dogness
What makes dogs
The quality or essence of being a dog—what makes dogs distinctively dogs.
The term appears in philosophical discussions about categories and essences: What is the dogness that all dogs share?
It can also describe how thoroughly something embodies canine characteristics: The wolf retained a certain dogness despite generations in the wild.
Defensive about owned space
- guardingActively protecting something
- herdingManaging animal groups
- retrievingRecovering something sent away
- huntingPursuing wild game
chasing · digging · marking · barking · howling · sniffing · burying · circling
Faithful commitment to another
- affectionWarm emotional attachment
- bondingForming close connections
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
- friendshipBond of mutual affection
attachment · unconditional love · closeness · togetherness · empathy · support · partnership · camaraderie
Lighthearted, frisky spirit
- eagernessIntense willingness to act
- obedienceCompliance with authority
- excitabilityProneness to strong reactions
- gentlenessSoft, kind demeanor
stubbornness · curiosity · alertness · sociability · submissiveness · dominance · fearfulness · aggression
breed
Cultivated variety of animal
muzzle · fur · puppy · bark · howl · pack · domesticated · kennel · leash · collar
territorial
Defensive about owned space
- guardingActively protecting something
- herdingManaging animal groups
- retrievingRecovering something sent away
hunting · chasing · digging · marking · barking · howling · sniffing · burying · circling · nesting
loyalty
Faithful commitment to another
friendship · attachment · unconditional love · closeness · togetherness · empathy · support · partnership · camaraderie · rapport
playfulness
Lighthearted, frisky spirit
- eagernessIntense willingness to act
- obedienceCompliance with authority
- excitabilityProneness to strong reactions
gentleness · stubbornness · curiosity · alertness · sociability · submissiveness · dominance · fearfulness · aggression · trainability
furry
Covered in soft hair
- four-leggedWith four limbs below
- warmModerately heated, or friendly
- pantingRapid labored breathing
slobbery · shedding · muscular · soft · fluffy · shaggy · tail-wagging
dognessfelineness
Quality of being catlike
cattishness · aloofness · independence · wildness · self-sufficiency
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