doggish
Having canine qualities
Doggish means resembling or characteristic of a dog.
The word can describe canine-like behavior—snappish, surly, or ill-tempered: a doggish snarl.
It may also suggest dog-like qualities more neutrally: loyal, eager, or following someone around.
In older usage, doggish could mean morally base or worthless, reflecting the low status dogs once held: doggish behavior unbecoming a gentleman.
Juvenile canine
Readily yielding to control
- obsequiousServilely attentive to superiors
- sycophanticServilely flattering
- fawningExcessive insincere flattery
- grovelingDemeaning self-abasement before another
subservient · cringing · docile · meek · compliant · deferential · toadying · bootlicking
Messily neglected in appearance
- disheveledUntidy in appearance
- shabbyWorn and neglected
- grubbySoiled and unkempt
- mangyShabby and unkempt
ragged · bedraggled · slovenly · scraggly · matted · shaggy · rumpled · tousled
Consistently loyal and true
- devotedLoyally and lovingly attached
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
- trueAccurate or loyal
- unwaveringSteady and unchanging
dedicated · allegiant · constant · trusty · attached · bonded · protective · companionable
Lively and playful
- rompingPlaying with energetic movement
- frolicsomeInclined to merriment
- gambolingPlayful jumping about
- boundingMoving by leaps
energetic · exuberant · bouncy · spirited · rollicking · boisterous · rambunctious · cavorting
puppy
Juvenile canine
cur · mongrel · snout · muzzle · paws · tail · fur · bark · howl · growl
submissive
Readily yielding to control
- obsequiousServilely attentive to superiors
- sycophanticServilely flattering
- fawningExcessive insincere flattery
groveling · subservient · cringing · docile · meek · compliant · deferential · toadying · bootlicking · kowtowing
scruffy
Messily neglected in appearance
- disheveledUntidy in appearance
- shabbyWorn and neglected
- grubbySoiled and unkempt
mangy · ragged · bedraggled · slovenly · scraggly · matted · shaggy · rumpled · tousled · squalid
faithful
Consistently loyal and true
unwavering · dedicated · allegiant · constant · trusty · attached · bonded · protective · companionable · following
frisky
Lively and playful
- rompingPlaying with energetic movement
- frolicsomeInclined to merriment
- gambolingPlayful jumping about
bounding · energetic · exuberant · bouncy · spirited · rollicking · boisterous · rambunctious · cavorting · leaping
- dogging itDeliberately underperforming