O - Dog Dictionary Definitions

• Obedience Trial

  A competive event held under AKC rules where the dog and handler are judged by their ability to execute predetermined...(continued)

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  Obesity

  A condition of excess weight caused by the accumulation of fat.

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  Oblique Shoulders

  Shoulders that are well laid back.

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  Obliquely Placed Eyes

  When the outer corners of the eyes are higher than the inner corners.

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  Occipital Protuberance (See also: Occiput)

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  Occiput

  Also known as the Occipital Protuberance, it is the bony section of the skull that is located at the back of the topskull. It can...(continued)

• Ocicat Cats

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  Odd-Eyed

  When eyes are different colors, i.e. one blue eye, one brown eye.

• Old English Sheepdog

• Omnivore

  An animal or person that eats both plant and animal substances.

• On-Dog Identification

  A system of uniquely identifying a dog through tagging, tattooing or microchipping.

• Open A/B

  Obedience classes in a obedience rally that is considered mid-level where a dog wins the suffix title of Companion Dog Excellent or...(continued)

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  Open Fontanel

  Chihuahua's are born with a soft spot on the top of their head. Usually the soft spot closes, much like a baby's will, but...(continued)

• Open Junior

  A handling class for individuals between the ages of 10 and 14 who have already won three novice handling class with first place...(continued)

• Open Senior

  A handling class for individuals between the ages of 14 and 18 who have already won three novice handling class with first place...(continued)

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  Ophthalmic

  Of or relating to the eye; ocular

• Orange Belton (See also: Belton)

• Oriental Cats

• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)

  An organization that maintains a registry of hip dysplasia where dogs are assigned OFA numbers if they...(continued)

• Osteoarthritis

  A debilitating and progressive disorder characterized by lost cartilage and the death of cartilage-producing cells. Can arise...(continued)

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  Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)

  Is usually found in the elbows but it has been seen in the shoulders as well. This disorder causes a painful...(continued)

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  Osteosarcoma

  Generally affecting large and giant breeds more often, Osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone cancer. The first symptom of...(continued)

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  Otter Tail

  A round tail that has a thick root or base and tapers out to the tip. The hair on the underside is either parted or divided.

• Otterhound

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  Out At The Elbows

  When the elbows turn away from the body instead of being held close.

• Out At The Shoulders

  Shoulders that are loosely attached to the body, causing the shoulders to jut out and increase the breadth of the

• Outcrossing

  A mating between two different strains of dogs within the same breed.

• Oval Chest

  A term used to describe a chest that is deeper than it is wide.

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  Oval Eye

  Eyes that is oval or egg shaped. A trait that is found in Poodles.

• Ovaries

  The reproductive glands, usually consisting of two in a female that produces the hormones estrogen and progesterone as well as the...(continued)

• Overage Dam

  Although the age to stop breeding differs from breed to breed, AKC views an overage dam as one that is over 12 years of age at...(continued)

• Overage Sire

  Although the age to stop breeding differs from breed to breed, AKC views an overage sire as one that is over 12 years of age at...(continued)

• Overhang

  A brow that is heavy or pronounced.

• Overreaching

  Considered a fault, it is when there is more angulation and drive from the rear feet than in the front feet during a trot. This...(continued)

• Overshot

  When the upper jaw is extended past the lower jaw. This causes difficulties in grasping and in more severe cases; the lower teeth...(continued)

• Ovulate

  To produce and discharge the ova, eggs, from the ovary or ovarian follicle.