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H - Dog Dictionary Definitions

Hackles

Hairs on the back of the neck and back that will rise involuntarily when the dog is frightened or angry.
Hackney Action

Similar to the step taken by a Hackney horse, it is a high lifting of the front feet which is accompanied by the flexing of...(continued)
Half-Prick Ears
Hallmark

A characteristic that is distinguishable.
Handler

An individual who is responsible for a dog at an event who is not the owner or co-owner but is designated by the owner or co-owner...(continued)
Hard-Mouthed

A term used to describe a dog that crushes game making it unfit for consumption.
Hare Foot

A foot that resembles a hare's foot with the two center digits being longer than the inside and outside toes and a lack of arching...(continued)
Harlequin

A term used to describe a coat that is patched or pied in color generally with a white base coat with black or gray. It is a coat...(continued)
Harness

Resembling gear that draft animals use, it is a strap made of either leather, nylon or cloth that shapes around the shoulder and...(continued)
Harrier
Haunch Bones

The hipbones.
Havana Brown Cats
Havanese
Haw

The thin nictitating membrane that is found at the inner corner of the lower eyelid which provides protection for the eye.
Head

The front portion of the dog that includes the cranium and muzzle.
Head Planes

The contours of the skull, from the occiput to the stop, and the foreface, from the stop to the tip of the nose when viewed in
Heart Murmurs

This is a more common condition in Chihuahuas and it is important to find out if your puppy's line is free of this condition...(continued)
Heat

1. See Estrus 2. A completive running of dogs
Heel

Command used to keep a dog close to the left leg of the handler.
Height

Also called shoulder height, it is the measurement from the ground to the withers, shoulders, of the dog.
Hemangiosarcoma

Is a form of malignant cancer that is found in the lining of blood vessels as well as the spleen.
Hemophilia

Hemophilia in dogs is rare and is similar to Hemophila in people. There are two kinds of Hemophilia; Hemophilia A and Hemophilia...(continued)
Hemorrhage

Profuse bleeding, commonly caused by a ruptured blood vessel.
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis

Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis is a disorder that causes vomiting and diarrhoea that contains either fresh blood or...(continued)
Hepatitis

An inflammation of the liver that affects the liver, lymphoid system and blood vessel walls. Symptoms are loss of appetite,...(continued)
Herding Group

AKC and other kennel clubs place breeds into groups where the same breeds share many of the same attributes and...(continued)
Hie On

A command, used in hunting or field trials, to urge the dog on.
High Standing

A dog that has plenty of leg giving them a tall and upstanding appearance.
Himalayan Cats
Hindquarters

The rear assembly of a dog which consists of the hocks, paws, pelvis and thighs.
Hip Dysplasia

A degenerative disease where the hip joint is weakened due to abnormal growth and development. This disease is found in many...(continued)
Histamine

An active amine that is found in animal and plant tissues that causes an allergic reaction in humans. These reactions can consist...(continued)
Hock

Also known as the ankle, it is similar to the ankle in humans and consists of the bones that form the joint between the second thigh...(continued)
Hocking Out

Hocks that are spread.
Hocks Well Let Down

Hocks that are close to the ground.
Holt

A lodge, den, or lair that is found in banks, drains, or tree roots that foxes or other animals use.
HomeAgain

A brand name of microchips sold by Schering Plough.
Homeopathic

A treatment of a disease where minute doses of a remedy that would produce symptoms of the disease in a healthy dog is given.
Honorable Scars

Scars that are the result of work related injuries.
Hook Tail

A tail that has a tip curled upwards even though the tail itself is carried down.
Hormone

Usually a steroid or peptide, it is an internally secreted substance conveyed by the bloodstream that effect the physiological...(continued)
Hound

An umbrella term used to describe any of the dog breeds that pursue game either by sight or scent.
Hound Group

AKC and other kennel clubs place breeds into groups where the same breeds share many of the same attributes and characteristics....(continued)
Hound-Marked

A term used to describe a coat pattern that is white, tan or black in color with the base color, commonly white being marked...(continued)
Housebreak

To train a pet not to urinate or defecate in the house.
Hucklebones

The top of the hipbones.
Humane Societies

Organizations and groups that aim to stop the cruelty that causes the suffering of animals.
Humerus

Similar to the humans this is the bone that is found in the upper forearm of a dog.
Hydrocephalus

Is caused when the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain accumulates either because of a congenital defect, obstruction or...(continued)
Hyperadrenocorticism

Also known as Cushing's Disease, it is the overproduction of adrenal hormone like corticosteroids. This can occur...(continued)
Hypertension

Also called Systemic Arterial Hypertension, it is an increase to blood pressure. Symptoms can be depression, sudden blindness,...(continued)
Hyperthermia

A temperature that is abnormally high, commonly caused by heat stroke.
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD)

Hypertrohpic Osteodystrophy can be found in large and giant breeds. It affects the young dogs that are...(continued)
Hypoplasia of dens

Hypoplasia of dens is caused when the axis and atlas neck vertebrae slip up and down and compress the spinal cord where...(continued)
Hypoplastic Trachea

Hypoplastic Trachea is a congenital disorder that will be apparent before your puppy reaches 5 to 6 months of age. It is...(continued)
Hypothermia

A subnormal body temperature that is caused by the prolonged exposure to cold.