d-o-g
DOG is a domesticated carnivorous mammal, humanity's oldest companion, and also means to follow persistently. This simple 3-letter word is a word game staple, perfect for tight spaces and quick points!
5
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
DOG (Canis familiaris) is one of humanity's most significant words, representing our first domesticated animal and longest-standing companion. Beyond the animal, "dog" functions as both noun and verb with multiple meanings.
In word games, DOG is worth 5 base points in Scrabble. Its value lies in versatility - this common 3-letter word fits almost anywhere and can help clear difficult tiles or set up bigger plays.
"Dog" is one of English's great etymological mysteries. It suddenly appeared around 1050 CE, replacing the older "hound." Unlike most animal names, it has no clear ancestors in other Germanic languages, leading linguists to call it "a word of unknown origin."
Before "dog," English used "hound" (from Proto-Germanic *hundaz). By 1200 CE, "dog" had become the general term while "hound" specialized to mean hunting dogs. This reversal is unique - in German, "Hund" remains the general term.
"The word 'dog' appeared in English like a stray - no one knows where it came from, but it made itself at home."
Dogs were likely domesticated 15,000-40,000 years ago, making them humanity's first animal companion. This partnership predates agriculture, writing, and civilization itself. The bond is so deep it's literally written in our genes - both species evolved together.
Dogs in Human Society:
Dogs can learn over 1,000 words! The smartest dogs have vocabularies comparable to a 2-year-old child. Border Collie "Chaser" knew the names of 1,022 toys.
"DOG" spelled backwards is "GOD" - this palindrome has inspired countless memes, jokes, and even philosophical discussions about the special place dogs hold in human life.
In Scrabble, DOG can form over 20 compound words: DOGMA, HOTDOG, DOGEAR, DOGLEG, DOGGED, DOGFISH, and more - making it a versatile building block.
The phrase "dog days of summer" comes from ancient Greek astronomy - when Sirius (the Dog Star) rose with the sun, marking the hottest days of the year.
"The dog wagged its tail excitedly, somehow knowing its human was coming home before the car even turned the corner."
"Financial troubles continued to dog the company throughout the recession, following them from one quarter to the next."
"Playing DOG parallel to CAT gave me points for DOG, DO, OA, and GT - a perfect example of maximizing a simple word!"
Similar length and difficulty words
Total base points: 5 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 1 | Consonants: 2
Perfect for tight spaces, parallel plays, and using common tiles. Often helps set up bigger plays.
Dog eat dog
Ruthlessly competitive
Let sleeping dogs lie
Don't disturb a peaceful situation
Work like a dog
Work extremely hard
Dog days
Hot, sultry summer period
Top dog
Person in charge
Dog tired
Extremely exhausted
In the doghouse
In trouble or disfavor
Hair of the dog
Hangover cure (more alcohol)
Parallel Play Master
DOG's common letters make it perfect for parallel plays. Try DO/OX/GI formations.
Extension Opportunities
DOG → DOGS, DOGGED, DOGMA, HOTDOG. Always check for extensions!
GOD Anagram
If DOG doesn't fit, try GOD - same letters, different opportunities.
DOG
5 base points
DOGS
6 base points
DOGGED
10 base points
DOGMA
9 base points
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like DOG