Canine Terminology – D

2009

DAPPLED Variegated with spots or patches of a different shade; marked with small spots; usually by a merling gene.
DEWCLAW Unused digit (toe) on the inside of the leg. Dewclaws are usually removed at birth. In a few breeds (Pyrenean Mountain Dog and Briard) they must be present.
DEWLAP Loose pendulous skin under the throat, as on a Bloodhound. A dog that is not supposed to have dewlap and does is said to be throaty.
DIAPHRAGM The muscular tissue separating the thorax and the abdomen; the breathing diaphragm
DIGITS Bones of the toes (first three bones of each toe).
DISH-FACED The nose curves like a dish; the top line of the muzzle is concave.
DISQUALIFICATION A fault that renders a dog ineligible to compete at a show.
DISTEMPER TEETH Pitting of the tooth enamel; often caused by distemper or other illness occurring at time of teething.
DOCK To surgically remove tail or portion of the tail; a docked tail.
DOMED Domed skull; rounded in top skull; not flat; convex.
DOUBLE COAT Two coats; a soft undercoat for warmth and waterproofing, along with a hard outer-coat resistant to wear.
DOWN FACE Muzzle inclining downwards as on a Bull Terrier; the topline of an egg-shaped muzzle; a fault on many breeds.
DRAUGHT DOGS Dogs designed to pull sledges or carts.
DROP EARS Not erect or prick; ends of ear dropping or folding forwards.
DUDLEY NOSE Flesh – coloured nose. Usually eye rims are the same colour.

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