What is a domestic dog?

A domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) is a subspecies of the wolf that has been domesticated for thousands of years and is kept for companionship, hunting, herding, and other purposes. Dogs have been bred to have a wide variety of physical and behavioral characteristics, and they come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors. Dogs are highly social animals and form strong bonds with humans, and they are considered to be members of the family in many cultures.