In the following one word substitution question, select the alternative that best replaces the phrase "love for dogs", meaning a strong liking or affection for dogs.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question tests your understanding of specialised terms used to describe strong preferences or affections, expressed through one word substitutions. The phrase "love for dogs" refers to a special fondness for dogs as animals. English uses a term formed from the Latin root for dog combined with a suffix indicating love or attraction.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The descriptive phrase is "love for dogs".
• All four options end with elements that imply liking or affection, such as "-philia" or "-phile".
• Only one option specifically refers to dogs.
• You must match the correct root for dogs with the concept of love or attraction.

Concept / Approach:
The term "canophilia" uses the root "cano" or "canis", which is Latin for dog, and the suffix "-philia", which denotes love or strong attraction. Therefore, "canophilia" means love for dogs. "Paedophilia" is an entirely different and inappropriate concept related to attraction towards children, "sinophile" refers to a lover or admirer of Chinese culture (from "Sino-"), and "zoophilia" refers to an inappropriate attraction towards animals in general, not specifically to dogs. Hence, the precise, exam friendly term matching the given phrase is "Canophilia".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Observe that the endings "-philia" and "-phile" generally express liking, love, or attraction. Step 2: Identify which root among the options is directly connected with dogs. Step 3: Recall that "canis" or similar forms refer to dogs, giving rise to terms like "canine" and "canophilia". Step 4: Connect "cano" plus "-philia" to the idea of love for dogs, resulting in "Canophilia". Step 5: Confirm that the other options either refer to different subjects or to inappropriate psychological terms, not specifically to a healthy love for dogs.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can cross check by remembering familiar related words. "Canine" is an everyday term used for dogs and doglike teeth. This supports the connection between "can-" roots and dogs. "Sinophile" is used in news and academic writing for someone who admires Chinese culture (Sino plus phile). "Zoophilia" applies broadly to animals and usually appears in technical psychological contexts. Therefore, the most precise, context appropriate answer for harmless love of dogs is "Canophilia".

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Option A, "Paedophilia", refers to a criminal and pathological attraction towards children and is entirely unrelated to love for dogs.
• Option B, "Sinophile", indicates love or admiration for China or Chinese culture.
• Option D, "Zoophilia", refers to a psychological condition involving attraction towards animals in general and is not used as a neutral term for simply liking dogs.

Common Pitfalls:
Because all the options contain similar sounding suffixes and may be unfamiliar, students might guess randomly or pick "Zoophilia" simply because it involves animals. However, exam questions usually expect the most precise and technically accurate term. It is important to pay attention to the exact root meanings and to be aware of the serious and negative connotations of certain words like "paedophilia" and "zoophilia". Learning vocabulary in context and understanding roots like "canis" for dog will help you avoid such mistakes.

Final Answer:
The correct one word substitution for "love for dogs" is Canophilia, so Option C is the right answer.