Final answer:
The physical characteristics of dogs are determined by genes on chromosomes within the cell's nucleus, making option 1 the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The physical characteristics of the dogs are determined by their genes, which are sequences of DNA that control specific traits. These genes are located on chromosomes, which are organized structures of DNA and protein found in cells. Specifically, the chromosomes containing these genes are housed within a cell's nucleus. Therefore, the cell components involved in determining the physical characteristics of the dogs are genes, chromosomes, and the nucleus. This means that the correct answer to the question is option 1: Genes, chromosomes, and nucleus. Each dog inherits a unique combination of these genes from their parents, which results in different traits such as fur color and ear shape.