally, it provides a standardized way to identify and classify different breeds and populations of dogs worldwide. The dog has coexisted alongside humans for more than 12,000 years as a hunting ally, a guardian, a target of devotion, and a buddy.

Scientific Classification of Dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The scientific classification of dogs are given below:

Type	Classification
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Mammalia
Order	Carnivora
Family	Canidae
Genus	Canis
Species	C. familiaris

Characteristics and Physical Traits of Dog

Some of the characteristics of a dog are as follows:

Teeth

• Dogs have two sets of teeth. 28 deciduous teeth are replaced by 42 adult teeth by six to seven months.
• Incisors are used for chewing and nibbling, canines for tearing flesh, and premolars and molars for shearing and crushing.

Digestive System

• Dogs swallow food, which travels to the stomach for digestion by enzymes.
• The small intestines handle most digestion and absorption with the help of the pancreas and liver.

Skeletal System

• Dogs have 319 bones, though fewer if the tail is docked or missing.
• Muscles support half the body weight with upper body muscles more developed.

Senses

• Dogs have five senses similar to humans.
• Their sense of smell is particularly superior and is used for various tasks like finding missing people, locating harmful materials like gases that are invisible to humans.

Reproductive Cycle

• The reproductive cycle lasts about 18-21 days, with proestrus characterized by bloody discharge and slight vulva enlargement lasting around 9 days.
• Estrus follows with discharge lightening and vulva softening, indicating receptivity to mating for 3-4 days or 7-11 days.

Gestation

• Gestation lasts around 63 days, though it can vary depending on factors like fertilization timing.

Behavior

• Dogs are pack animals, preferring social interaction with humans and other dogs.

Territory and Range

• Dogs claim territory based on owner restrictions, while wolves have vast territories for hunting.
• In order to alert other animals of their presence, male dogs mark the limits of their territories by peeing and leaving their scent on the ground or on trees.

Conclusion – Scientific Name of Dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The scientific name of the dog is Canis lupus familiaris. Understanding the scientific name of dogs helps scientists study their evolution, behavior, and genetic relationships with other canids, helping in the classification of breeds worldwide. Dogs, with their 12,000-year companionship with humans, serve various roles from hunting ally to devoted companion. Their physical traits, reproductive cycle, and social behavior underscore their unique bond with humans, making them cherished members of our families and societies.

Related List of Scientific Names

Scientific Name of Cockroach	Scientific Name Of Elephant
Scientific Name of Cat	Scientific name of Ant
Scientific Name of Butterfly	Scientific Name of Crow
Scientific Name of Buffalo	Scientific Name Of Horse
Scientific Name of Lion	Scientific Name of Cow

FAQs on Scientific Name of Dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

What is the Scientific Name of Dog?

The scientific name of dog is Canis lupus familiaris.

Name Some Common Dog Breeds and Mention their Scientific Names.

Here are some common dog breeds and their scientific names: Labrador Retriever- Canis lupus familiaris (Labrador), German Shepherd – Canis lupus familiaris (German Shepherd), Golden Retriever- Canis lupus familiaris (Golden).

Which Order and Family do Dogs Belong to?

The Dog is a domesticated animal belonging to the order Carnivora and Canidae family.

Is Canis lupus familiaris the Only Subspecies of the Gray Wolf?

Yes, there are numerous subspecies of gray wolves that can be found around the world, including the Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes), the Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi), and the Arctic wolf (Canis lupus arctos).

What is the Family of Dog?

The family of the dog is Canidae.

What is the Order of Dog?

The order of dog is Carnivora.