D - Dog Dictionary Definitions

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  DHLPP

  A yearly vaccine once your puppy reaches adulthood that is administered to immunize your dog against (D)distemper, (H)hepatitis, (L)...(continued)

• DNA

  An suffix for deoxyribonucleic acid, it is the molecule that carries the unique genetic makeup of animals and other creatures including...(continued)

• DNA Test

  A test that is used to determine parentage, as well as to determine if an animal is a carrier of certain inherent conditions that...(continued)

• Dachshund

• Dalmatian

• Dam

  The term commonly used to describe the female parent. It is seen on registration papers as well as pedigrees.

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  Dander

  Small, loose scales that form on the skin, hair and feathers of animals that can be the cause of allergic reactions in some people.

• Dandie Dinmont Terrier

• Dapple

  A coat color that is often found in Dachshunds. It is a mottled or spotted coat pattern with lighter markings contrasting with a...(continued)

• Date of Whelping

  1. The birth date of the litter 2. a estimated date that the litter is expected to be whelped. Breeders will often give...(continued)

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  Deadgrass

  Common term to describe a coat that is a dull straw or tan color.

• Deafness

  Deafness is fairly common and can provide many challenges for both the dog and the owner. Some forms of deafness and hearing loss...(continued)

• Deciduous Teeth (See also: Milk Teeth)

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  Deep-Chested

  A term describing the chest cavity of certain dog breeds, generally medium to large sized breeds. A deep-chested dog will have...(continued)

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  Definition of Best in Show

  A coveted award that is given at the end of an all-breed show to one dog that showed the best conformation to its...(continued)

• Definition of Bloat

  Also known as Gastric Torsion it is caused by the sudden influx of gas and air in the stomach. This causes the stomach...(continued)

• Definition of Brushing

  When parallel pasterns are close enough together that the legs brush when the dog is in motion. It is considered a...(continued)

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  Definition of Cancer

  Dogs like humans can develop cancer. There are many different types of cancer and the success of treatment differs for...(continued)

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  Definition of Cataracts

  A cataract is an opacity on the lens of the eye, which causes difficulty in seeing. The eye(s) of the dog will have...(continued)

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  Definition of Coat

  The fur or hair covering the dog. See also topcoat, outercoat and undercoat.

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  Definition of Colitis

  A term used to describe a variety of infections where the large intestines, bowel, are inflamed. Symptoms are more...(continued)

• Definition of Diabetes

  Canine Diabetes is similar to that of human diabetes and it generally occurs between the ages of 4 to 14 years. Dogs...(continued)

• Definition of Distemper (See also: Canine Distemper)

• Definition of Epilepsy

  Many dog breeds can suffer from epilepsy, which is a disorder that causes seizures in the dog. Epilepsy can be...(continued)

• Definition of Euthanasia

  The act of ending the life of an animal that is suffering from an incurable disease or condition in a humane...(continued)

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  Definition of Heartworm

  A parasitic worm that is transmitted by mosquitoes to dogs, wolves, and foxes, which invades the heart and pulmonary...(continued)

• Definition of Incontinence

  Inability to control excretory functions.

• Definition of Kennels

  1. A term used to describe a house or establishment where dogs are bred and raised. 2. a term used to describe an...(continued)

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  Definition of Parvovirus

  A highly infectious disease that is spread through contact with infected feces and is caused by the parvovirus....(continued)

• Definition of Rabies

  An infectious disease affecting dogs, and other animals that is a zoonotic in nature and can be spread to humans...(continued)

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  Dehydration

  When an illness or fluid deprivation results in an excessive amount of lost water from the body, body part or organ.

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  Demodectic Mange

  Is caused by a mite called Demodex canis. This mite can only be transferred between mother and puppy for a few days after...(continued)

• Demodex

  A mite that causes mange in dogs. It is also known as Demodex Canis and is only transferred between mother and puppy.

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  Dentition

  The placement, number and kind of teeth in a set. For a canine this includes the incisors, canines, premolars and molars, which...(continued)

• Depth of Chest

  Commonly measured in relation to the elbow, whether it is above, below, or at the level of the elbow, it is the indication of...(continued)

• Dermatitis

  A inflammation of the skin that is often itchy and red. It can be caused by a number of irritants including sunlight and

• Detached Retina

  A Detached Retina occurs when the retina becomes detached from its underlying supportive tissues. It can be caused by...(continued)

• Devon Rex Cats

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  Dewclaw

  An extra claw that is found on the inside of the leg on some breeds. It is a functionless claw and many breeders have the claw...(continued)

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  Dewlap

  Skin under the neck and throat that is loose and pendulous.

• Diagonals

  A term to describe the diagonal legs on a dog. The left front and right rear would be the left diagonal and the right diagonal...(continued)

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  Diehard

  Scottish Terrier; a nickname of the breed due to its personality.

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  Digit

  Another word for toe.

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  Dilute

  A term to describe a coat that has a washed out color.

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  Dingo

  A reddish or yellowish brown wild dog of Australia that is wolf like in appearance.

• Dish-faced

  A dog whose foreface has a slight concaveness when it is viewed in profile

• Dishing (See also: Crossing Over)

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  Distemper Teeth

  When a disease or deficiency causes the teeth to become pitted or discolored.

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  Distichiasis

  Distichiasis is caused when a hair grows on the oil gland in the dog's eye and protrudes along the edge of the eyelid. This...(continued)

• Divergent Hocks (See also: Barrel Hocks)

• Doberman Hepatitis (See also: Hepatitis)

• Doberman Pinscher

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  Dock

  1. A term used to describe the procedure where the tail is shortened by surgically cutting off the end. 2. the remaining part of the...(continued)

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  Dog

  1. The accepted generic name to describe a domesticated canid. 2. the male of the domesticated canid; commonly used in breed standards...(continued)

• Dog Fancy (See also: Fancy)

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  Dog Show

  A exhibit where dogs are judged against the breed standard. The dog that conforms to the standard is generally the winner. Also...(continued)

• Dogue de Bordeaux

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  Domed Skull

  A curved top skull that is evenly rounded and not flat.

• Domesticated

  An animal that has been tamed by generations of breeding and use as work or pet animal. It can also be applied to animals that...(continued)

• Dominant

  1. A personality that is forceful. 2. a trait or gene that is dominant. 3. having the highest rank or dominance in a social

• Doming

  A term used to describe the rounded portion of head between the ears in regards to Cocker Spaniels.

• Domino

  A term used to describe a reverse facial mask pattern that is found on some breeds.

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  Dorsal

  The portion or side of a dog that is carried the farthest from the ground during normal movement.

• Double Coat

  A term to describe a coat that has both an undercoat which provides waterproofing and warmth for the dog and an outer coat or...(continued)

• Double Dapple

  A term to describe a coat pattern that has various amounts of white coloring as well as the dapple body. See dapple.

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  Down Hairs

  Hairs that are soft and downy in texture and lie closest to the dog, being the shortest hairs beneath the topcoat.

• Down-Faced

  A physical trait where the muzzle inclines downward from the skull to nose.

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  Drag

  When a bag usually filled or impregnated with animal scent is dragged along the ground to create or prepare a scent trail.

• Drive

  A solid movement that is comprised of a solid thrusting of the hindquarters.

• Drop Ear

  A term to describe an ear that is neither erect nor prick but is folded over to a certain degree.

• Dropper

  A bird dog cross.

• Drug Sensitivity

  Drug Sensitivity can be found more commonly in herding breeds and has been found in Australian Shepherds and Collies. It is...(continued)

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  Dry Neck

  A term to describe a neck where the skin is taut and not wrinkled or loose.

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  Dudley Nose

  A nose that lacks pigmentation and is present from birth through to adulthood. It is different than the Winter Nose seen in some...(continued)