Why is Sirius called the Dog Star?

Sirius is called the Dog Star because it is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, which translates to "Greater Dog" in Latin. In ancient times, it was associated with hunting dogs and was often depicted as a companion to Orion, the Hunter. Its rising in the summer was believed to herald the hottest days of the year, known as the "Dog Days of Summer." This connection to dogs and hunting led to its enduring nickname, the Dog Star.