This religious order was founded by Saint Dominic in 1215. It is an active, non-enclosed teaching order, and the rules are based on poverty and preaching.
Saint Dominic set up the order of mendicant friars to support Christian learning and oppose heresy; hence the Dominicans have often been involved in doctrinal disputes. They are sometimes symbolised by a dog, from the play on words: domine canis (dog of the Lord).
The habit is a black cloak and hood over a white tunic.