dog, (Canis lupus familiaris), domestic mammal of the family Canidae (order Carnivora). It is a subspecies of the gray wolf (Canis lupus) and is related to foxes and jackals. The dog is one of the two most ubiquitous and most popular domestic animals in the world (the cat is the other). This article provides a comprehensive look at the canine family animals, exploring their characteristics, different species, and the vital role they play in various ecosystems. This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the title Canine. If an internal link incorrectly led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. Canines are native to every continent except Antarctica and Australia, where the dingo was introduced by humans. The smallest canid is the fennec fox, which tops out at around three pounds. The. The Caninae are the canines, [8] and include domestic dogs, wolves, coyotes, raccoon dogs, foxes, jackals, and other species. Canids are found on all continents except Antarctica, having arrived independently or accompanied by human beings over extended periods of time. Canine is not only an adjective but also a noun. Dogs and their relatives in the Canidae family—the wolves, jackals, foxes, and coyotes—are often called canines. Canine, (family Canidae), any of 36 living species of foxes, wolves, jackals, and other members of the dog family. Found throughout the world, canines tend to be slender long-legged animals with long muzzles, bushy tails, and erect pointed ears. Canines are approximately 35 to 37 species in the Canidae clade, including wolves, coyotes, foxes, jackals, dingoes, and domesticated dogs. There is a massive size range among canines, from the tiny fennec fox, which weighs no more than three pounds, to the gray wolf, weighing over 100 pounds. Canine refers to a member of the family Canidae, which includes domestic dogs and their wild relatives. In the context of animal breeding, various aspects of genetics and breeding methods may apply to canines, including considerations of hybrid vigor and breeding systems. CANINE definition: 1. of or relating to dogs: 2. one of four pointed teeth in the human mouth 3. a dog. Learn more.