This article is about the domestic dog. For related species known as "dogs", see Canidae. For other uses, see Dog (disambiguation).The domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris, or Canis familiaris) is a member of the Canidae family of the mammalianorder Carnivora. The term "domestic dog" is generally used for both domesticated and feral varieties. The dog was the first domesticated animal[4][5] and has been the most widely kept working, hunting, and pet animal in human history.[citation needed] The word "dog" can also refer to the male of a canine species,[6] as opposed to the word "bitch" which refers to the female of the species