The dog (Canis familiaris or Canis lupus familiaris) is a domesticated descendant of wolves. Also called the domestic dog, it was selectively bred during the Late Pleistocene by hunter-gatherers. Dogs and …

As humans became more sophisticated, so did their dogs. Eventually, there emerged specific breeds of dogs, custom-bred to suit the breeders’ local needs and circumstances.

Jan 21, 2026 · What is a dog? A dog is a domesticated mammal of the family Canidae and the order Carnivora. Its scientific name is Canis lupus familiaris. Dogs are a subspecies of the gray wolf, and …

Search for dogs, cats, and other available pets for adoption near you.

All dogs descend from a species of wolf, but not the gray wolf (Canis lupus), like many people assume. In fact, DNA evidence suggests that the now-extinct wolf ancestor to modern dogs was...

May 30, 2025 · Explore over 200+ types of dogs, detailing their size, temperament, and purpose to help you find the perfect canine companion for your lifestyle.

Get to know how today’s domestic dogs evolved from wolves, how to protect your dogs during a disaster, and the important roles dogs play in modern society.

Visit our How to Adopt page to learn more about meeting our beautiful dogs and puppies. Adopting saves lives and brings joy to your home. Join us in providing forever homes to these wonderful …

Dogs were domesticated from wolves around 15,000 years ago. New evidence suggests that dogs were first domesticated in East Asia, possibly China. Over time, the dog has developed into hundreds of …

Can I adopt dogs and cats at Petco? Yes, in many Petco Pet Care Centers across the country you can meet adoptable pets everyday in one of our adoption habitats, or at weekend adoption events in …