The term “domestic dog” refers to any of several hundred breeds of dog
in the world today. While these animals vary drastically in appearance,
every dog—from the Chihuahua to the Great Dane—is a member of the same
species, Canis familiaris. This separates domestic dogs from wild
canines, such as coyotes, foxes, and wolves. Domestic dogs are mostly
kept as pets, though many breeds are capable of surviving on their own,
whether it’s in a forest or on city streets. A third of all households
worldwide have a dog, according to a 2016 consumer insights study. This
makes the domestic dog the most popular pet on the planet.
Learn more on National Geographic
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