What does this page offer?
- Read about the basic facts on dogs
- Access some of the free short courses on dogs
- Join OZT as a member to learn even more about how to work with dogs while meeting people from around the world!
You have chosen a career to follow and prepare for; now it’s time to learn more about the species and breeds you will work with.
- Read about the basic facts on dogs
- Join the Dogs Group to learn how to work with them and meet people from around the world
- Access all of the free short courses on dogs
- Connect with tertiary institutions and organisations that work with dogs
Basic Facts on Dogs
Dogs are the oldest domesticated four-legged animals (they have adapted to being with humans), which are used as pets, for herding sheep, for protection, and even for guiding people who are blind.
Scientific name:
Canis familiaris
Common use names:
A male dog is called a dog, the female a bitch, and the young is called a pup, or puppy. A group of dogs is called a pack.
The word “dog” in other languages:
- Dutch: hond
- French: chien
- Spanish: perro
- Turkish: köpek
Awesome fact:
Your dog is as smart as a two-year-old!
Important Dates:
30000 BC: The Paleolithic Dog was a Canine deeply connected to European settlements and camps
14223 BC: The Bonn-Oberkassel Dog is widely accepted as the oldest ever fossil evidence of the domesticated dog
AD 1500: Dog breeds began to be actively developed
Dog Stats
Average Height
10 to 110 cm (3 to 42 in)
Average Weight
0.1 to 155 kg (4oz and 343 lb)
Average Lifespan
10 to 13 years
Average Offspring
4 to 8 puppies
Gestation
58 to 68 days
Running Speed
Up to 72 km/h (45 mph)
Estimated Global Population
900 million +
Active Period
Diurnal
Main Diet
Omnivorous
The scientific classification of a dog
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Canidae
Genus: Canis
Species: Canis familiaris
Free Short Courses on Dogs
Glossary of Dog Terms
This course deals with the basic terms used when talking about dogs.
Dog Facts and Taxonomy
This Course deals with the taxonomy and basic facts about the Dog.
Join the Dog Group
Learn even more about Cats by joining the DOG GROUP
Members of the Group can create and discuss any dog-related topic, as well as access all the different short courses, win awards, and meet other dog lovers from around the world. Gain experience points with each short course and compete for the top spot on the leaderboard!
Topics covered in the DOG GROUP:
- General dog knowledge (History, Anatomy, Habitat, behaviour, Diet, Ecological Benefits and Conservation)
- Dog Care and Health
- Creative (Including education, art, design, publishing, media, news and photography)
- Breeds (courses on over 80 different breeds)
Interact with all of the relevant tertiary institutions that feature courses related to dogs, as well as animal organisations that work with dogs.
If you are not a member yet, then register for FREE!
Career profiles and resources
How many career profiles are there on OZT where you can work with dogs?
Contributions by expert members are always appreciated to allow the students to learn about the species they will work with. Please add your contribution through the attached form:
List of Species Mentors/Educators who have contributed to the info:
One Zoo Tree
A few excellent pictures as examples of the species:
