MAMMALIA: CARNIVORA: CANIDAE: Canis

Canis lupus

Gray wolf / domestic dog

Photos and text by Dr. Robert Sprackland.

At right is a dingo pup.

Range: Virtually worldwide.

Diagnosis:

Description: 

King, the VMNH mascot, is a cross between German
shepherd and Queensland blue heeler. Blue heelers
were bred from, among other stock, dingos.

Natural History:

Reproduction:

Taxonomy & Relationships: Domestic dogs and dingos have long been considered a distinct species from the wolf, as Canis familiaris, but DNA studies have shown the relationship to be much closer. Consequently, many specialists consider dogs to represent domesticated descendants of gray wolves.

Variation: Tremendous variation is present, most especially in domesticated dogs. These may range from tiny and nearly hairless Chihuahuas to giant hairy St. Bernards.

Additional Comments:

Type Specimen:

Literature: Click on book to order

Nowak, Ronald. 1991. Walker's Mammals of the World, Fifth Edition. Two volumes. Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN: 0-8018-3970-X.