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Dog


Dogs, known taxonomically as Canis lupus familiaris, are carnivorous and sometimes omnivorous mammals. They have been domesticated by humans.

Overview

Physiology

Dogs vary widely in appearance as they come in a variety of breeds that can mix with each other. Purebred dogs are usually bred with a specific function in mind, thus their biology will match that function. For example, Guard Dogs are usually larger, more intimidating, and are fearless in their demeanor. They are bred to protect their owners, property, or livestock from other animals or people who seek to harm, deface, or steal from them. Hunting Dogs boast stamina, strength, and most importantly, speed in order to run down game. Some dogs share a similar "function" to cats, in that they are primarily around for companion purposes. These breeds are called "toys" or "lapdogs".

Behavior

The behavior of a dog varies across breed and, like their physiology, usually aligns with the breed. For example, hunting dogs tend to "point" at their prey while guard dogs tend to lock their jaws around a target until a command to let go or killed. Dog behavior can also be influenced by the environment, making their collective temperament both a product of nature and nurture. Thus, while a breed may have a general temperament, individual dogs will have similar but unique dispositions to one another.

Intelligence

Dog intelligence varies with breed, with Border Collies being the most intelligent and easiest to train.[1]The Afghan Hound is the least intelligent and most difficult to train.[2] Some breeds inherently excel in some criteria (e.g a guard dog would naturally excel in guarding), but may have to be taught something they aren't bred for. (e.g a naturally energetic breed wouldn't excel at being a lapdog).

Relationships

Humans

Dogs are derived from the scant few members of the wolf that were friendly enough to be tamed by humans some millennia ago. They are the oldest domesticated animal and are uniquely attuned with human behavior. In the western world, they are referred to as "man's best friend" and assist humanity with a variety of jobs, from search-and-rescue to simple companionship. In other parts of the world, however, they are not seen as pets but as food and are raised like cattle to be slaughtered and harvested.

Xenomorphs

Dogs and Xenomorphs have no special relationship. However, the Dog is able to be utilized by the Facehugger as a suitable host. The resulting Xenomorph is a Runner, a quadrupedal, reddish-brown variant that lacks dorsal spines and relies more on speed than strength.

Yautja

Dogs and Yautja have no special relationship. However, dogs can sense certain musks and pheromones that come off the species that humans cannot, therefore being able to pinpoint their location faster than a human could.

Notable Dogs

  • Butch — A dog of indeterminate breed, and the canine companion of Harry.
  • Creep — A Dalmatian, and Machiko Noguchi's pet.
  • Dan — A Jack Russell Terrier living at the mining colony of Bowen's Landing.
  • Daxter — A terrier, Daxter belonged to a family of humans on Ryushi. Tichinde and his gang of Unblooded Yautja eventually found and raided the home of the dog and his human family; Dax was impaled and killed during the conflict.
  • Mac — A dog owned by Dr. Stan Mayakovsky.
  • Spike — A Rottweiler, and the canine companion of Thomas Murphy and a host of The Dragon.
  • Rex — A Labrador Retriever who lived in Domes Epsilon.
  • Sarii — A canine companion of Naru of the Comanche Nation.
  • Duke & Medusa — Two security dogs at Body Count Paintball in New Jersey that were killed by a Predator.
  • Buddy & Chuck — Two search dogs used by the jailers who chased an escaped convict through the Everglades and came across a Predator.
  • Tipu - Abdallah's hunting dog who was killed during an expedition in the Himalayas.

Gallery

Behind the scenes

Rising threat v4

While the comic series Aliens: Colonial Marines - Rising Threat was cancelled prior to its initial release, the variant cover art for issue 4 featured a dog.

Appearances

References

  1. ↑ Animal Planet - Dogs 101
  2. ↑ Petrix - Pet Intelligence