Doggy is an affectionate, informal word for a dog, especially used by young children or when talking to young children. A toddler might point excitedly at a golden retriever and say “doggy!” Parents often use the word when teaching their children about animals: “Look at the doggy wagging its tail!”

The word carries a warm, playful feeling that matches how most people feel about dogs. You might use it when talking to your own pet in a sweet voice, or when you spot a particularly cute dog at the park. Adults sometimes use doggy when they're being deliberately childlike or silly, like saying “Who's a good doggy?” while scratching behind a dog's ears.

Doggy can also appear in phrases like doggy bag, which is a container restaurants provide so you can take leftover food home (it was originally meant for feeding to your dog, though most people now eat the leftovers themselves). And doggy paddle is a simple swimming stroke where you move your arms and legs like a dog swimming, often the first swimming motion young children learn.