'dog-like' originates from the English word 'dog' combined with the suffix '-like', where 'dog' refers to the domesticated canine animal and '-like' means 'resembling or similar to'.

'dog' from Old English 'docga', combined with '-like', a common English suffix, to form 'dog-like'.

Initially, it meant 'resembling a dog in appearance or behavior', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.