Abstract:Canine parvovirus(CPV-2) ,first recognized in 1978 as a new pathogen of dogs,was probably derived from a very closely related virus in cats,feline panleukopaenia virus ( FPLV) or a closely related carnivore parvovirus ( FPLVlike virus) . CPV-2 is responsible for either myocarditis or fatal gastroenteritis in pups with high morbidity and mortality.Shortly after its emergence,CPV-2 has become endemic in the global dog population. The original CPV-2 continued to evolve,and was subsequently replaced by three different but closely related antigenic variants,designated CPV-2a,CPV- 2b and CPV-2c,which now coexist in dog populations worldwide. The genetic and antigenic variation in CPV-2 also correlated with changes in the host range and tissue tropisms of the virus. Here,we reviewed variation and evolution of CPV-2 in past 30 years and discussed CPV-2 as an important model to study virus evolution.