<P> The domestic dog ( Canis lupus familiaris or Canis familiaris ) is a member of the genus Canis ( canines ) , which forms part of the wolf - like canids , and is the most widely abundant terrestrial carnivore . The dog and the extant gray wolf are sister taxa as modern wolves are not closely related to the wolves that were first domesticated , which implies that the direct ancestor of the dog is extinct . The dog was the first species to be domesticated and has been selectively bred over millennia for various behaviors , sensory capabilities , and physical attributes . </P>
<P> The domestic dog ( Canis lupus familiaris or Canis familiaris ) is a member of the genus Canis ( canines ) , which forms part of the wolf - like canids , and is the most widely abundant terrestrial carnivore . The dog and the extant gray wolf are sister taxa as modern wolves are not closely related to the wolves that were first domesticated , which implies that the direct ancestor of the dog is extinct . The dog was the first species to be domesticated and has been selectively bred over millennia for various behaviors , sensory capabilities , and physical attributes . </P>
the taxonomic name canis familiaris is an example of
the taxonomic name canis familiaris is an example of
domestic dog
domestic dog