Question: Do different types of dogs have scientific names? If so, What are they for Kelpies, Blue Healers and Border Collies. If not I would like to know what the scientific name is for all dogs.

Asked by reggie13 to Mia on 1 Sep 2013.

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  1. Photo: Mia CobbMia Cobb
    answered on 1 Sep 2013:

    @reggie13: Hello! Actually, because all the different dog breeds are just types within one species, all domestic dog share the same biological, or scientific name, which is: Canis lupus familiaris.

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Comments

  1. Photo: reggie13reggie13
    commented on 2 Sep 2013:

    That is so fasinating, thank you for answering my name. Do you know why they are called that?

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  2. Photo: MiaMia
    commented on 2 Sep 2013:

    @reggie13: I’m not sure if you mean why they have that species name or why they have the breed names… so I’ll answer it both ways!

    The scientific name is latin, so translated:
    Canis = Dog
    lupus = Wolf
    familiaris = Family

    For the breeds:

    Kelpies: named after the mythological kelpie from Celtic folklore.
    Blue Heelers: these are Australian Cattle Dogs, but have been nicknamed as “Red Heeler” or “Blue Heeler” on the basis of their colouring and practice of moving reluctant cattle by nipping at their heels.
    Border Collie: a type of collie dog that was first bred in the Anglo-Scottish border area (and so, the name – border collie!).

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  3. Photo: reggie13reggie13
    commented on 4 Sep 2013:

    Wow, that is so awesome, thank you so much for answering my questions. I’m really interested in finding the other reasons why other dogs have their names. Thank you for taking the time for looking up both answers, sorry I confused you on the question.

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  4. Photo: MiaMia
    commented on 4 Sep 2013:

    No worries @reggie13 – I enjoyed learning the answers too 🙂

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