Why are battles between airplanes known as "dogfights"?

Answer 1

ever see two dogs fight? they twist and tangle with each other trying to get a better angle to strike. that's why close combat between aircraft is called dogfighting... it's all about getting a line up without getting shot up first.

at the same time, that's only close combat. Long range missile engagement is not called dogfighting because it's an entirely different skill set