Variation in Reproductive Traits of Members of the Genus Canis with Special Attention to the Domestic Dog (Canis familiaris)

This study examines the variation in reproductive traits among members of the genus Canis, with a focus on the domestic dog (Canis familiaris). The authors conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on reproductive traits in canids, including studies on mating behavior, reproductive anatomy, and hormonal regulation of reproduction. They found that there is significant variation in reproductive traits among canids, both within and between species. The authors also compared the reproductive traits of domestic dogs to those of their wild relatives and found that domestication has had a significant impact on the reproductive biology of dogs. Domestic dogs have a longer breeding season, higher litter sizes, and more frequent estrus cycles than their wild counterparts. The authors suggest that these changes in reproductive biology may be a result of the selective pressures of domestication, which have favored dogs that are more reproductively efficient. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the reproductive biology of canids and the effects of domestication on their reproductive traits.