Canines are four-legged mammals.
The term canine comes from the Latin word canīnus . The Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ), in its dictionary, recognizes several meanings of the concept.
The first meaning that the RAE includes indicates that canine is that which is linked to the dog . A can, meanwhile, is a dog : a four-legged mammal that usually lives with humans as a pet.
Characteristics of a canine
Canines, like wolves , coyotes and other species, are part of the canid family group. This means that they are carnivorous (they are prepared to eat meat) and digitigrade (they move using only their fingers), with four fingers on their back legs and five on their front legs.
Scientifically named Canis familiaris , canines have a highly developed sense of smell . They also have a hearing that, due to its characteristics, is superior to that of human beings. On the other hand, the acuity of their vision is limited when it comes to capturing details.
Beyond the common traits that all dogs share, there are notable differences between breeds . Canines can vary in height, weight, coat, etc.
Dogs and people
It is estimated that domestic canines began to evolve from a common ancestor about 30,000 years ago. There are records dating back more than 10,000 years that reveal the existence of a close bond with people since then, so it can be said that both species (canines and humans) evolved together.
Today dogs live in the same place as men and women, sharing ways of life. They are companion animals that become part of families , even adopting - due to human influence - habits that are harmful to them.
In many areas, canines are also considered work animals . They are usually assigned from surveillance tasks to assisting blind individuals, including collaboration activities with shepherds and helping hunters, for example.
Canines live with people as companion animals.
Canine breeds
Specialists recognize nearly four hundred breeds of canines. Some have a spontaneous origin and others obey artificial selection mechanisms developed by humans.
The Great Dane , Brazilian Fila , Saint Bernard , and Neapolitan Mastiff are among the largest breeds. At the other extreme, we find very small canines such as the Chihuahua , the Pomeranian , the Bichon Frize and the Pekingese .
Canines that show traits of different breeds or that descend from stray or wild dogs are known as mestizos . These specimens lack pedigree: there is no documentation that records their genealogical history.
The fangs
It should be noted that, according to the RAE , the fangs can be mentioned as canines. A canine, in this framework, is a pointed tooth that is part of the so-called incisor teeth (located in the most prominent sector of the jaw ).
The main use of canines is to tear food . They are also used when speaking. It is interesting to note that each adult person has four canines.