The dog rose is a deciduous shrub normally ranging in height from 1–5 metres (3+1⁄2–16+1⁄2 ft), though it can scramble higher into the crowns of taller trees.

Caninae) are most commonly pentaploid, i.e. with five times the base number of seven chromosomes for the genus Rosa, but may be diploid, tetraploid or hexaploid as well.

Yet in 1551, Matthias de l'Obel classified it as a rose, under the name, "Canina Rosa odorata et silvestris", in his herbal "Rubus canis: Brere bush or hep tree" .

[12] Based on a 2013 DNA analysis using amplified fragment length polymorphisms of wild-rose samples from a transect across Europe (900 samples from section Caninae, and 200 from other sections), it has been suggested that the following named species are best considered as belonging to a single R. canina species complex:[13] The botanical name is derived from the common names 'dog rose' or similar in several European languages, including classical Latin and ancient (Hellenistic period) Greek.

It outcompetes native plants, offers shelter to pests like foxes and rabbits, is not eaten by livestock due to its unpalatable nature, and its large shrubs resist grazing by farm animals.

The dog rose invades native bushland therefore reducing biodiversity and the presence of desirable pasture species.

[24] In the US, it is classified as a weed and invasive in some regions or habitats, where it may displace desirable vegetation due to its large size and ability of regeneration from sprouts.

[25] The dog rose is hardy to zone 3 in the UK (USDA hardiness zone 3–7), tolerates maritime exposure, grows well in a sunny position, and grows even in heavy clay soils, but like all roses dislikes water-logged soils or very dry sites.

[28] During World War II in the United States, Rosa canina was planted in victory gardens; it can still be found growing throughout that country, including on roadsides, in pastures and nature conservation areas.

[29][30] In Bulgaria, where the dog rose grows in abundance, its hips are used to make sweet wine and tea.

[34] The first recorded significance of the flower dates back hundreds of years ago to The Academy of Floral Games (founded in 1323), which gifted poets a sprig of dog rose to reward them for their literary excellence.

Most prevalent in the United Kingdom, William Shakespeare wrote about the flower in A Midsummer Night's Dream,[35] which in his time was called eglantine, though it can now also refer to Rosa rubiginosa (Sweet brier).

[33] Oberon, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act II, Scene I quoting his words: "With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine."