Dog or Canine Terms +

The belly or under surface between the chest and hindquarters: A dog's abdomen consists of the borders of the abdominal cavity including its organs and related structures.

The cup-shaped portion of the sacrum (region of the vertebral column) that articulates with the head or proximal portion of the femur (thigh bone): The acetabulum is anatomically important in evaluating hip dysplasia (unusual development or growth).

The longest and strongest tendon in a dog which is easily discernible in short-haired breeds, such as the Greyhound and Whippet breeds: The Achilles tendon forms an extension of the rearmost thigh muscle groups and anchors these muscles onto the fibular tarsal bone at the point of the hock or collection of bones of the hind leg forming the joint between the second thigh and the metatarsus or the collection of bones of the hind legs forming the joints.

A form of genetic dwarfism specifically characterized by arrested development of the long bones: Achondroplasia is a defect in most breeds and a requisite in others, such as Dachshunds and Basset Hounds.

Abnormal growth of the bones of the extremities, height, weight, skin, and at times, the head; gigantism: Acromegaly is a result of pituitary gland abnormalities.

A description of component functions of locomotion: Mr. Jones told his son to watch the action of his dog's hocks while practicing for the upcoming dog show. ".

Action is a synonym for "gait" in some standards.

A suffix title conferred on dogs for qualifying the requisite number of times in the Agility Excellent class: Dogs can acquire the title of Agility Excellent at The American Kennel Club Agility Trials.

An organized competition at which dogs negotiate a series of obstacles: Agility trials include jumps, tunneling, ramps and rapidity, among others.

Titles are earned at each level and are divided into three classes of increasing difficulty: Novice, Open, and Excellent by qualifying for a predetermined number of times.

The alternating bands of light and dark color along each hair in a dog's coat: Siberian Huskies typically have a fur of agouti.

Referring to the lack of pigmentation which results in white hair and pink eyes: A relatively rare, genetically recessive albino condition characterized by the inability to synthesize melanin (dark pigment produced by the body which gives color to the skin, hair and eyes)

A relaxed, easy gait in which the legs on either side move almost, but not quite, as a pair: The amble of a dog is often seen as the transition movement between a walk and other gaits.

The angles formed by the appendicular skeleton (body parts that are associated with the limbs): Angulation is collimated to the forequarters; such as, shoulders (scapula), upper arm (humerous), forearm (radius, ulna), wrist (carpus), pastern (metacarpus), toes (phalanges) and hindquarters (hip, pelvis), thigh (femur), second thigh (tibia, fibula), hock (tarsus), rear pastern (metatarsus), and toes (phalanges).

The abnormal immobility and fusion of a joint: Ankylosis can be caused by a direct connection of the bones, by a fibrous growth of tissue inside a joint, or by surgery.

A reference to the front assembly of a body,, as opposed to the posterior region: The breastbone is part of the anterior surface of the chest.

The longer hair below the neck on the chest; a frill: Aprons are usually seen on Rough Collies and on Shetland Sheepdogs.