Dog

The dog, or domestic dog, Canis lupus familiaris, is a domesticated member of the Canidae family closely related to the gray wolf. Dogs have been kept as companions and working animals for thousands of years and are now among the most widespread domestic animals in the world.

Domestication likely occurred in multiple regions, with evidence of close association with humans dating back tens of thousands of years. Through selective breeding, humans have developed hundreds of breeds with a wide range of sizes, appearances, and temperaments.

Standard physical traits vary considerably among breeds. Dogs range from small toy breeds to large working dogs. Typical lifespans span roughly 10 to 13 years, though some live longer. Dogs possess a highly developed sense of smell, acute hearing, and color vision that differs from humans.

Behavioral traits are influenced by genetics and environment. Dogs are generally social and can form strong bonds with humans and other animals. They communicate with vocalizations, facial expressions, and body language, and many are trainable for a variety of tasks.

People use dogs for a range of roles, including companionship, guarding, herding, hunting, search and rescue, service and therapy work, and law enforcement. The suitability for a given task often depends on breed, training, and individual temperament.

Maintaining dog health requires regular veterinary care, vaccination, parasite prevention, dental care, and appropriate exercise and nutrition. Breed predispositions to certain disorders exist, and ethical care emphasizes welfare, exercise, mental stimulation, and respectful environments. Many dogs are adopted from shelters or rescues.

Breeding practices raise welfare concerns, and responsible ownership includes spaying or neutering where appropriate, avoiding overbreeding, and ensuring suitable living conditions. Reproduction involves gestation of about nine weeks, with litter sizes that vary by breed and individual.