are-dogs-mammals

Dogs are domestic animals. Animals are classified depending on their characteristics. The question that we keep on asking is. Are dogs’ mammals? What does is make it be classified as mammals?

A scientist has classified dogs as mammals. Before that, we will explain what mammals are. State some of the characteristics of mammals. I have also stated the reasons why dogs are classified as mammals. To start lets, we define what mammals are.

Scientists do define mammals as warm-blooded animals. They are those animals with fur, hair, they give birth and also feed their young ones. Dogs do have all these simple characteristics. It should be understood that mammals are found in all parts of the world. Both are in cold and warm conditions.

 

Characteristics of mammals that are exhibited in dogs

 

Give Birth

One of the significant characteristics of dogs is giving birth to their young ones. They also feed them through their mother’s milk. The mother must eat well to have the milk of feeding their young ones. They also eat to maintain their body temperature. Dogs as other mammals do give birth. They also feed their puppies with mother’s milk. This is proof that dogs are mammals.

 

Protect Their Young Ones

Once they give birth, mammals will provide total security to their young ones. They do not allow strange to attack or to take them. In most cases, they will hide them from others. They also train them on the significant issues. For example, a human being does train their children on how to walk and also feed. Dogs as other mammals they do the same. The mother can’t allow one to touch his puppies once they have given birth. Some dog breed at this time they are so violent when one comes near to where the puppies are. They also train their young ones. They train them how to run, play among others. This is also proof that dogs are mammals

 

Hair or Fur

All mammals have got hair in their body. Some have them once in their lifetime. A scientist has proved that whales have hair, but it is present before they born. But once they are born the hair disappear. Dogs like other mammals do have hair. The primary purpose of the hair is to keep them warm. Or to maintain body temperature.

 

Brain Capacity

The brain capacity of most of the mammals is higher than that of other animals. They are intelligent. They can do complicated things. This is experienced on the tasks or the way they think or do. Mammals like dolphins, chimpanzees, human beings, dogs and other mammals are very intelligent. Mammal-like human being has got the language and can invent new things. Chimpanzees, on the other hand, do speak using sign language.

The brain capacity of dogs is higher too. When trained they can perform a complex task just like a human being. They too have felt and can learn about how we feel about them. This is an indication too that dogs are mammals.

 

Move Around Using Limbs

Most mammals do move from one area to another by the use of their limbs. They can have two or four limbs. They can either be bipedal or quad pedal. The main reason for their movement is the search of food for them and their young ones. They also move because of security purpose. They need to move to places that are safe. Dogs to make a move by their limbs.

 

Warm-blooded

This means that their body temperature to remain constant for most of their time. The temperature will remain constant even when the surrounding temperature changes.

The other category of animals their temperature changes depending on the surrounding temperature. Scientists argue that mammals are adapted in a way the internal body temperature is maintained even when there is adverse weather temperature. When the temperature is too hot, they have a way of regulating it to normal. They maintain their internal temperature by burning of food or fats through oxidation.

Despite being mammals, the newborn in mammals can’t regulate their own body temperature. The mother will huddle them to keep them warm. This is achieved by sweating, posture change and also panting. Dogs too are warm-blooded animals just like other mammals.

 

Breathe Through Lungs

All mammals breathe by the use of lungs. Scientists have proved this that all mammals breathe through this. The lungs are used for purification of hair. This is the same in dogs just like other mammals.

 

Vertebrate

This means that they have a backbone in their body. They have flexible vertebrae within their body.

 

Why mammals’ are referred to as mammals

Have you ever asked yourself why we call other animal mammals? The main reason for this name is that they have got mammary glands, teats, udders or breast. This gland enables mammals to feed their young ones with milk. Within the gland, they have follicles tube which is referred to as mammals. This is this is the main reasons why they are referred to as mammals. To add on that the presence of hairs is also another reason.

It should be understood that there are two main types of mammals. There are marine and land mammals. Land mammals are those mammals that live on earth. Marine mammals are those mammals that do live on the water. With marine animals, they are also subdivided into Sirenia, carnivore, and cetacean. Example of cetacean is dolphins, whale and porpoises Dugongs and manatees are examples of Sirenia. Sea lions, seals, and sea otter are examples of a carnivore.

 

Conclusion

Dogs are classified as mammals. We have discussed some of the reasons why they are classified as mammals. Some of the reasons we have looked are, the presence of mammary glands, they are warm-blooded animals, giving birth and feeding them. They do move by the use of their limbs. They also have a developed brain capacity. These are some of the characteristics of mammals that dogs do exhibit or do the show. There are also other reasons. You can do more research and get equipped with the other factors.

 

You May Also Interested In: