Prairie dogs are members of the squirrel family, which includes ground squirrels, chipmunks, and marmots; they assumed the "dog" affinity from the barking sound they make.

The high-pitched, bark-like call of the prairie dog, has been suggested to be the most sophisticated of all natural animal languages. They deliver distinctively different sounds to identify specific predators.

Prairie Dogs can run up to 35 miles per hour for short distances.

Prairie dogs live in "towns", which are a complex series of underground tunnels that afford the prairie dogs safety by defending them from fires and predators. Predators of these fun loving creatures include hawks, owls, eagles, ravens, coyotes, badgers, ferrets, snakes, and man.

Prairie dogs are highly social. Common greetings among members include kissing, hugging, and touching noses. Obvious in their play, prairie dogs enjoy the company of each other greatly. They will tumble and frolic with each other, as well as groom one another.

Relationships within the prairie dog town vary seasonally. The spring and summer seasons are relaxed, friendly, affectionate; however, males often fight each other as aggression builds in the fall and during the winter months. This change in mood is most likely due to the gestation periods of the female. February to April is their breeding period and gestation lasts 30 to 35 days.