Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a relatively new virus of dogs that emerged in the 1970's as a host-range variant of feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). Since then, research has shed light on the origin, evolution, and pathogenesis of this virus, and has lead to the development of CPV vaccines. While largely effective vaccination programs have greatly reduced clinical cases, outbreaks and individual cases are still found, especially in shelter situations. A case of CPV infection in a 3-month-old female puppy is presented and used to illustrate CPV's typical clinical presentation and management. Pathogenesis of the disease is discussed, along with the common gross and histopathology lesions caused by CPV infection. This paper also briefly demonstrates how molecular and evolutionary biology studies of CPV are contributing to our understanding of the virus.