Cynology /sɪˈnɒlədʒi/ (rarely kynology, /kɪˈnɒlədʒi/) is the study of matters related to canines or domestic dogs. In English, it is a term sometimes used to denote a serious zoological approach to the study of dogs[1] as well as by writers on canine subjects, dog breeders, trainers[2][3] and enthusiasts who study the dog informally.[4][5]
Cynology is a classical compound word (from Greek κύων, kyōn, κυνός, kynos, 'dog'; and -λογία, -logia) referring to the study of dogs. The word is not found in major English dictionaries and it is not a recognized study in English-speaking countries. Similar words are in other languages, such German and Dutch Kynologie. κυν is also the source of the English word cynic, and is directly related to canine and hound.
The suffix '-logy' in English words refers to a study, or an academic discipline, or field of scientific study. English classical compound words of this type may confer an impression of scientific rigor on a non-scientific occupation or profession.
Usage in English of the word cynology is rare, and occasionally found in the names of dog training academies, with cynologist sometimes being used as a title by some dog trainers or handlers. People who informally study the dog may refer to themselves as 'cynologists' to imply serious study or scientific work.
The very rare term cynologist in English is generally found to refer to "canine specialists" such as; certified care professionals, certified show judges, breeders, breed enthusiasts, certified dog-trainers and professional dog-handlers.
Cynology may have other connotations or uses in languages other than English; see German Kynologie [de], Dutch Kynologie [nl] and Czech Sportovní kynologie [cs].
