Where did the term top dog come from?

The term "top dog" has been used for centuries to refer to the alpha male in a pack of dogs. The term is thought to have originated from the Latin word "apex", which means "top" or "highest point". In the canine world, the alpha male is the dominant male who leads the pack and mates with the females. He is typically the strongest, most aggressive, and most experienced male in the pack. The term "top dog" has also been used to refer to the most powerful person in a group or organization.