glossary This is a glossary of dog terms. Most of them are listed as defined by the Canine Lexicon. Some terms were added from dictionaries. Abbreviations are also available for lookup. Typos are probably mine. Please send comments, corrections and requests. kbl Abdomen Structured of firm muscular tissue, the body cavity between the hindquarters and the chest. Consisting of muscular walls and the belly (the floor), the abdomen is supported above the spinal column's lumbar portion Abdomen, paunchy. Excessive, untucked, flabby abdominal walls creating a pendulous underline. "Pot belly" in extreme cases. Abdomen, tucked-up. Tight, upcurving abdominal walls creating an obvious concave underline. "Adonis" The first registered dog in the American Kennel Club stud book. This English Setter was entered in 1878. Affenpinscher Comically serious, the Affenpinscher is remarkable in its smub contentment and self-importance. Its name to English-speaking fanciers is unforunately meaningless. In German, the word affen means "to mock"; pinsher, terrier. The description affenartig means monkeylike, of course appropriate in describing the Affenpinscher's expression. The Affen was the first of the monkey-faced canines. Today he shares this somewhat dubious distinction with the Brussels and Belgian Griffons. And even though the Affen predates these breeds, he is less popular and ironically posed as a key ingredient in their creation. Even more popular is the Miniature Schnauzer which also employed Affen blood. Doubtless the Affenpinscher is an old breed dating back to the seventeent century. Artistic renditions of these little terriers verify the accuracy of the breed's 300-year existence. It is believed that the breed once occurred in two sizes and that the smaller of the two has survived as today's toy terrier. The larger size, possibly within the last 100 years, as he was still to be found at the turn of the century. Through the years, the Affenpinscher has retained his true terrier spunk, though his muzzle has shortened. Years ago, the Affenpinsher and the (smooth) Miniature Pinscher were considered two varieties of the same breed, differing only in coat type. The British have taken very little liking to the Affenpinscher; in America his popularity is moderate but growing. Perhaps the peak of the Affenpinscher's popularity occurred a couple of centuries ago on the European continent. Essentials of the Affenpinscher This definitely terrier-type toy, with bushy eyebrows and shaggy facial hair, is the original monkey dog. His head is round, achieved in part be the well-domed forehead. The large round eyes are black and brilliant. The ears are small and set high. The muzzle is short and tipped with a black nose. Though the upper jaw is a "pinsch" shorter than the lower jaw, the teeth should never show. Hight should never exceed 10.25 inches (26-27 cm). Weight: 7-8 pounds(3-4 kg). The entire coat is harsh, wiry and medium long. The preferred color is black, but black and tan, red, and dark gray are also seen. Afghan Hound The great windhound of Afghanistan, the Afghan Hound also runs in large numbers along the Boderland and in Norther India, where it is known as the Barakzai, Kurram Valley Hound. It is not clear how these greyhound types made their way from the Middle East into northern Afghanistan, the country which provides its present name. Also referred to as Tazi and Baluchi Hound, the Afghan Hound, as we know him today, is one of the most ancient of dogs and, many believe, is the dog that Noah granted visa on his Ark. Although the whole truth may never be told, the Afghan's pedigree is without a doubt pre-Christian in age. Portraits of the Afghan's ancestors appear engraved upon cuneiform pillars and tablets. Native Indian and Asian hunters prize their individual strains and guard them with jealous care. In Afghanistan, the breed is used to guard sheep and cattle and to hunt deer, wolves gazelles and foxes. The leopard and the panther are the Afghan Hound's most impressive game - it has been known to hunt and kill big cat single-handedly. Its approach to hunting is not the typical courser's - the breed is more inclined to slay its prey, although it can be trained not to. More... Rubaiyat Afghans Aggressive tendencies See Behavior modification Agility Trials A modern competitive sport involving man and dog which celebrates and capitalizes on the obedience and intelligence of the canine species, agility began sweeping the United States during the late 1980s. The sport began in the United Kingdom in 1977. In agility trials, the handler directs his dog over a timed obstacle course; the scoring revolves around faults, as in equestiran jumping events. The fast pace and flashy appreal of these trials makes agility one of the most exciting of canine spectator sports. Among the obstacles used in agility are the A-frame, weave poles, table, pause box, seasaw, dog walk, crossover, pipe tunnel, collapsed tunnel, and various jumps such as the broad jump, brush jump, tire jump, bar jump and others. Other obstacles are used in events but have not been approved by the United States Dog Agility Association (U.S.D.A.A). It is the sponsoring organization that is responsible for the sport's growth in the United States. The association was organized in 1986 and remains in close correspondence with Britain and other European countries in which agility has become popular. Agility competitions are offered for both purebred and mixed-breed dogs, as are obedience trials. Flyball and scent-hurdle racing, two agility events, have been incorporated into the obedience competitions in some of the major kennel clubs. Presently there are three available titles for dogs competing in the sport: Agility Dog, Advanced Agility Dog, and Master Agility Dog (A.D., A.A.D, and M.A.D, respectively). The classes offered include: Tournaments, Starters, Novice, Open, Gamblers, Pairs Relay, Team, Snook and Jumping Class. Undoubtedly, agility offers new and fun opportunities to all dog lovers; more information is available from the U.S.D.A.A., P.O. Box 850955, Richardson, TX. AKC agility FAQ agility mailing list Akbash Dog A native flock-guarding breed of Turkey, the Akbash Dog is a durable and tremendously resourceful component of the agricultural life of that country. Thousands of years ago, the dog's prototypes were embraced by local shpherds and adapted to their specific needs. These dogs are said to have accompanied wandering Eastern travelers to Turkey and to be a cross-pollination of Eastern mastiffs and sighthounds. The breed's ranginess and acute eyesight (assumedly the contribution of the long-legged fleet hounds) along with the Akbash's white coat, which enables the shepherd to distinguish between dog and predator, make the Akbash a vital part of the shepherds' well-being in Turkey. In the United States, the Akbash Dog has been used very successfully in many flock guarding programs. Essentials of the Akbash Dog A solid white coat. Keen hearing and superior strength. The coat, which can be either smooth or long, is always double. Height: 28-34 inches (71-86 cm.). Weight: 85-140 pounds (39-64 kg.). rescue organization information David Sims' Akbash Dog Homepage Akita More... Akita FAQ rescue organization information Alaskan Malamute More... Alaskan Malamute FAQ rescue organization information Northern Breeds, Alaskan Malamute info Maria Gronberg's Rani American Eskimo The American Eskimo is a member of the spitz family, a family that traces its lineage back six millennia to the Peat Dog of the New Stone Age lake dwellers. Remains of these protypes have been uncovered in various European countries. The American Eskimo resulted from Americans breeding white German Spitz and promoting the variety. Initially these dogs were quite larger than the Standard American Eskimo that stands only 19 inches (48 cm) high. This fostering began about 100 years ago. Although the American Eskimo, once referred to simply as "Spitz," is a keen part of America's native-dog heritage, to this day it is only registered by the United Kennel Club. This American registry recognizes two size variants: Standards and Miniatures. Popularity in their American homeland is continually growing. While the breed's popularity has often been focused on the West Coast, today Eskies are blooming on the East and elsewhere as well. A Toy variety has also been developed, but is not registered by the UKC. The Toy American Eskimo seems to be a perfectly acceptable and expectable offshoot of the Eskimo breeds, especially since the Toy German Spitz has been favored for many years, be it the Victorian Pom or the Pomeranian. It is unfortunate that more show rings aren't graced by these snow beauties' presence. Europeans have favored the tiny pure-white Pomeranians or Toy German Spitzes, but these really do not compare to the undeniably sweet expressions of the American spitzen. The Eskie's agreeable temperament makes him ideal for most any living situation. These are principally companion dogs and are rarely used for any work purpose. "Beauty without vanity" aptly describes the Eskies that have made flawless companions to Americans for gerneations. They are intelligent and hardy dogs that are trainable and obedient. In the snow, they are most content and incorrigible. More... Erin Miller's Jack American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club is the official registry for purebred dogs in the United States. The organization publishes and maintains the Stud Book and handles all litter and individual registrations, transfers of ownership, and so on. It keeps all United States dog show, field trial and obedience records; issues championships and other titles in these areas as they are earned; approves and licenses all dog show, obedience trial, and field trial judges; licenses or issues approval to all championship shows, obedince trials and recognized match shows; creates and enforces the rules, regulations, and policies by which the breeding, raising, exhibiting, handling, and judging of purebred dogs in the United States are goverened. Clubs, not individual, are members of the American Kennel Club, each of which is represented by a delegate selected from the club's own membership for the purpose of attending the quarterly A.K.C. meetings as the representative of the member club, to vote on matters discussed at each meeting and to bring back a report to the individual club of any decisions or developments which have occurred. More... AKC FAQ American Water Spaniel More... Dick Newton's Celebrity Al Animal baiting Animal baiting prevailed in seventeenth-century Europe. This now illegal activity is markedly one of the most demented and illustriously cruel undertakings of modern mankind. Bull, bear, and boar baiting were the first of these "sports" to be enjoyed. Baiting was popular with all classes of society. The dogs were intended to lay the baited animal by the ears; eventually grappling the animal by the snout or nose became increasingly popular, thus the smaller dogs were favored and received the most tumultuous approval of the spectators. A bulldog was considered to be any dog that could function in the "sport" of bullbaiting; those bulldogs bred in England during the early 1800s were more specifically of mastiff origins, selected for particular traits. The Bulldog of Britain, one of the world's most distinctive and admired canines, while no longer possessing the ability to function in a sporting capacity, does maintain the short legs and undershot jaw for which many of the bulldog types were bred. Bullbaiting was the most wide-spread of the animal baiting "sports." The authors admittedly compromise the use of the term "sport," since there is nothing redeemingly sportsmanlike in any baiting activity. Like these other sports, bullbaiting was a terrible, frighteningly brainless diversion: "the most cruel and infernal practice that ever entered the mind of man, under the prostituted appellation of sport to the multitude." More... Appenzell Cattle Dog More... Appenzell Cattle Dog info Australian Cattle Dog The continent's pride and joy is the product of six decades of crossing and crisscrossing various breeds in an attempt to produce a herder stolid enough to work the rugged Australian environment. The Australian Cattle Dog, commonly called the Blue Heeler and also known as the Australian Queensland Heeler, carries the infusion of Bull Terrier, Dalmatian, Australian Kelpie, Red Deer Dingo, and two blue-merle, smooth-coated Collies. Exceedingly distressed with their dog's inability to work the wild native cattle of Australia, herdsmen began serious breeding programs to produce an able dog. During the 1830, ambitious cattlemen crossed the Smithfield Collie with the wild dingo. The litter was known as Timmon's Biters: they were more reserved and barked less than the overactive Smithfields but bit too hard for the job. Ten years later, Mr. Thomas Hall crossed two blue-merle, smooth-coated Collies with working dingoes. The half-breeds proved a notable success. Further crosses to Timmon's Biters and other experimental crossbreeds as well as the Dalmatian, Bull Terrier and etc., yielded this silent, hard-nipping but not distressing cattle herder. Thre breed has been bred true since the year 1893. The Blue Heeler is so versatile that, in addition to cattle, he can work horses, goats, and even ducks with skill and panache. As a rule, the breed maintains a touch of the unruly and unrefined - all to his greater ability. He is 100% working dog, fearless and determined. Essentials of the Australian Cattle Dog A strong, compact, and balanced dog of symmetry, strength, and substance. The essential charateristics of the breed are the ability to control and move cattle in all environments and to protect and guard stockmen, herd heads, and property. The Australian Cattle Dog is naturally suspicious of strangers but amenable and easily trainable. The head is balanced with the body and general conformation; skull broad and slightly curved between the ears; cheeks muscular but not coarse. The quarters are broad, blending and well developed. The chest is deep and muscular. The outer coat is medium-short and medium textured; the undercoat is short and dense. The coat forms breeches behind the quarters and "broom" of the tail. Color should be red, blue or blue-mottled, with acceptable markings being black, blue and tan, preferably evenly distributed. Height: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm). Weight: 35-45 pounds (16-20.5 kg). rescue organization information Kathy's ACD Page Australian Kelpie This native Australian breed developed from English North Country Collies of the Rutherford strain, which were well-built, thick-skulled, smooth-haired, semi-prick-eared dogs of stamina and courage. It is unlikely that many early herdsmen of Australia would have concerned themselves with the preservation of type. It is believed that they crossed the many Rutherford Collies with other proven herding dogs in the endless attempt to better the working dog, ending in the production of the Kelpie, known also as the Barb. Although many still assert that the Kelpie is a dingo cross, their position lacks supporting data. At most, dingo blood reached the Kelpie indirectly through crosses with native working dogs, which, although they are believed to have occurred, are suspected of happening only infrequently. Today nearly 100,000 Kelpies are employed on the continent of Australia. Besides being outstanding herders of cattle, goats, poultry and reindeer, Kelpies also find work as search and rescue and detection dogs, which is surprising in consideration of their relatively small size. Though no common sight in the show ring, the Kelpie is registered by the major bodies of the United States, Britain, and of course Australia. Australian National Kennel Council Established in 1958, the Australian National Kennel Council or A.N.K.C. is the principal registry of Australia. It influences the national kennel clubs of New Zealand, Indonisia and other Australasian nations. The A.N.K.C. recognizes the same breeds as the Kennel Club of Great Britain, and adopts the same standards except for the Australian national breeds: the Australian Cattle Dog, the nation's pride and joy; Australian Kelpie; Australian Terrier; and Australian Silky Terrier. The most prestigious of dog shows in Australia is the Melbourne Royal Show which is held each September and ranks among the world's largest conformation shows. The show has taken place annually since the late 1800s. Under the A.N.K.C., males and females are judged separately. The Challenge Certificate system and the group system of Britain are employed by this registering body as well. See also Kennel clubs Australian Silky Terrier See Silky Terrier Australian Terrier The Australian Terrier, perhaps the only well-knwon terrier breed (excluding the Silky Terrier) not created in Great Britain, was actually created by the British in Australia. As far back as the early nineteenth century, ten-pound blue and tan broken-coated terriers were popular in Australia as were sandy-colored dogs. The Australian Terrier was created from a blend of imported terriers from northern England and Scotland. Although the actual crossings are not recorded, Scottish Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Skye Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Manchester Terrier and Irish Terrier are the usual suspects, each contributing individual traits to the creation of this Broken Coated Toy Terrier, as the Aussie was originally named. This little terrier was handy on rabbit and prized for his ability to handle snake. His feisty, jumping-bean approach allowed him the dexterity to spring into the air and maneuver himself behind the snake's neck in order to kill it. Of course, the Australian Terrier's confident attitude made him a terrific watchdog. Barb See Australian Kelpie. Basenji More... Basenji FAQ rescue organization information Basenji info Basenji info Basset French term for a short-legged scenthound; equivalent to the German term dachshund. The French have a number of basset types which developed in the Vendee, Bretagne, Normand and Gascogne regions. Basset Hound More... Basset Hound FAQ rescue organization information Heather Nadelman's Basset Page Bearded Collie More... Bearded Collies FAQ Bearded Collie info Bedlington Terrier The Bedlington Terrier, known in its pre-pedigree years as the Rothbury or Northumberland Fox Terrier, acquired its present name in 1825 when Mr. Joseph Ainsley referred to "Piper" (undecidedly "Young" or "Old") as a Bedlington Terrier. The first dog documented as the predecessor of the Bedlington breed was owned by Squire Trevelyan and was whelped in 1782. One Northumbrian piper named James Allan was the original owner of Rothbury Terriers. This musically inadequate otter hunter belonged to the line of Yetholme gypsies, tinkers by trade. Allan's Rothburys were mercilessly game on otters, rats, and badger. "Peachem" and "Pincher" were Allan's two favorite terriers. As terrier crosses were common in the early nineteenth century, it is difficult to ascertain which of the British terriers were amalgamated to yield the Bedlington. If the Dandie Dinmont in fact predates the fixed Bedlington, it was likely a key ingredient; scholars disagree which breed came first. The Whippet and Otter Hound are the other two dogs generally thrown into the gene pool. Regardless, the result is a distinctive terrier with an assortedly sordid history. The Bedlington has not always been a well-groomed, soft show terrier, glowing with unsubtle ovinity, but was once a very hard game dog used by gypsies in northern England as a poacher and pit fighter. The dogs were fancied by many walks of life, including miners and pitmen, as hunters and ratters. The fast-paced industrialization that swept Europe forced this overly snarly contender to mellow and concede to today's more fanciful fancier's type, which does not know the likes nor loathe the rat nor fancy dust-ups with his kind. More... Behavior modification More... aggressive dogs mailing list shy dogs mailing list Belgian Sheepdog More... Belgian Sheepdog info Belgian Sheepdog info Kim & Pat Murphy's Shaman Bernese Mountain Dog The native Swiss dog to gain the most world-wide popularity and recognition. He remains, however, undeservingly sparse in number. An undoubtedly hardy dog of great strength and endurance, the Bernese can also be trained at a variety of canine tasks. So why the lack of popularity? One possibility is the breed's high metabolism, which necessitates a diet different from the typically high-protein one fed to most dogs. These dogs also require plentiful hours of exercise on a regular basis. However, the Berner breed seems ideal for active owners who enjoy quality time with their dogs - especially those owners willing to take the time to train their dogs at a few household chores. More... Bernese Mountain Dog FAQ Bernese Mountain Dog info Berner Home Page Ed & Julie Gauci's Josh Bird dog field trials See Field trials Bloodhound More... Bloodhounds FAQ rescue organization information Blue merle See Merle, Blue Blunt muzzle A truncated square muzzle typical of many breeds (e.g., Pointer, Mastiff). Border Collie A strong-eyered herder of the old-type collie, the working collie, as he is commonly called, possesses the ability to manipulate a herd or a number of its members with his "hypnotic" eyes. The Border Collie is deemed the closest purebred representative of the old collies of Scotland, believed to be the "first" collies. The strong-eye characteristic is perhaps more developed in the Border Collie than in any other breed; his fine-focused ability allows him to move, stop, steer, or otherwise guide a herd without the need to nip the heels or bark. Besides consuming less physical energy, the strong eye is an advantage to the herder because nipping risks the receiving of a kick and the frightening of the herd. More... Border Collie FAQ Border Collie Information Border Collie Society of America United States Border Collie Club Border Terrier The Border Terrier is the common working terrier used by hunters and farmers in the Border area between Scotland and England. In this region, the Border was used to destroy the burrowing and deceptive foxes which preyed upon livestock. Appearance was never a concern of these workmen, strictly function; likewise, the Border Terrier's conformation is key to its functional abilities. The first written record of the breed dates back to 1880 - an article describing the terriers of Northumberland and Westmoreland. The Border Terrier described here, if not exactly the equivalent of today's standard, was of the general type desired today. Through the course of development, the breed has been called the Reedwater Terrier and the Coquetdale Terrier. Sufficiently legged to keep pace with the horses on the hunt yet squat and plucky enough to go to ground, the Border is truly an ideal worker. This dog's instincts are strong and cannot be ignored More... Borzoi More... Borzoi info Akish Bouvier des Flandres More... Bouvier des Flandres info Boxer More... Bob Degrado's Grethel and Hansel Brace Paired dogs of a kind. Braces are used in field trials, sled-dog races, obedience trials, as well as conformation competition. See also leash. Brace-mate Each paired dog in bird-dog field trials is called a "brace-mate" of the other. Bracycephalic skull See Skull types. Breeches In long-coated dogs, the breeches are finging of longer hair on the upper thighs (sometimes lower as well). The Keeshond serves as an example. Breeches can be, and are, used interchangeably with culottes, pants and trousers. On short-coated dogs, the breeches are formed at the junction of the inner and outer thighs by longish hair in ridgelike pattern. Breed Standard A written description of what the ideal specimen of a given breed should look like. Purebred dogs are evaluated on their adherence with the standard. Of course, even the finest champion of champions still falls shy of the perfect dog. Each dog-registering organization adopts a standard of perfection for each breed of dog that it recognizes. Standards are usually drawn up by each breed's parent club or fostering organization, and upon recognition to championship status, a standard is adopted by the given registry. Standards vary from country to country and from registry to registry. In America, the two major registries, the American Kennel Club (A.K.C.) and the United Kennel Club recognize many of the same purebreds, but their standards vary in wording, emphasis, and content. The American registries' standards also vary from those of the Kennel Club of Great Britain (K.C.G.B), etc., even though they recognize many identical dogs. Presently the australian national kennel council (A.N.K.C.) recognizes all of the breeds of the K.C.G.B. and adheres to the British standards, except for breeds that are native Australian, such as the Kelpie, Cattle Dog, and Cattle Terrier. The Federation Cynologique Internationale (F.C.I), the international dog registry, recognizes more breeds than any other single registry and has adopted standards for each of the hundreds of breeds it registers. Lastly, individual smaller registries sprout up all over the place and register dogs that are not recognized by a major registry (as well as others). These private registries usually function similarly, though on smaller scales. See also Judging dogs Briard More... Dianne Schoenberg's K.C. Brisket Most often used to refer to the breastbone or sternum, but sometimes referring to the chest itself. Brittany A truly unique gundog possessing both setterlike and spaniellike characteristics. Until 1982 the breed was referred to as Brittany Spaniel by the A.K.C. In its manner of working, however, the breed functions more like a setter. Though in size it is smaller than the typical setter, it is also leggier than the average spaniel. From what basic stock then does the Brittany stem? More... Brittany Spaniel See Brittany Broken Coat A crinkly wire coat, most often applied to terriers. A broken coat is comprised of a harsh outer coat and a dense, soft undercoat. The Stichelhaar or German Brokencoated Pointer has a coat which is 1.5 inches (3-3.5 cm) in length, hard and bristly and lying close to the body. At full length, such a coat can resemble coconut matting. In the Jack Russell Terrier, the broken-coated variety is slightly different than the wire. Broken Coated Toy Terrier Original name of the Australian Terrier. Broom ??? Bullbaiting See Animal baiting. Bulldog Centuries ago, the probable crossing of the Old English Mastiff and feisty terrier types produced a dog with the courage, strength and tenacity to successfully combat a furious bull. These dogs, fast, fearless, and powerful, were the foundation stock for today's Bulldog breed. The sport of bullbaiting originated in Britain during the thirteenth century, though animal baiting was practiced at least from the Roman era. The sport rose quickly to feverish heights, and the dogs of the sport, born on the British Isles, became the pride of the English people. Fanciers of the sport and of the dogs took no account of the beauty, type, or grace of the dogs. These dogs were bred to be able savages nearly insensitive to pain. In 1835, bullbaiting was made illegal, and the existence of the able-bodied bulldogs was threatened. Lovers of the breed then stepped in and attempted to preserve the breed. Today, though he retains the name, the Bulldog is a much changed bulldog. More.. Bulldog FAQ rescue organization information Don Allen Jr.'s Porkchop Bullmastiff More... Bullmastiff FAQ rescue organization information Bull Terrier In the 1850s, after years of experimentation, James Hinks of Birmingham, England, thrust upon the world a new bull-and-terrier dog, one who further removed some of the undesireable traits of the then existing Bulldog (the roach back, the over-angulated legs, and the undershot jaw). The Bull Terrier was originally created in large part from crosses of bullbaiting bulldogs and the now extinct English White Terrier, possibly with later crossings to the Spanish Pointer to add size. These dogs were designed with a dual nature in mind: success at the show and slaughter in the pits. These two goals the Bull Terrier achieved. They are among the most refined of showmen and the most relentless of gladiators in the rat pits. In fact, the Bull Terrier has had a double history. It holds records for the most rats killed in minutes, hours, and other time parameters, and yet it quickly became the stylish breed of the English gentleman. Known also as the "White Cavalier," these dogs were bred by gentlemen for gentlemen, to protect and serve unto the death yet never to instigate a quarrel. More... Karen McGowan's Bull Terrier info Cairn Terrier Said to resemble the original Highland Terrier, today's Carn Terrier is the general stock from which arose the Scottish Terrier, Skye Terrier, Clydesdale Terrier, and West Highland White Terrier. The Highland Terrier lived to exterminate vermin: badgers, otters, foxes, setting the example for all his descendants. The Cairn Terrier is called such because of his smaller size and the ability it gave him to sniggle into cairns, the small openings in stone grave markers. Bishop of Ross, John Lesley, writes of the Cairn Terrier's ancestors in his Historie of Scotland from 1436 to 1561, published in 1830, "a dog of low height which, creeping in subterrainean burrows, routs out foxes, badgers, martens and wild cats from their lurking places and dens." More... Cairn Terrier FAQ rescue organization information Canine A sharp-pointed tooth located next to the incisor teeth; the dog has four canine teeth, two uper and two lower; also known as fangs. See Dentition Cao de Agua See Portuguese Water Dog Caucasian Ovcharka More... Caucasian Ovcharka info Dima's Alina Cavalier King Charles Spaniel More... Cavalier King Charles Spaniel FAQ rescue organization information Ch. A prefix used with the name of a dog or bitch that has been recorded as a Champion by its registry as a result of defeating a specified number of dogs in specified competition at a series of licensed or member dog shows. In the U.S., under the A.K.C., championship is awarded upon completion of 15 points, including two majors - the total number under not less than three judges, two of whom must have awarded the majors at A.K.C. point shows. In Great Britain, the title is awarded upon the earning of three Challenge Certificates. In England, Champions are entered in the open class; there is no special class for Champions only. Challenge Certificate Challenge Certificates are awarded by the Kennel Club of Great Britain and the majority of British Commonwealth countries. These certify that a dog has won a legitimate competition against other purebreds at a sponsored event and that the dog is worth of receiving the title of Champion. Three Challenge Certificates are required for the attainment of the Champion title. Champion The title which the American Kennel Club awards to a dog which has been awarded at least 15 pointes at licensed or member American Kennel Club shows. Of these 15 points, at least 6 points shall be won at two shows with a rating of 3 or more points each. These two 3-point (or better) wins must be made under different judges, and the remainder must be awarded b at least one additional judge. Point ratings are determined annually by the American Kennel Club, based upon the extent of competition in each breed. Five points are the maximum that can be won at one show. No dog becomes a Champion until it is so officially recorded by the American Kennel Club. See also Ch. Cheeks Below the eyes, the skin regions beginning at the lips and reaching back to the masseter muscles area. Cheeks are often described in breed standards, and specific phraseology has developed. Developed musculation in the cheeks is termed fleshy in cheeks; structurally lean in the cheeks is known as clean in cheeks; coarse or prominent cheeks are referred to as cheeky. Cheeky Bulging in the cheeks, sometimes the result of over-developed cheek muscles. This characteristic is desirable in some breeds, though undesired in others. Chesapeake Bay Retriever More... Chesapeake Bay Retriever FAQ Wilf LeBlanc's Bully Chest Thorax, brisket. The anatomical region between the neck and abdomen. Composed of thirteen thoracic vertebrae above and thirteen ribs on either side, with the sternum below. Eight sternaebra or individual bones, attached by clocks of cartilage, comprise the sternum. This is the formation of the dog's chest or floor of the thorax. Chihuahua The Chihuahua, named after the state in Mexico, is the smallest canine in recorded history, weighing in as little as one pound!Some sorces trace the breed to South America; it is believed variously that the dog, or dogs similar to it in size and type, was revered by the Aztecs as a sacred dog, fostered by the ninth-century Toltecs when it was called Techichi, or developed and kept by the Incas. The origins of any canine on the South American continent invite problems to which countless natural historians have addressed themselves. If dogs indeed existed in the Americas, particularly in Incan civilization, they were saved by the Spaniards that arrived there. Other reports, however, indicate that the conquistadors only found tree-climbing, mute, mutant rodents or rodentlike curiosities in South America. It is even doubtful that the earliest figurines that resemble the Chihuahua are even of the canine species. Likewise, the belief that the deceased Atzec leaders were entombed with their Chihuahuas is also untrue, although bitterly romantic, we admint. No authentic Aztec grave has ever produced the remains of any dog, mumified or otherwise. More... The Chihuahua FAQ Chihuahua Home Page Chow Chow More... Chow Chow FAQ Clydesdale Terrier See Paisley Terrier. Coat The hair covering the dog's skin. Most breeds of dog have coats, and the majority of these are double-coated, that is, possess - an outer coat and an undercoated. The outer coat, the coat that is readily visible, is usually comprised of long, coarse, and/or stand-offish hair; the undercoat is usually soft, short and smooth, providing the necessary insulation. Many smooth-coated breeds are single coated, but not all single-coated breeds are smooths. The Maltese, for instance, is a long but single-coated breed of dog. Cocker Spaniel More... Michael Buening's Beamer Kay Schlumpf's Baki unknown Bill Ray's Anson Collie Working type sheepdog, a generic term. Besides the Collie (Scotch Collie), there are the Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, Welsh Collie, and New Zealand Shepherd. The Collie is a member of the truly ancient herding "race" which claims as its origin the country of Scotland. There are two varieties of the breed: the Rough and Smooth Collie, and both are sometimes referred to as Scotch Collies, suggestive of their native land. The title Collie is a derivative of the name Colley Dog which was given to the breed many years ago by the Scots farmers who emploted the dogs at herding the native mountain-dwelling sheep called colleys, an ancient ovine which is the forebear of the renowned black-masked and black-footed Highland sheep of Scotland today. Originally primarily black in color, the breed, even in its nineteenth-century heyday, scarcely presented the classic "Lassie" coloration (sable/white). More... Collie FAQ rescue organization information Michelle Duncan's Scout Companion Dog (C.D.) This suffix signifies that the dog has completed three tests in the Novice A or B classes of obedience trials under at least two judges, and with at least six dogs in competition, has made scores of 170 or better out of the possible 200, and in each instance has received at least 50 percent of the allowable score for each individual exercise. Companion Dog Excellent (C.D.X.) This suffix signifies that the dog, after first acquiring the C.D. degree, has completed three tests in the Open A or Open B classes of obedience trials, under at least two judges, and with six dogs in competition, has made scores of 170 or better out of the possible 200, and in each case has received at least 50 percent of the value of each individual exercise. Conformation The outward appearance and physical formation of a canine, including the symmetry and balance of the composite of its parts. In canine terminology, conformation is applied to show ring competition and denotes the overall quality of a dog's structure, form, and arrangement of the parts. conformation mailing list Culotte The Shipperke's trousers - longish hair breeching at the rear upper thighs. See also Breeches. Dachshund German term for a short-legged scenthound used for badger; equivalent to the French basset and the Swiss niederlaufhund. Of course the Dachshund is the best example of this type of working dog. The Dachshund, known in Germany as the Teckel, has a long and much debated history. The word "Tekal" from which the German Teckel derives can be found inscribed on the base of an ancient Egpytian sculpture - an Egyptian king seated with three rather curious, if not familiar, doglike animals. Apparently a race of long-backed, short-legged dogs existed in Egpyt at a very early date. These dogs were clumsy, egregiously eared 30-pounders and the said forebears of our current-day multi-talented Dachshund. In German, Dachshund translates as badger dog, reflecting the breed's original function. More... Dachshund FAQ rescue organization information Steve Michelson's Chillie Dalmatian There is no doubt that the Dalmatian is an ancient breed. The Dalmatian has been known as a breed in England since the 1700s, but models of a spotted dog date back to ancient Greek friezes. E.C. Ash, the noted author of Dogs and Their History, refers to spotted dogs that appear on a tablet dated circa 2000 B.C. Authorities claim Dalmatia, [a southern region of Croatia], to be the birthplace of the breed. More... DAL-L home page Dalmatian info The Dalmatian Task Force Dandie Dinmont Terrier This short-legged terrier was developed as an otter and badger spcialist in seventeenth-century Great Britain - more specifically, in the Cheviot Hills and Coquetdale. The Allans, also of Bedlington fame, are said to have kept this type of rough-coated Border Terrier. Farms in Lyndlea and in the Teviotdale Hills also had very similar terriers, and it was these terriers that so impressed Sir Walter Scott to influence their inclusion in his novel Guy Mannering, published in 1814. His character Dandie Dinmont gave its name to this breed of terrier. Whether selective breeding or pure blissful serendipity, the Dandie was derived from various running dogs and hounds. Often the Otter Hound is purported, but the physical characteristics would prove this larely erroneous The Dachshund and the Bedlington Terrier (if the prototype antecedes the Dandie's creation) would have provided a number of the Dandie traits that are unique: short, crooked legs, domed head, round eyes, scimitar-like tail, arch of loin, and the soft silky hair atop its head. More... Dentition The canine dentition, which is the order and arrangemenet of the dog's teeth, consists of higly specialized structures designed for biting, tearing, cutting and grinding - basically the tool of a meat-eater. The outside of the dog's tooth is constructed of pearly white enamel; this outer exposed portion is known as the crown. Beneath the enamel is dentine, which comprises the bulk of the structure. The neck refers to the tooth at the gumline; the root is the portion of the tooth that is embedded into the jaw bone. Cementum covers the root; it is a thin bonelike substance. Composing the snesory nerves is soft tissue called pulp. More... Dingo The Australian dingo, or warrigal, is a wild dog of great antiquity but not a native to Australia. It is believed that the dingo was brought by primitive man to the continent of Australia as a semi-domesticated feral dog. Fossil remains of the dingo in Australia date to the late Pleistocene period. As a carnivore in a land of grass-eating animals, the dingo found life in its new land tastefully simle - with a plentifull supply of easy catches, the dingo flourished and became an undetachable part of the Australian wildlife. Its effects on prehistoric Australian ecology are assumed to be considerable. With the coming of European man and his sheep and rabbits, the dingo population burgeoned and the ecological balance of Australia was further upset. Rabbits, like the dingo, found life in the grassland quite easy, with few predators and abundant food; the dingo, graciously accepting, found the rabbit a welcome addition to its diet of marsupials. For years, the dingo controlled the rabbit population, allowing grazelands for man's sheep but eventually outnumbering its own food supply. Later, when poisoning was employed to further extinguish the rabbit population, dingoes began to prey on sheep, and man in anger hunted the dingo. With fewer dingoes, rabbits ran rampant, decimating the grazelands. Thus began and continues the vicious ecological cycle of Australia. More... Doberman More... Doberman info Louise Neumann's Doberman info Dogue de Bordeaux The Dogue de Bordeaux, known variously as the French Mastiff and Bordeaux Bulldog, is a truly ancient breed of France said to have descended driectly from the Molossus of Rome. Thre breed's large brachycephalic skull, deep protective instincts, and overall massive build speak of this direct relationship. A frequent sight on French estates for centuries, the Bordeaux dog is a fearless guardian. Employed as a hunter of pigs, bears, boars and wolves, these formidable titans were never over-esteemed by their twelfth-century French masters. During the Middle Ages, the dogs were used for cattle droving. For many generations, the dogs were employed as both war dogs and flock guardians. Their fearlessness and power are formidable and can be aptly compared to most any dog that has ever intimidated the likes of men, wolves, and bears. Frequently used in baiting sports, as well as dog fights, the Bordeaux has proven himself versatile through the ages. With the outlawing of animal baiting, Dogues were pitted against Dogues and provided hours of blood-stirring and -spilling entertainment for the onlooking French peasants and noblemen. Never a dull moment, a full-grown jaguar would be introduced to liven up a less than exciting match. More... Dolichocephalic skull See Skull types. Domed skull Synonymous with apple skull, the term used in the Chihuahua standard; a domed skull is sloping on all sides, somewhat like one-quarter of a globe. Such a skull has a rounded and smooth appearance. Double coat The dog's usual coat, consisting of an outer coat and an undercoat: two-ply. Dutch Shepherd Dog More... Dutch Shepherd Dog info English Setter There is some evidence that the English Setter was in use as a trained bird dog in England about 400 years ago. The development of the modern English Setter began around 1852 when Mr. Edward Laverack obtained a pair of setters from Rev. A. Harrison. Mr. Laverack reportedly continued strict breeding along these lines for the next 50 years. The Laverack setter is the representative of the breed which one usually finds on the show bench. When the Laverack strain was at its peak of popularity, Mr. R. Ll. Purcell Llewellin purchased a number of Laveracks dogs and crossed them with setters from the north of England. This introduction of new blood resulted in a new strain of setter that proved to be enormously successful at field trials. The Llewellin setter is primarily known as a field dog. Lone Star English Setter Club Entlebucher See Entlebucher Cattle Dog Entlebucher Cattle Dog More... Entlebucher info Entlebucher Sennenhund See Entlebucher Cattle Dog Entlebuch Mountain Dog See Entlebucher Cattle Dog Eurasier More... Gerrit Heitsch's Bina Face Foreface, that is, the eyes, nose, mouth, cheeks and lips. Fang Canine teeth. See Dentition Flyball More... flyball info flyball mailing list Foreface The front of the face situated in front of the brain case, sometimes called the muzzle. German Shepherd Dog More... German Shepherd Dog Info rescue organization information Darrell Lee's Kelsea Kay Schlumpf's Siegfried Joann Furse's Xenna German Shorthaired Pointer More... German Shorthaired Pointer info German Wirehaired Pointer More... James Baldiga's Otter Golden Retriever More... Golden Retriever FAQ rescue organization information Golden Retriever Info South Meadow Goldens Ed & Julie Gauci's Alex Gary Carino's Summer Pete and Laurie Smoot's Riley Steve Hocevar's Tara Helen Redlus' Mozart Toni Vatcher and George Berger's Dusty and Sophie Tom & Sarah Rutland's Beau Tom & Srah Rutland's Stroker Tom & Srah Rutland's Promise Doug & Anne McGuire's Gus Doug & Anne McGuire's Jasper Doug & Anne McGuire's Sierra Dixie Lee Blake's Amber Lee Judith Wright's Dooley Gordon Setter [from tadepottey@mmm.com] The Duke of Gordon is credited with establishing the breed with its present characteristics in the 1820's. Gordons are a sturdily built dog with a long black coat and tan markings. They were developed for hunting upland game birds, such as pheasant and quail. George Blunt and Daniel Webster imported the breed to America in 1842. The AKC officially recognized the breed in 1892. rescue organization information Greater Swiss Mountain Dog More... Great Swiss Mountain Dog info Great Pyrenees More... Great Pyrenees info Greyhound More... Greyhound FAQ rescue organization information Greyhound Starting Gate Greyhound Home Page Gundogs More... hunting and gun dogs mailing list Havanese More... Havanese FAQ rescue organization information Haw eyes Eyes with a large amount of conjunctival membrane visible, a result of pouching lower eyelid due to looseness. See Haw-eyedness. Head The foremost part of the skeleton usually including all the bony structures associated with the skull. Herding More... herding mailing list Hound Mid-Atlantic Hound Association Humane societies With the state intention of preventing cruelty towards animals, these organizations are formed. Humane societies typically adopt a code listing the rights that animals are entitled to and state the ways in which these rights can be provided and upheld. Rights may include medical treatment, housing and protection from abuse, and euthanasia. For the greater part of the history of the English-speaking world, animals maintained no rights. Their master was their god. In 1822, the English Parliment passed the Ill-treatment of Cattle Bill, which provided protection to many of the man-owned animals, but not to pets. Following this lead, the English Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Toward Animals (S.P.C.A.) was formed, and in 1840, under the Queen's direction, Royal was added to the society's title, making it now the R.S.P.C.A. By an act passed in 1849, the Royal Society granted protection to all domestic animals, including pets. Meeting with fair success in its early years, the R.S.P.C.A. continued to grow in its responsibilities with the Act of 1876 that granted protection to laboratory animals and the Act of 1900 that granted protection to zoo-kept animals. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty toward Animals was formed in 1866 by the well-intending Henry Berg. It was largely a New York-based institution, and many American cities followed suit in the next few years. The humane societies of America today remain primarily on a local level, and the laws and their enforcement can vary from place to place and time to time. Some societies are concerned with all animals, while others concentrate on those animals used for research or other arguably inhumane pupose. Humane societies today can be public or private, non-profit or commercial. They can be large or small, corrupt or sincere. Selecting a dog from an animal shelter as a pet may well save that dog's life, but the potential owner must exercise discretion. For more information about the humane societies near you, check your local or county phonebook. shelter and rescue organization info rescue mailing list Hungarian Vizlas Hungarian Vizlas info Index of Bone circumference of metacarpals x 100 divided by height Index of Format oblique length of dog x 100 divided by height at withers Index of Leg Height measure of forearm to elbow x 100 divided by height at withers Irish Setter More... Irish Setter FAQ rescue organization information Jack Russell Terrier More... Jack Russell Terrier FAQ rescue organization information Kerry Blue Terrier More... Kerry Blue Terrier FAQ rescue organization information Kuvasz More... Kuvasz FAQ Kuvasz info Kuvasz info rescue organization information Labrador Retriever More... Labrador Retriever FAQ rescue organization information Lab Lover Home Page Cindy Tittle Moore's Hershe unknown Black Lab unknown Black Lab pups unknown Chocolate Labs unknown Yellow Labs Leash [according to The American Heritage Dictionary] A set of three animals, such as hounds. See also brace. Lhasa Apso [according to Dorothy Kendall, Orlane Lhasa Apsos] The Lhasa Apso is a small Oriental canine, with a 2,000 year history in his homeland of Tibet. This little dog from the roof of the world is "gay and assertive, but chary of strangers", reflecting the isolation of his Tibetian background, where strangers were few and far between. Originating in the Himalyan Mountains at an average altitude of 16,000 feet, in an extreme variation of temperature, he is tough, sturdy and free from general genetic faults. He is rather stubbon and deliberate, with a regal attitude that loves admiration and praise; playful and clowish, but never foolish or fawning. Slow to mature at two or three years of age, he keeps a youthful appearance well into his teens. At a general size of fourteen to eighteen pounds, the Lhasa Apso is large enough to withstand trauma and disease, but never toyish or delicate. His profuse "coat of many colors" is long, heavy and of rather harsh texture -- never soft, silky or whispy, and luxuriously beautiful when clean and brushed. All colors are allowed, as long as pigmentation is black. Weekly brushing and bathing is necessary to care for this coat, but many owners keep their Lhasa Apso trimmed in various little "shaggy dog" clips to avoid the extra work. Intelligent and loyal to their owners, Lhasas do not change homes easily; their suspicion of strangers make them excellent watch dogs, and they are generally very clean with no body odor. They are never pests clamoring for attention, but rather content to lie at your feet or in a doorway where they can watch you and their surroundings. Extremely adaptable, they are nevertheless creatures of comfort and habit, prefering the sofa or your bed to a crate or dog bed. All in all, a big dog in a small package, the Lhasa Apso is beautiful to look at, but much more than just another pretty face! If you've ever been owned by a Lhasa, chances are you will always have one. Livestock More... livestock guard dogs mailing list Orlane Lhasa Apso info Mastiff There is no doubt that the Mastiff descends from ancient lines; dogs of similar type inhabited Europe and Asia deep into B.C. times. These massive canines were employed in the hunting of wild horses and lions, as well as in protecting the homes of Babylonians. The burying of terracotta Mastiff figures under the thresholds of houses was a custom of Assyrian peoples. It was practiced to invoke the canine spirits to ward off evil spirits. Mastiff prototypes, such as the Molossus of Epirus and Babylonian Mastiff, were used as flock guards against woves and other predators. Romans found the Mastiff in England when they first arrived - how the dogs got to England escapes our knowledge - and took them back to Rome to perform in the arenas. One early writer claims that the Roman government set up a "Procurator Cynegii" at Winchester, England, to purchase promising canines for use by the army and in the arena. These dogs are believed by many to be the ancestors of the modern Mastiff. Yet, with all the documented evidence of "giant" dogs which resemble in general type the Mastiff of today, the origin and development of the breed continue to be speculated on by historians. More... Complete Mastiff Book coverdog Mesaticephalic skull See Skull types Miniature Pinscher Not a dwarf of the Doberman Pinscher as some believe, the Miniature Pinscher is an ancient breed whose origins can be traced for over 350 years. Its resemblance to the Doberman is an ex post facto coincidence; namely, the doing of Herr Dobermann, who greatly admired the sleek Miniature Pinscher. The MinPin was derived from large smooth-coated German Pinschers and was employed to keep down the rat population in the stables that it frequented. The breed was developed in the German Rhineland, where it was known as the Reh Pinscher, allegedly due to its similar appearance, structurally and gait-wise, to the reh deer, a small roe deer. More... Music The sounds of hounds at bay, a specialized scenthound hunter's term. Muzzle Consisting of the forward sections of the jaws, upper and lower, the muzzle is that portion of the skull in the front of the brain case. Depending on the skull development, muzzle types vary greatly. Comparing the short or stubby muzzle of the brachycephalic (short-faced) breeds (e.g., Pug, Bulldog) with the long wedge-shaped, tapering muzzle of the dolichocephalic (long-headed) breeds (e.g., Saluki, Greyhound), the differences in type, size and depth are rather apparent. Many terms have been employed to describe the muzzle types: Blunt muzzle; Square muzzle; Pinched muzzle; Snipy muzzle; Pointed muzzle; Short muzzle; stubby muzzle; Tapering muzzle; Wedge-shaped muzzle; Dog muzzles can be made or purchased at a pet shop. A bandage or necktie can provide a workable makeshift muzzle should the need arise. The muzzle is wrapped around the dog's mouth twice and tied above and below the chin and then around the back of the head behind the ears. Most manufacturerd muzzles are made of leather or some kind of wire. Muzzles chiefly intend to prevent the dog from biting, injuring, or fighting. In case of an accident where the dog is hurt and in shock, the makeshift muzzle may help to keep the dog under control. In some cities, owners are required to muzzle their dog when walking on pedestrian thorougfares. This law is aimed at large dogs or potentially vicious dogs. City owners are encouraged to investigate all lawas regarding dog ownership in their city. Neapolitan Mastiff More... Neapolitan Mastiff info Newfoundland More... Newfoundland FAQ rescue organization information Newfoundland Info Norwegian Elkhound More... Norwegian Elkhound info Nose More... scent work mailing list Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever More... Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever FAQ Obedience trials More... obedience discussion mailing list obedience mailing list Occiput Upper back point of the skull, a feature that varies in prominence from breed to breed. Often referred to as the peak, apex, and occipital bone. The occiput's function is to serve as a point for muscles to attach themselves. Old English Sheepdog More... Old English Sheepdog FAQ rescue organization information Dianne Schoenberg's Chloe Pants Breeches or trousers, used in many breed standards. Papillon More... Mark Friedman's Flame Pekingese More... Pekingese info (beware of in-line images) Pharaoh Hound More... Sunwind Pharaohs Breed Info (beware of in-line images) Pinched Muzzle snipy muzzle. Terminology usually employed to indicate an undesirable, overly refined muzzle. Such a muzzle is usually weakly structured and can appear over-chiseled and pointy. In some breeds, however, a pinched or snipy muzzle is to the liking (e.g., Lundehund). Pinscher More... Pinscher info Pointed muzzle See Tapering muzzle. Pointer A breed native to the British Isles, the Pointer is reportedly the first dog used to "stand game," in the sense that we use the term today. The exact origin of the Pointer remains a topic of discussion. It was once held as common belief that the Pointer traced back to the pointers of Spain. This belief is still adamantly adhered to by many. An alternative theory states that the Pointer of Great Britain is a breed distinct from the Continental pointers, asserting that the various pointer breeds developed separately but parallel to each other, regardless of whether or not the base stock was similar. What is certain is that the pointer did emerge as the premier workman of its kind. It is unquestionable that Spanish Pointer was infused into the Pointer's lines, but it remains undocumented whether or not the blood was received exclusively after the Pointer's type was fixed. More... Pomeranian More... Pomeranian Dogs Home Page Poodle More... Andrey Tjurin and Sweta Ilina's Black Portuguese Water Dog Robust and well-endowed with muscle and strength, the Portuguese Water Dog sports the conformation of a fine Olympic swimmer. More... PWD info Kitty Campbell and Kyler Laird's Gable Protection work More... protection work mailing list Pug More... The Pug Dog Home Page Rhodesian Ridgeback More... Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States rescue organization information Rottweiler More... Rottweiler info Andrew Brandt's Harley Saint Bernard More... Saint Bernard FAQ Saint Bernard info Saint Bernard info Saluki More... Saluki FAQ Samoyed More... Samoyed FAQ Northern Breeds, Samoyed info Bryan Schumacher's Christmas Dave & Dianne Brown's Tasha Dave & Dianne Brown's Tess Ann Marie D. Good's Tripper Scent See Nose. Scenthounds More... See also Scent. Schapendoes More... Schapendoes info Marc Gemis' Bietel Schipperke More... Schipperke Station/Amy & Ace's Place Schipperke info Bob DeBula's Skipper Schweizer Laufhund More... Swiss Hound info Schweizer Niederlaufhund More... Smaller Swiss Hound info Service dogs Service dogs, also known as mobility dogs, are trained to assist a physically disabled person. The dogs help the individual accomplish many everyday activities; they are also trained in a number of safety procedures, should the need arise. See also Assistance dogs. service dogs mailing list Setters Setters or "couchers" preceded our modern spaniels. These dogs couch, or creep slow and low to the ground, in scenting their winged quarry. Today's setters are among the most beautiful of the gundogs. England's Gordon Setter and English Setter, Ireland's Irish Setter, and France's Èpagneul Français, among them. The earliest setters, such as the Llewellyn, Laverak, and the Èpagneul Ecossais, contribute to the gene pool of both our contemporary setters and spaniels. setters mailing list Shar-Pei More... Shar-Pei FAQ rescue organization information Shar-Pei info Jeff Lundstrom's Chardonae Shetland Sheepdog More... Shetland Sheepdog FAQ rescue organization information Lenny Tropiano's Dawn Lenny Tropiano's Piper Steven Abrams' Brandy Short muzzle A muzzle that is stubby and shorter than half the length of the skull, typical of the brachycephalic breed (e.g., Pug, Bulldog, Shih Tzu). Siberian Husky More... Siberian Husky FAQ Northern Breeds, Siberian Husky info Brendan and Tracy Jilber's Tory Bill and Susan Tippy's Highway and Nikki Janet and John Bauer's Gizmo Skull All of the many bones of the head, including those of the face and lower jaw and those that surround the brain. The skull and the head are not synonymous, nor does the skull consist only of the bony area that surrounds the brain. In the dog fancy, however, the term skull is sometimes used to refer exlusively to the brain surround, while face is used to include the bony matter thereof. Often the term backskull or topskull is come across. These two terms are synonymous, and both refer to the brain surround, the cavum cranii. Skull types It is interesting that although the actual size of the canine skull varies from the tiny Chihuahua to the massive Dogue de Bordeaux, with a myriad of shapes and stops in between, the acutal "type" of skull can be categorized into three general classes (based on the base-to-width ration), with but a handful more of specialized skull divisions used in the dog fancy. This is astonishing because the canine skull actually varies more in size and shape than that of any other animal species. The three basic skull classifications are: the brachycephalic, dolichocephalic, and mesaticephalic. The brachycephalic skull is broad at its base but short in its length. The extant breed with the largest skull is the Dogue de Bordeaux, whose skull is of the brachycephalic type. Other brachycephalic dogs include the Pug and the Bulldog. The dolichocephalic skull is narrow at its base yet long in its length. Examples include many sighthounds, such as the Afghan Hound, Whippet, and Greyhound. Mesaticephalic skulls are balanced in width and length. Many gundogs, including the Brittany and the Vizsla, have mesaticephalic skulls. More... Sled-dog racing More... Swedish Vindeln River Dog Sleigh Race The Alaska Dog Mushers' Association Iditarod info Sled dogs More... sled dog mailing list polar huskies Snipy Used mostly in a derogatory sense, it refers to a weak, often narrow, construction to the foreface, mostly the muzzle and jaw, but can refer to the entire foreface in breeds that requre a strong, solid construction in this area. Snipiness is the characteristic of a snipy foreface or muzzle. See also pinched muzzle. Spaniels More... spaniels mailing list Square muzzle See Blunt muzzle. Staffordshire Bull Terrier More... Stoffordshire Bull Terrier FAQ rescue organization information Data Wales' Customer Relations Manager, Gripper Stop Located between the eyes, the stop is the sloping down of the skull at this area. The angle of the drop as well as the pronouncement of the area varies among breeds. Generally speaking, brachycephalic dogs have a pronounced stop wile dolichocephalic dogs have a slight stop. Mesaticephalic dogs tend to have either defined or average stops. Stubby muzzle See Short muzzle. Stud book A record for the breeding particulars of dogs of recognized breeds. Each registry has an official stud book which represents a breed's ancestry since its induction into the registry. Each kennel club maintains a stud book for each breed recognized; some clubs also hold the stud book of dog breeds whom they do not recognize. For instance, the A.K.C. holds the stud books for the Treeing Walker Coonhound and the Peruvian Inca Orchid, breeds which are not yet awarded Miscellaneous Class status. Miscellaneous breeds, and of course other completely unrecognized breeds, are not included in the official Stud Book. The English Setter "Adonis" was the first to enter the American Kennel Club's Stud Book in 1878. Swiss Hound See Schweizer Laufhund Tapering muzzle Wedge-shaped muzzle, also called pointed muzzle. Terriers More... terriers mailing list Tibetan Mastiff More... Tibetan Mastiff FAQ Topskull Dome or crown. Trousers Longish hair at the back of both upper and lower thighs of some breeds. See Breeches, Culottes. Warrigal See Dingo Wedge-shaped muzzle See Tapering muzzle. Weimaraner More... Weim info Welsh Corgi More... Welsh Corgi mailing list West Highland White Terrier More... Westie pictures Withers The highest point of the shoulders, immediately behind the neck. Withers, low in See Flat withers. Yorkshire Terrier More... Mary Kay Keepler's Joy Please send constructive comments about this page. maintained by Kyler.B.Laird.1 This page was last modified Monday, 01-Jun-98 15:11:00 EST. [stats] [translate]