Puppy: Difference between revisions
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A '''puppy''' (plural ''puppies'') is an [[youth|immature]] [[dog]]. The shortened form ''pup'' is also used, although the word "pup" is also used for the young of many other animals and in such context is not slang. The word ''whelp'', taken from the verb ''to whelp'', to give birth to a pup, is also heard, especially for a newborn pup. By extension, pup, puppy and whelp are sometimes applied affectionately or derogatorily toward young, rascally humans. Puppies are formally called ''puppy dog'' (males) and ''puppy bitch'' (female). These are [[dog breeding|breeders) and [[animal fancy|fanciers']] terms and the distinction is not generally made in everyday speech; the words "puppy" and "puppy dog" are applied indiscriminately to all young dogs. | A '''puppy''' (plural ''puppies'') is an [[youth|immature]] [[dog]]. The shortened form ''pup'' is also used, although the word "pup" is also used for the young of many other animals and in such context is not slang. The word ''whelp'', taken from the verb ''to whelp'', to give birth to a pup, is also heard, especially for a newborn pup. By extension, pup, puppy and whelp are sometimes applied affectionately or derogatorily toward young, rascally humans. Puppies are formally called ''puppy dog'' (males) and ''puppy bitch'' (female). These are [[dog breeding|breeders) and [[animal fancy|fanciers']] terms and the distinction is not generally made in everyday speech; the words "puppy" and "puppy dog" are applied indiscriminately to all young dogs. | ||
== Puppy characteristics == | |||
Like the young of many animals, puppies' appearance can be markedly different to that of adult dogs. | |||
They generally have large paws and like to [[play]]. There are a variety of dog breeds. Most likely, puppies are [[birth|born]] in a group from four to eight at a time called a ''litter''. | They generally have large paws and like to [[play]]. There are a variety of dog breeds. Most likely, puppies are [[birth|born]] in a group from four to eight at a time called a ''litter''. | ||
Revision as of 03:24, 23 November 2010
A puppy (plural puppies) is an immature dog. The shortened form pup is also used, although the word "pup" is also used for the young of many other animals and in such context is not slang. The word whelp, taken from the verb to whelp, to give birth to a pup, is also heard, especially for a newborn pup. By extension, pup, puppy and whelp are sometimes applied affectionately or derogatorily toward young, rascally humans. Puppies are formally called puppy dog (males) and puppy bitch (female). These are [[dog breeding|breeders) and fanciers' terms and the distinction is not generally made in everyday speech; the words "puppy" and "puppy dog" are applied indiscriminately to all young dogs.
Puppy characteristics
Like the young of many animals, puppies' appearance can be markedly different to that of adult dogs.
They generally have large paws and like to play. There are a variety of dog breeds. Most likely, puppies are born in a group from four to eight at a time called a litter.