doggo

Updated

September 4, 2026

Overview

doggo is a modern command-line DNS client with colorful, human-friendly output. It is an optional alternative to dig/host/nslookup for interactive queries. Install separately (Go binary / distro package where available). Keep dig for portable scripts and ubiquitous server availability.

Syntax

doggo [query options] NAME [TYPE]
doggo [NAME] @SERVER

Exact flags evolve — always check doggo --help for your version.

Common Options (typical)

Option Description
NAME Domain name to query
TYPE Record type (A, AAAA, MX, TXT, NS, …)
@server Nameserver to query
-n / --nameserver Nameserver
--strategy e.g. random/round-robin among servers
--time Show query time
--json JSON output (if supported)
--short Short answers
-4 / -6 Transport family
--tls / --https / --quic DoT/DoH/DoQ style transports when supported

Examples with Explanations

Basic queries

doggo example.com
doggo example.com A
doggo example.com AAAA
doggo example.com MX
doggo example.com TXT

Choose resolver

doggo example.com @1.1.1.1
doggo example.com @8.8.8.8
doggo example.com @127.0.0.53          # systemd-resolved stub

Reverse / other types

doggo 1.1.1.1 PTR
doggo example.com NS
doggo example.com SOA
doggo _http._tcp.example.com SRV

Compare with dig

dig +short example.com A
doggo example.com A
resolvectl query example.com

Scripting

# prefer dig for stable scripting
dig +short example.com A
# doggo if JSON mode available for humans/tools
doggo example.com --json 2>/dev/null | jq .

Encrypted DNS (when built-in)

doggo example.com --tls @1.1.1.1
doggo example.com --https @https://cloudflare-dns.com/dns-query

Feature support depends on build.

Notes / Pitfalls

  • Not preinstalled on servers — document dig equivalents in runbooks.
  • Pretty colors can break pipes — use short/JSON/plain modes.
  • System stub resolvers (127.0.0.53) may differ from public resolvers — test both when debugging.
  • DNSSEC/validation visibility differs by tool; confirm with dig +dnssec when needed.
  • DoH/DoT may be blocked on corporate networks.

2026-relevant notes

  • Encrypted DNS and modern transports are the interesting differentiator vs classic dig.
  • For fleet automation, stick to dig/resolvectl/getent hosts.
  • Pair with mtr/curl -v when debugging full user-visible path issues.

Additional Resources

  • doggo --help
  • project docs (mr-karan/doggo)