Canis is a genus containing 7 to 10 extant species and many extinct species, including wolves, coyotes, and jackals.

Wolves and dogs

Wolves and dogs are subspecies of Canis lupus. The American Grey Wolf (Canis lupus lupus) differs significantly in appearance from such wolves as C. l. pallipes, C. l. arabs, or C. l. chanco, that are probably more similar to the wolf that was the modern dog ancestor.

Some other Canis taxa that were at one time considered separate species are also now considered subspecies of Canis lupus. These include the dingo (C. l. dingo) from Australia and the red wolf (C. l. rufus) from North America.

Etymology

The name Canis is Latin for dog.

References

See also

• List of Canis species