What is the name scientists use for dogs?

Scientists don't use a special name for dogs. They refer to them by their scientific name, Canis lupus familiaris.

* Canis means "dog" in Latin.

* Lupus means "wolf" in Latin.

* Familiaris means "domesticated" in Latin.

So, the scientific name essentially translates to "domesticated wolf." This classification reflects the fact that dogs are descended from wolves and were domesticated over thousands of years.