Canines - Wolves, Foxes, The Domestic Dog
species including canidae wolf
Canines are species in the carnivore family, Canidae, including the wolves, coyote, foxes, dingo, jackals, and several species of wild dog. The family also includes the domestic dog, which is believed to have descended from the wolf. The Canidae includes 10-14 genera with 30-35 species, depending on the taxonomic treatment.
Canines originated in North America during the Eocene era (38-54 million years ago), from there they spread throughout the world. The social behavior of canines varies from solitary habits to highly organized, cooperative packs. Canines range in size from the fennec fox, about 16.5 in (41 cm) long including the tail and weighing about 1 lb (0.5 kg), to the gray or timber wolf, which is more than 6 ft (2 m) in length and weighs up to 175 lb (87.5 kg).
Canid skulls have a long muzzle, well-developed jaws, and a dental formula of 42 teeth. Most canines species live in packs, which offer several benefits including group defense of territory, communal care of the young, and the ability to catch large prey species.
Additional Topics
Wolves are found in North America, Europe, and Asia. The gray wolf (Canis lupus) is the largest member of
A blonde dingo. Photograph by Jim Steinberg. The National Audubon Society Collection/Photo Researchers, Inc. Reproduced by permission.
the dog family, and is a widely distributed species. It lives in a variety of habitats, including forest, prairie, mountains, tundra, and desert. The …
There are 21 species of foxes in four genera. Foxes range in size from the 3 lb (15 kg) fennec fox (Fennecus
The endangered red wolf (Canis rufus). Photograph by Tim Davis. The National Audubon Society Collection/Photo Researchers, Inc. Reproduced by permission.
cerda) to the 20 lb (10 kg) red fox (Vulpes vulpes). The gray fox (Urocyon cinereargenteus) and arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) are h…
Kennel societies in the United States recognize 130 breeds of domestic dog, while those in Britain recognize 170 breeds, and the Federation Cynologique Internationale (representing 65 countries) recognizes 335 breeds. The size range of domestic dogs is from about 4 lb (2 kg) to 200 lb (100 kg). Some breeds, such as the dachshund, have short legs, while others, such as the greyhound, have long legs…
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