Canine vs. Feline — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 13, 2023
Canine pertains to dogs or the dog family; Feline relates to cats or the cat family.
Difference Between Canine and Feline
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Key Differences
Canine and Feline are terms that represent two distinct families within the animal kingdom. Canine primarily relates to dogs and their family, which includes various breeds from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. In contrast, Feline pertains to cats and their extended family, covering everything from domesticated cats to wild lions and tigers.
The term Canine doesn't only mean dogs but also relates to animals closely related to them, such as wolves, foxes, and coyotes. On the other hand, Feline includes a broader range of cats, from your pet Siamese cat to ferocious cheetahs and leopards in the wild.
In terms of characteristics, Canine animals are generally known for their loyalty, pack mentality, and often, their utility in human societies as work animals or companions. Feline creatures, however, are characterized by their grace, agility, and independence, and they range from being household pets to apex predators in their natural habitats.
From a linguistic standpoint, Canine and Feline serve as adjectives as well. You might describe a person's sharp teeth as "canine" or someone's graceful movements as "feline." These terms have transcended their biological origins to become part of everyday language.
Comparison Chart
Related to
Dogs
Cats
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Includes
Wolves, foxes, coyotes
Lions, tigers, cheetahs
Characteristics
Loyalty, pack mentality
Grace, agility, independence
Use as an Adjective
Pertaining to dog-like features
Pertaining to cat-like features
Domesticated Examples
Labrador, Golden Retriever
Siamese, Persian
Compare with Definitions
Canine
Relating to the dog family, including wolves and foxes.
The museum displayed canine fossils from the prehistoric era.
Feline
Relating to the cat family, including lions and tigers.
The zoo introduced a new feline exhibit this year.
Canine
Describing one of the pointed teeth in the human mouth.
The dentist checked the health of his canine tooth.
Feline
Characteristic of cats or cat-like behaviors.
Her feline grace was evident in her dance movements.
Canine
Pertaining to dogs.
The canine obedience class starts at 10 am.
Feline
Pertaining to cats.
The feline agility course was a hit among pet owners.
Canine
Of, relating to, or characteristic of the canids.
Feline
Describing anything related to or resembling a cat.
Feline eyes watched from the shadows.
Canine
Of, relating to, or being one of the pointed conical teeth located between the incisors and the first bicuspids.
Feline
Referring to any member of the Felidae family.
Several feline species can be found in the African savannah.
Canine
An animal of the family Canidae, especially a dog.
Feline
Of or belonging to the family Felidae, which includes the lions, tigers, jaguars, and wild and domestic cats; felid.
Canine
One of the pointed, conical teeth located between the incisors and the first bicuspids. Also called cuspid.
Feline
Suggestive of a cat, as in suppleness or stealthiness.
Canine
Of, or pertaining to, a dog or dogs.
Feline
An animal of the family Felidae.
Canine
Dog-like.
Feline
Of or pertaining to cats.
Canine
(anatomy) Of or pertaining to mammalian teeth which are cuspids or fangs.
Feline
Catlike (resembling a cat); sleek, graceful, inscrutable, sensual, and/or cunning.
Canine
Of an appetite: depraved or inordinate; used to describe eating disorders.
Feline
(formal) A cat; member of the cat family Felidae.
Canine
Any member of Caninae, the only living subfamily of Canidae.
Feline
(formal) Any member of Felinae, one of the two extant subdivisions of Felidae.
Canine
(formal) Any of certain extant canids regarded as similar to the dog or wolf (including coyotes, jackals, etc.) but distinguished from the vulpines, which are regarded as fox-like.
Feline
Catlike; of or pertaining to the genus Felis, or family Felidæ; as, the feline race; feline voracity.
Canine
In heterodont mammals, the pointy tooth between the incisors and the premolars; a cuspid.
Feline
Characteristic of cats; sly; stealthy; treacherous; as, a feline nature; feline manners.
Canine
(poker slang) A king and a nine as a starting hand in Texas hold 'em due to phonetic similarity.
Feline
Any of various lithe-bodied round-headed fissiped mammals many with retractile claws
Canine
Of or pertaining to the family Canidæ, or dogs and wolves; having the nature or qualities of a dog; like that or those of a dog.
Feline
Of or relating to cats;
Feline fur
Canine
Of or pertaining to the pointed tooth on each side the incisors.
Canine
A canine tooth.
Canine
One of the four pointed conical teeth (two in each jaw) located between the incisors and the premolars
Canine
Any of various fissiped mammals with nonretractile claws and typically long muzzles
Canine
Of or relating to a pointed conical tooth
Canine
Of or relating to or characteristic of members of the family Canidae
Canine
Characteristic of dogs or dog-like behaviors.
His canine loyalty to the team was commendable.
Canine
Referring to any member of the Canidae family.
The sanctuary housed several canine species.
Common Curiosities
Can Canine refer to teeth?
Yes, Canine can describe the pointed teeth next to the incisors in humans.
Do the terms Canine and Feline have adjectival uses?
Yes, they can describe features or behaviors resembling those of dogs or cats.
What does Canine mean?
Canine relates to dogs or the dog family, including species like wolves.
How is Feline defined?
Feline pertains to cats or the cat family, including animals like lions.
What are some traits associated with Feline animals?
Felines are often linked with grace, agility, and independence.
Are there any myths surrounding Canine and Feline creatures?
Yes, numerous myths and legends feature dogs and cats or their wild counterparts, highlighting their cultural significance.
Do Felines include only domestic cats?
No, Feline covers all from household cats to wild ones like tigers.
Are all Canines domesticated?
No, while many Canines like dogs are domesticated, others like wolves are wild.
Are foxes considered Canine or Feline?
Foxes belong to the Canine family.
Which is larger, the Canine or Feline family?
Both families have a diverse range of species, but Felines include both small domestic cats and large wild cats like lions.
Can the word Feline relate to a person's behavior?
Yes, someone with cat-like grace or aloofness might be described as having Feline traits.
If I see a reference to a Canine park, what does it mean?
It refers to a dog park, a place designed for dogs to play and socialize.
Can I refer to a cat's agility as Canine?
No, you'd describe a cat's agility as Feline.
Do Canines usually have a pack mentality?
Yes, many Canines, especially wolves and dogs, exhibit a pack mentality.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
