| 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. |
Cynologist
Cynology: Puppies Dogs
December 13th, 2009 by admin