* "Dog" is already the common and accepted term. It's the most widely used and understood word for a canine companion.
* Scientific classification: The scientific name for dogs is *Canis lupus familiaris*.
* Other terms: There are other terms, like "canine," "hound," and "pup," but they're often used for specific breeds or ages.
So, "dog" is the most accurate and universally understood term for a dog in general.