caninology

Caninology is the scientific study of dogs, focusing on their biology, behavior, and welfare. The term blends Latin canis, meaning dog, with the suffix -ology, meaning the study of. It is sometimes used interchangeably with cynology, though caninology can emphasize interdisciplinary approaches across biology, psychology, and veterinary science.

The field covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy and physiology, genetics, reproduction, nutrition, and disease. It also disciplines canine behavior, cognition, communication, learning, and social interaction, as well as welfare, housing, and management of dogs in homes, shelters, and working environments. Research often spans laboratory studies, field observations, and clinical investigations, employing methods such as genetic analysis, imaging, behavioral testing, and epidemiology.

Applications of caninology include improving breeding practices and health screening, preventing and treating diseases, and advancing welfare assessment and husbandry. It informs training and selection of service, working, and companion dogs, and supports evidence-based approaches to care, enrichment, and behavioral modification. The field also contributes to public health considerations by studying zoonotic risks, vaccination programs, and population management.

Historically, caninology intersects with veterinary medicine, ethology, and animal science, tracing canine domestication and breed development while expanding to contemporary issues in welfare and cognition. As a multidisciplinary discipline, it continues to evolve with advances in genomics, neurobiology, and data science, shaping both scientific knowledge and practical standards for canine care and management.