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Site Glossary
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A
If you cannot find a definition
- Please contact us.
Abdomen
The belly or under surface between the chest and the hindquarters.
Acetabulum The concave lateral portion of the sacrum
that articulates with the head of the femur. Anatomically important in evaluating
hip dysplasia.
Achondroplasia A form of genetic dwarfism specifically
characterized by arrested development of the long bones. A defect in most breeds
and a requisite in others (e.g., Dachshunds and Basset Hounds).
Action A term used to describe component functions of
locomotion (e.g., action of the hocks) or as a synonym for gait in some standards.
Agent See handler.
Agility Excellent (AX) A suffix title conferred on
dogs for qualifying the requisite number of times in the Agility Excellent class
at AKC agility trials.
Agility trials An organized competition at which dogs
negotiate a series of obstacles and jumps in three classes of increasing difficulty.
Suffix titles are earned at each level (Novice, Open, and Excellent) by qualifying
a predetermined number of times.
Agouti Used to describe Siberian Huskies,
this color is the alternating bands of light and dark along each hair in the coat.
Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive
color description.
Albino A relatively rare, genetically recessive condition
resulting in white hair and pink eyes.
All-Breed show Conformation show where all AKC-recognized
breeds may be exhibited.
Almond eyes An elongated eye shape, rather than rounded.
Amateur Field Champion (AFC) A prefix title conferred
on dogs that have earned the required number of placements and/or points in amateur
stakes at field trials for pointing breeds, retrievers, and spaniels.
Amble A relaxed, easy gait in which the legs on either
side move almost, but not quite, as a pair. Often seen as the transition movement
between the walk and other faster gaits.
American-bred class A regular class for all dogs (except
champions) six months of age whelped in the USA as a result of a mating that took
place within the USA.
American Kennel Club An organization, established under
the laws of the State of New York, whose goals are to adopt and enforce uniform
rules regulating and governing purebred dogs events; to regulate the conduct of
persons interested in exhibiting, running, breeding, registering, purchasing,
and selling dogs; to detect, prevent, and punish frauds in connection therewith;
to protect the interest of its members; to maintain and publish an official stud
book and an official gazette; and generally to do everything to advance the study,
breeding, exhibiting, running, and maintenance of purebred dogs.
Angulation Angles created by bones meeting at their
given joints.
Ankle See hock.
Ankylosis Abnormal immobility and fusion of a joint.
Noted as cause of faulty tails in the German Shepherd Dog standard.
Anterior The front assembly of the body.
Appeal A request to either nullify or reduce the length
of a suspension and/or fine imposed.
Apple head A round-shaped skull.
Apricot Used to describe Afghans, Pugs, Mastiffs,
and Poodles, this color is a dull, medium-saturated orange (like the fruit of
the same name). Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard
for the definitive color description.
Apron Longer hair below the neck on the chest; also
called the frill.
Arm The anatomical region between the shoulder and the
elbow. Sometimes called the upper arm.
Armband Number worn on an exhibitor's arm that corresponds
to the number in the event catalog and the judge's book. This number is the identifier
that links the dog in the ring to that dog's information as published in the catalog.
The number is also used to associate any points, awards, or placements with the
dog's AKC registration number.
Articulation Where two or more bones meet.
Artificial Insemination The introduction of semen into
the female reproductive tract by artificial means.
Assistant, Assistant handler Person at a dog show who
helps the handler care for the dogs in the handler's care, prepare the dogs for
the ring, and show the dogs.
Auction A public sale at which property or items of
merchandise (here applied to dog and dog items) are sold to the highest bidder.
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Babbler A hound that gives tongue
when not on the trail.
Back The area of a dog's body extending from the withers
to the croup.
Back to back (1) Conformation/Obedience: Two
events held by the same club on consecutive days with AKC approval. (2) Performance:
Two events held on consecutive days at the same location, either by the same club
or by two clubs.
Badger A grayish-brown color that may be mixed with
a few dark hairs (Great Pyrenees, Sealyham Terriers). Color definitions may vary
by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Bad mouth Crooked teeth; when the mouth is closed, upper
and lower teeth do not line up according to the standard of the breed.
Bait The food or object that an exhibitor uses to get
a dog's attention or to have it look alert in the ring. The term bait or
baiting can also be used to describe the action of getting the dog's attention
using food or an object.
Balance When all the parts of the dog, moving or standing,
produce a harmonious image.
Bandy legs Legs that bend outward.
Barrel A rib region that is round in cross section.
Barrel hocks Hocks that turn out, causing the feet
to toe in. Also called spread hocks.
Bat ear An ear that stands up, with a broad base, rounded
at the top, with opening facing forward.
Bay The prolonged bark or voice of a hunting hound.
Beady Eyes that are small, round, and glittering, imparting
an expression foreign to the breed.
Beard Thick, long hair growth on the underjaw.
Beauty spot A distinct spot, usually round, of colored
hair, surrounded by the white spot of the blaze, on the topskull between the ears
(Blenheim Spaniel or Boston Terrier).
Beaver A mixture of white, gray, brown, and
black hairs. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard
for the definitive color description.
Bee-sting tail A relatively short, strong, straight
tail that tapers to a point. Used to describe the characteristics of a Pointer's
tail.
Beefy Over-heavy development of the hindquarters.
Belge Used to describe Brussels Griffon, this color
is black and reddish-brown mixed. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always
check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Belly The under surface of the abdomen.
Belton A color pattern in English Setters (named after
a village in England) of light or dark ticking or roaning. Colors include: blue
belton (black and white), orange belton (orange and white), lemon belton (lemon
and white), and liver belton (liver and white). Color definitions may vary by
breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Bench show A dog show at which the dogs are kept on
assigned benches when not being shown in competition so that interested people
can view and learn more about them.
Bench Show Committee See Event
Committee.
Best in Show At an all-breed show, the only dog left
undefeated at the end of all judging on that day.
Best of Breed Dog selected by the judge as the best representative
of a particular breed on that day.
Best of Opposite Sex The best dog that is of the opposite
sex to the Best of Breed winner.
Best of Variety At an All-Breed show, the award that
is given in lieu of Best of Breed for those breeds divided by varieties. At specialty
shows, the Best of Variety winners are judged in the Best of Breed competition.
There are nine breeds that are divided into varieties: Cockers, Beagles, Collies,
Dachshunds, Bull Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Chihuahuas, English Toy Spaniels,
and Poodles.
Best of Winners The dog judged as best between the Winners
Dog and Winners Bitch.
Bevy A flock of birds.
Bird dog A sporting dog bred and trained to hunt game
birds.
Bird of prey eyes Light yellowish eyes, usually harsh
in outlook.
Biscuit Usually used to describe Pekingese
and Samoyeds, this color is a combination of light gray, yellow, and brown hues
with medium brilliance and saturation (perhaps a gray-yellow). Color definitions
may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Bitch A female canine.
Bite The relative position of the upper and lower teeth
when the jaws are closed. Bite positions include scissors, level, undershot, or
overshot, depending on the breed.
Blanket The color of the coat on the back and upper
part of the sides, between the neck and the tail.
Blaze A white stripe running up the center of the face
usually between the eyes.
Blenheim Used to define the color of markings
of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (red and white). Color definitions may vary
by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Blinking Briefly pointing a bird and then leaving it,
or upon finding a bird, avoiding retrieving it.
Blocky Square or cube-like formation of the head.
Blooded A dog of good breeding; pedigreed.
Blue Gray. Color definitions may vary by
breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Blue merle A color pattern of black blotches or streaks
on a blue-gray background. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the
breed standard for the definitive color description. See Merle.
Bluies Colored portions of the coat have a distinctive
bluish or smoky cast. This coloring is associated with extremely light or blue
eyes and liver or gray eye rims, nose, and lip pigment. Color definitions may
vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Board To feed, house, and care for a dog for a fee.
Board of Directors (AKC) Thirteen individuals, all
of whom must be AKC Delegates, who are elected by the Delegates to govern the
AKC. They are elected to four-year terms and meet 8 times per year. Their specific
and general powers are described in detail in the AKC Bylaws.
Bobtail A dog born without a tail, or a dog with a tail
docked very short. Often used as a name for the Old English Sheepdog.
Bodied up Mature, well-developed.
Body length Distance from the prosternum (front portion
of the breastbone) to the posterior portion of the pelvic girdle.
Bone A type of connective tissue that forms the canine
skeleton. Informally used to suggest a quantitative characteristic of limb bones
in proportion to the overall size of the dog.
Bossy Over-development of the shoulder muscles.
Brace (1) Two of the same breed presented together as
a pair. (2) Performance: To run dogs together in certain types of field
events.
Break Term used to describe changing of coat color from
puppies to adult stages.
Breastbone See sternum.
Bred-by-exhibitor class A regular class for dogs
that are:
- Six months of age or older as of the first day of the show;
- Not Champions of record on the date of closing of entries for the
show;
- Individually registered with the American Kennel Club as of the date
of closing of entries for the show;
- Owned or co-owned by any of the breeders of record as of the date
of the closing of entries for the show. The person handling the dog
in this class must be a breeder of record and an owner of record of
this dog.
In any subsequent classes for which the dog from the Bred-by-Exhibitor
class becomes eligible, there are no restrictions as to who may handle.
Breeching Fringing of longish hair at the
back borders of the thigh regions.
Breed A domestic race of dogs (selected and
maintained by man) with a common gene pool and characterized appearance
and function.
Breed standards The set of breed descriptions
originally laid down by the various parent breed clubs and accepted
officiallyby international bodies .
Breeder A person who breeds dogs. Under
AKC rules, the breeder is the owner or the lessee of the dam on the
date of mating that produced a litter.
Breeding age limits According to AKC Rules
Applying to Registration and Discipline, the dam must be at least 8
months but not more than 12 years old on the date of mating. The sire
must be at least 7 months old but not more than 12 years old on the
date of mating.
Breeding particulars Sire, dam, date of
birth, sex, color, etc.
Brick-shaped Rectangular.
Brindle A marking pattern used to describe
many breeds, usually in conjunction with another color. Layering of
black hairs in regions of lighter color (usually, fawn, brown, or gray)
producing a tiger-striped pattern. Brindle is often used to describe
Great Danes, Bulldogs, and Boxers. In Boxers, reverse brindle may occur;
i.e., there is such a heavy concentration of black striping that the
fawn background color barely, although clearly, shows through (appears
black with fawn stripes). Color definitions may vary by breed. Always
check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Brisket Usually refers to the sternum, but
in some standards it refers to the entire thorax.
Brock A badger.
Broken color Self-color broken by white or
another color. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the
breed standard for the definitive color description.
Broken-haired A rough, wiry coat.
Broken-up face A receding nose, together
with a deep stop, wrinkle, and undershot jaw, as in the Bulldog or Pekingese.
Broker An individual or kennel that appears
in the chain of title for a dog and whose business operations largely
consist of buying and selling dogs.
Bronze Used to describe Newfoundlands,
this color is usually a tinge in a black coat caused by the sun. It
is like the color of the metal of the same name, which can be described
as a moderately bright, yellowish brown. Color definitions may vary
by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Brood bitch Female dog (bitch) used for breeding.
Brood Bitch class Class where a brood bitch
is shown and judged with at least two of her offspring. Judging is based
on the quality of the get, not the dam. (A club may permit more offspring
to be shown. The upper limit must be stated in the Premium List.)
Brows The ridges formed above the eyes by
frontal bone contours.
Brush A bushy tail; a tail heavy with hair.
Brushing A gaiting fault, when parallel pasterns
are so close that the legs brush in passing.
Buff Off-white to gold. Color definitions
may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive
color description.
Bull neck A heavy neck, well-muscled.
Bullbaiting An ancient sport in which a dog
tormented a bull.
Burr The inside of the ear; i.e., the irregular
formation visible within the cup.
Butterfly A partially unpigmented nose; i.e.,
dark, spotted with flesh color.
Buttocks The rump or hips.
Button ear A small, neat ear with the flap
folding forward, covering the opening of the ear.
Bye At field trials, an odd dog remaining after
the dogs entered in a stake have been paired in braces by drawing. Also,
a dog out of contention to either run or honor while a working dog completes
a test.
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C
CAR Companion
Animal Recovery (sm).
CGC Canine
Good Citizen ®.
CKC Canadian
Kennel Club.
Cafe au lait Usually used to describe
Poodles, this color is the typical color of the French coffee of the
same name, which is about equal parts of coffee and milk. It may be
described as rich, well-saturated light brown. Color definitions may
vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color
description.
Camel back An arched back.
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) The recognized
registry organization for purebred dogs in Canada.
Cancellation (1) Event: When an AKC
event is canceled due to severe conditions, natural disaster, or concerns
for public safety. The welfare of the dogs and the public are the main
considerations when canceling an event. (2) Event entry: An exhibitor
cancels a previously submitted entry. No entry may be canceled unless
notice of the cancellation is received in writing or by telegram by
the Superintendent or the Event Secretary prior to the closing date/hour
for that event. (3) Award: Wins removed from a dog's record due
to the dog's ineligibility to compete. (4) Registration: The
act of deleting a dog or litter from AKC records after an investigation
(The record is not deleted, but remains in the database.) Nullifies
AKC registration of the dog or puppies and impacts the Stud Book.
Canid A family (Canidae) of carnivorous animals
including dogs, wolves, coyotes, foxes, and jackals.
Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) CERF
maintains a registry of genetic eye diseases in dogs by cooperating
with canine eye specialists, who certify that dogs are free of specific
eye problems for one year from the date of the examination.
Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Outreach
program, put on by a club, which tests a dog's behavior.
Canines The two upper and two lower large,
conical, pointed teeth lateral to the incisors and anterior to the premolars.
Canter A gait with three beats to each stride,
two legs moving separately and two as a diagonal pair. Slower than the
gallop and not as tiring.
Cap Darkly shaded color pattern on the skull
of some breeds.
Cape Long, thick hair covering the shoulders.
Care and conditions The minimum standard,
set by the AKC, that individuals must maintain for their animals and
facilities.
Carpals Bones of the wrist.
Castrate To remove the testicles of a male
dog.
Cat foot Neat, round foot, with high-arched
toes held closely together.
Catalog Booklet sold at an event that contains
information on individual dogs entered in the event.
CERF Canine
Eye Registry Foundation.
Certificate Document issued to individual
(a) who has submitted a properly completed registration or dog transfer
application or (b) whose dog has won a title.
Chain of title The complete sequence of registered
ownership of a dog, including the date of transfer from litter owner
or registered owner to the new owner.
Challenge trophy A trophy awarded to a dog
that has won the event three times. This type of trophy may be offered
for regular classes only (i.e., it is not available for non-regular
classes such as sweepstakes).
Champion (Ch.) A title conferred on a dog
by the AKC as a result of defeating a specified number of dogs in specified
competition at a series of AKC-licensed or -member dog shows.
Champion Tracker (CT) A title conferred
by the AKC on a dog who has earned the TD, TDX, and VST titles.
Championship AKC title conferred on dogs
after meeting requirements. Examples include:
AFC - Amateur Field Champion
Ch. - Conformation Champion
FC - Field Champion
OTCH - Obedience Champion
HC - Herding Champion
Character Expression, individuality, and general
appearance and deportment as considered typical of a breed.
Cheeky Cheeks prominently rounded; thick,
protruding.
Chest The part of the body or trunk that is
enclosed by the ribs.
Chestnut Usually used to describe
Irish Setters and Pharaoh Hounds, the color may be described as deep,
heavily saturated, reddish brown (like the nut of the same name). Color
definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the
definitive color description.
China eye A clear or spotted blue, light
blue, or whitish eye.
Chippendale front Forelegs out at the elbows,
pasterns close, and feet turned out. Named after the Chippendale chair.
Also called fiddle front.
Chiseled Clean-cut in head, as contrasted
with bumpy or bulging outlines, particularly beneath the eyes.
Chops Jowls or pendulous flesh of the lips
and jaw.
Chorea A nervous jerking caused by involuntary
contractions of the muscles (may be caused by distemper or hepatitis).
Cinnamon Usually used to describe Chow Chows.
Like the color or the spice of the same name, this color is a lightly
saturated, yellowish brown. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always
check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Circuit A group of events clustered together
at the same grounds or in the same region on consecutive days.
Clip The method of trimming the coat in some
breeds.
Clipping When pertaining to gait, the back
foot striking the front foot.
Cloddy Low, thickset, comparatively heavy.
Close mating A condition where there is
less than 4 months and 15 days between either:
- The date of mating of a previously registered litter and the date of mating
of a newly submitted litter application for the same dam
- The whelping date of a previously registered litter and the whelping date
of a newly submitted litter application out of the same dam. Will cause the
rejection of litter application for questioning.
Close-coupled
Comparatively short from the last rib to the commencement of the hindquarters;
occasionally used to characterize a comparative shortness from withers to hipbones.
Closing date Month, day, year, and time after which
no entry can be accepted for a particular event.
Clubs Organizations approved to hold events under
AKC rules and regulations. Clubs progress through different designations as
part of the AKC approval process: sanctioned (new), licensed, and member.
Cluster Four all-breed shows held on consecutive days
at the same location.
Coarse Lacking refinement.
Coat The dog's hair covering. Most breeds have two
coats: an outer coat and an undercoat.
Cobby Compact, with a short body.
Collar (1) The markings around the neck, usually white.
(2) A leather, nylon, or chain neck band for restraining or leading a dog when
the leash is attached.
Compact Term used to describe the firmly joined union
of various body parts. Also used to describe a short- to medium-length coat,
very close lying, with a dense undercoat and giving a smooth outline.
Companion Animal Recovery(sm) (CAR) A national database
in which any companion animal with a form of positive identification, such as
a microchip or tattoo, can be enrolled.
Companion Dog (CD) A title conferred on a dog by
the AKC as a result of having won certain minimum scores in Novice classes at
a specified number of AKC-licensed or -member obedience trials.
Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) A title conferred on
a dog by the AKC as a result of having won certain minimum scores in Open classes
at a specified number of AKC-licensed or -member obedience trials.
Condition Health as shown by the coat, skin, general
appearance, and behavior.
Conformation The form and structure, make and shape;
arrangement of the parts in conformance with breed standards.
Conformation show Dog show where the dogs are judged
on how closely they adhere to the breeds standard. Also known as all-breed,
group, or specialty shows.
Congenital Present at birth; may have genetic or environmental
causes.
Co-owners One or more individuals recorded in the
AKC records as the registered owner of a dog.
Copper Usually used with white to describe Siberian
Huskies. Like the color of the metal of the same name, this color is a bright,
brownish red. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard
for the definitive color description.
Corky Active, lively, alert.
Correct litter (CL) A request made by the litter
owner to correct a registered litter.
Corrected certificate (CC) May be requested only
by the recorded owner.
Corrected papers Papers issued to the litter owner
or recorded owner of a dog whose records have been corrected by the AKC due
to a discrepancy.
Correction (1) Event correction: An adjustment
made to an event record. Corrections are published in the AKC Awards publication.
(2) Registration correction: See correct
litter or corrected papers.
Corresponding date Traditional day of the week and
month of the year typically assigned to an event. Each weekend in a year is
assigned a number from 1 (first weekend) to 52 (last weekend). For example,
if a club held its show on Saturday of the 25th weekend of the year, the Corresponding
date would be the day and month corresponding to the Saturday of the 25th weekend.
Performance: Different systems apply to various performance events.
Couple Two hounds.
Coupling The part of the body between the ribs and
the pelvis/hindquarters; the loin.
Coursing The sport of chasing prey with sighthounds.
Covering ground The distance traveled by a dog with
each stride as it gaits.
Cow-hocked Hocks turning in, accompanied by toeing
out of rear feet.
Crabbing Dog moves with its body at an angle to the
line of travel. Also called sidewinding.
Crank tail A tail carried down and resembling a crank
in shape.
Crate Portable container used for shipping, transporting,
or housing dogs. Also called cage or kennel.
Cream Used to describe many breeds, this color is
a lowly saturated, light-to-medium yellow. Often, it has just a little more
color than white. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed
standard for the definitive color description.
Crest The upper, arched portion of the neck.
Cropping, Crop The cutting or trimming of ear leather
to encourage it to stand erect.
Crossbred A dog whose sire and dam are representatives
of two different breeds. A crossbred dog cannot be registered by the AKC.
Crossing over Unsound gaiting action that starts
with twisting elbows and ends with crisscrossing and toeing out. Also called
knitting and purling and weaving.
Croup The region of the pelvic girdle, formed by the
sacrum and surrounding tissue.
Crown The top part of the head; the topskull.
Cruelty Conscious action or inaction that may endanger
life or cause serious health consequences to animals.
Cry The baying or music of the hounds.
Cryptorchid The adult whose testicles are abnormally
retained in the abdominal cavity. Bilateral cryptorchidism involves both sides;
i.e., neither testicle has descended into the scrotum. Unilateral cryptorchidism
(also called monorchid) involves one side only; i.e., one testicle is retained
or hidden, and one is descended.
Culotte The longer hair on the back of the thighs.
Cur See crossbred.
Cushion Fullness or thickness of the upper lips. (Pekingnese)
Customer number An identification number assigned
to each person or firm at the first use of the AKC's registration or fulfillment
system.
Cynology The study of canines.
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D
Dam The female parent.
Dapple A mottled or variegated coat color pattern.
Single dapple is expressed as lighter color areas contrasting with the darker
base color, which may be acceptable color. Looks like the merle effect in Shelties,
Collies, etc., except that it is found in Dachshunds. Color definitions may
vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Date of mating Date of sexual coupling of the dog
and bitch.
Date of whelping Date of birth.
Deadgrass Tan or dull straw color. Color definitions
may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color
description.
Delegate A representative to the AKC of a member club.
Dentition Forty-two adult teeth, including incisors,
canines, premolars, and molars.
Depth of chest An indication of the volume of space
for heart and lungs, and commonly referenced to the elbow (i.e., above, at the
level of, or below).
Derby Field trial competition for young, novice sporting
dogs usually up to two years of age.
Dewclaw An extra claw on the inside of the leg; a
rudimentary fifth toe, removed on most breeds.
Dewlap Loose, pendulous skin under the throat and
neck.
Diagonals Right front and left rear legs constitute
the right diagonal; left front and right rear legs constitute the left diagonal.
In the trot, the diagonals move together.
Diehard Nickname of the Scottish Terrier.
Digit Toe.
Dilute Washed out color. Color definitions may vary
by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Disallowed Placements/Awards removed from a dog's
record for a specified reason. For conformation events, the dog is counted in
computing points. For performance events, the dog may or may not be counted,
depending on the event. Performance is same as Conformation.
Discipline Procedure whereby an individual may be
suspended from any or all AKC privileges and/or fined for violations of rules
and regulations.
Dish-faced A slight concaveness of foreface when viewed
in profile.
Dishing Weaving.
Disqualify (1) Conformation/Obedience: A decision
made by a judge or an event committee following a determination that a dog has
a condition that makes it ineligible for any further competition under the dog
show rules or obedience regulations, under the standard for its breed or due
to an undesirable feature of the dog that results in this action. See one-time
disqualification or three-time disqualification.
(2) Performance: Varies by event. Contact the Performance Department.
Distemper teeth Teeth discolored or pitted as a result
of distemper or other disease or deficiency.
Divergent hocks Hocks that turn out. Barrel hocks.
Division Group of states that all have the same point
schedule.
DNA A unique genetic makeup. DNA testing is done to
prove the actual parentage and/or identity of an animal.
DNA test A test to determine identity and/or verify
parentage. Results must be processed by an AKC-approved facility to be accepted
by AKC.
Dock To shorten the tail by cutting.
Dog A male canine or term used to refer generically
to all canines, male or female.
Dog Registration Application A form used to register
an individual dog of a registered litter.
Dog show See conformation
show.
Domed Evenly rounded in topskull; curved, not flat.
Domino Reverse facial mask pattern on some breeds.
Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the
definitive color description.
Dorsal The portion of the dog carried farthest from
the substratum (i.e., away from the ground) during normal locomotion or side
of the body furthest from the ground.
Double coat An outer coat resistant to weather and
protective against brush and brambles, together with an undercoat of softer
hair for warmth and waterproofing. A dog with this type of coat can also be
referred to as a double coat.
Double dapple Varying amounts of white coloring
occurring over the body in addition to the dapple pattern. Color definitions
may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color
description.
Double groups Judging two groups simultaneously at
a conformation show.
Double handling The act of someone, other than the
handler, getting a dog's attention in the ring to help the dog to show or look
better.
Down in pastern Weak or faulty pastern set at an
incorrect angle.
Down-faced The muzzle inclining downwards from the
skull to the tip of the nose.
Drag A trail prepared by dragging along the ground
a bag impregnated (usually) with animal scent.
Drawing Selection by lot of dogs to be run, and in
which pairs, in a field trial stake.
Drive A solid thrusting of the hindquarters, denoting
sound locomotion.
Drop ear The ear leather folds over; not erect or
prick ears.
Dropper A bird dog cross.
Dry neck The skin taut, neither loose nor wrinkled.
Dual champion A dog that has won both a conformation
and a field trial championship.
Dudley nose Flesh-colored.
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Ears The auditory organ, consisting of three regions:
inner ear, middle ear, and the most important pinna (or leather), which is supported
by cartilage and which affects the expression of all breeds.
Earthdog events Non competitive tests that gauge the
trained and natural abilities of Dachshunds and small terriers to follow game
to ground.
East-west front Incorrect positioning that causes
the feet to turn outwards.
Elbow The posterior region of the articulation between
the arm and forearm.
Elbows out Turning out or off from the body; not
held close.
Electronic collar A collar that provides a warning
sound and/or an electric stimulation to the dog upon receipt of an electronic
signal given by the user. Used as a training device.
Entire A dog whose reproductive system is complete.
Entropion A complex genetic condition that results
in the turning in of the upper or lower eyelid, potentially resulting in corneal
ulceration.
Even bite Meeting of upper and lower incisors with
no overlap. Also called level bite.
Event A structured activity testing the conformation,
training, or instinctive abilities of purebred dogs.
Event Chairman The member of the event-giving club
who is responsible for proper planning, conducting, and reporting the results
of the event. Any of these duties may be delegated to other people or organizations,
such as the Event Secretary or Superintendent, but the Event Chairman is ultimately
responsible for these duties.
Event Committee Committee at an event that carries
the powers of the AKC and the corresponding duty to use its authority to deal
with any alleged misconduct that may occur in connection with its event. The
committee is comprised of at least five members of the club sponsoring the show,
with one having the designation of Chairman. Also called Bench Show Committee,
Obedience Trial Committee, or Field Trial Committee.
Event Committee hearing A means for the Event Committee
to deal with allegations concerning conduct deemed to be prejudicial to the
interests of purebred dogs.
Event hours Hours of the day when the show is officially
open.
Event registration number (ERN) A number assigned to
an AKC-registered, American-owned dog enabling it to compete in events in Canada.
Event Secretary Person who receives entries for an
event.
Ewe neck A neck in which the topline is concave rather
than convex.
Excuse (dog) Asking the exhibitor to remove a dog
from the event for any reason listed in the rules or regulations pertaining
to competition. In conformation and obedience events, a dog that is excused
does not count as having been present in computing points. In performance events,
a dog that is excused may or may not be counted in computing points, depending
on the event.
Exercise pen, ex-pen A portable enclosure that allows
dogs to exercise while at dog shows.
Exhibitor Person handling a dog at a show. May or
may not be the dog's owner. Also called agent. See also handler
or professional handler.
Expression The general appearance of all the features
of the head.
Extension (1) A specified amount of time granted by
the AKC to an owner to enter a dog in an event prior to it becoming individually
registered. (2) The reach (front) and drive (rear) that the dog
exhibits during motion.
Eyeteeth The upper canines.
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Fall Hair overhanging the face.
Fallow Pale cream to light fawn color; pale yellow;
yellow-red. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard
for the definitive color description.
Fancier A person especially interested and usually
active in some phase of the sport of purebred dogs.
Fangs See canines.
Fawn A brown, red-yellow with hue of medium brilliance.
Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the
definitive color description.
Feathering Longer fringe of hair on ears, legs, tail,
or body.
Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) Based
in Belgium, FCI licenses international shows in its 72 member countries, including
the well-known annual World Show. FCI maintains breed standards for all its
341 recognized breeds. It does not operate a registry but accepts pedigrees
for show purposes from the registries of its member countries. FCI has a reciprocal
agreement with the AKC, the Canadian Kennel Club, and The Kennel Club (England),
which are not members.
Femur Thigh bone. Extends from hip to stifle.
Fetch (1) The retrieving of game by the dog. (2) The
command to retrieve game.
Fibula One of the two bones of the leg (i.e., the
lower thigh, second thigh, or lower leg).
Fiddle front Forelegs out at elbows, pasterns close,
and feet turned out. French front.
Field Champion (FC) A title conferred on a dog by
the AKC as a result of defeating a specified number of dogs in specified competition
at a series of AKC-licensed or -member field trials.
Field Dog Stud Book (FDSB) A document published
by the American Field Publishing Company of Chicago. It is possible for a dog
to be registered with both the FDSB and the AKC, but not every dog is eligible.
Field trial A competition for certain hound or sporting
breeds in which dogs are judged on ability and style in tracking, finding, coursing,
or retrieving game.
Field trial class For dogs that have placed in
an AKC-licensed or -member field trial. In certain breeds, Field Trial Judges
Awards of Merit and Parent Club Field Titles may be included in eligibility
requirements.
Filled-up face Smooth facial contours, free of excessive
muscular development.
Finished Term used to describe when a dog has completed
its title requirements.
Fixed (1) See neuter.
(2) Surgical procedure that permanently changes the carriage of the tail or
ears. Such a procedure renders a dog ineligible to compete in AKC conformation
events.
Flag A long tail carried high. Feathering on the tail.
Flank The side of the body between the last rib and
the hip.
Flare A blaze that widens as it approaches the topskull.
Flat-sided Ribs insufficiently rounded as they approach
the sternum or breastbone.
Flews Upper lip pendulous, particularly at their inner
corners.
Floating rib The last (or 13th rib), which is unattached
to the other ribs.
Fluffies A coat of extreme length with exaggerated
feathering on ears, chest, legs and feet, underparts, and hindquarters. Trimming
such a coat does not make it any more acceptable.
Flush To drive birds from cover, to force them to
take flight; to spring.
Flushing breeds Term commonly applied to those spaniel
breeds that typically flush or force a bird from cover.
Flying ears Any characteristic drop ears or semi-prick
ears that stand or fly.
Flying trot A fast gait in which all four feet are
off the ground for a brief second during each half stride. Because of the long
reach, the oncoming hind feet step beyond the imprint left by the front. Also
called suspension trot.
Forearm The portion of the forelimb between the arm
and the wrist.
Foreface The front portion of the skull that articulates
with the cranium.
Foreign
Dog Registries Registry organizations whose pedigrees are accepted by
AKC registration for imported dogs.
Forequarters The combined front assembly from its
uppermost component, the shoulder blade, down to the feet.
Former owner (F/O) One who transferred the dog.
Foster mother A bitch used to nurse puppies not her
own.
Foul color A color or marking not characteristic for
the breed. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard
for the definitive color description.
Foundation stock The first generation of a particular
breed registered with the AKC.
Foundation
Stock Service® An optional record keeping service for all purebred
dogs not currently registerable with the AKC.
Foxy Sharp expression; pointed nose with short foreface.
Fraud Submitting inaccurate information that affects
the AKC Stud Book.
French choke, martingale Examples of choke collars.
See training collar.
French front See fiddle
front.
Fresh extended (chilled) semen Semen that is extracted
and extended by a licensed veterinarian. The semen must be extracted from a
dog within the USA and shipped to a point within the USA only. This type of
semen must be used within a specified period of time.
Frill See apron.
Fringes See feathering.
Frogface Extending nose accompanied by a receding
jaw, usually overshot.
Front The forepart of the body as viewed head-on;
i.e., forelegs, chest, brisket, and shoulder line.
Frontal bones The anterior bones of the cranium
forming the forehead.
Frozen semen Semen that is extracted, frozen, and
stored for future use by a licensed veterinarian. The collection must be reported
to the AKC, and the collector/storer must be an AKC-approved facility and in
compliance with AKC record keeping practices.
FSS Foundation Stock
Service®.
Furnishings The long hair on the extremities (including
head and tail) of certain breeds.
Furrow A slight indentation of median line down the
center of the skull to the stop.
Futurity A non-regular competition at specialty shows
or field trials for young dogs that requires a series of nominations and associated
fees prior to the date on which the Futurity is judged. These stages usually
consist of nomination of the bitch after she is bred, nomination of the litter
after it is whelped, and/or nomination of individual puppies from the litter.
The number of nomination stages, fees, and other conditions are set at the discretion
of the club holding the Futurity.
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Gait The pattern of footsteps at various rates of
speed, each pattern distinguished by a particular rhythm and footfall.
Gallop Fastest of dog gaits; has a four-beat rhythm
and often an extra period of suspension during which the body is propelled through
the air with all four feet off the ground.
Game Hunted wild birds or animals.
Gaskin The lower or second thigh.
Gay tail A tail carried above the horizontal level
of the back.
Gazehound See Sighthound.
Genealogy Recorded family descent. Pedigree.
Gestation Period The time between mating and birth
(it averages 63 days).
Get Offspring.
Goose neck An elongated, tubular-shaped neck. Also
called swan neck.
Goose rump Too steep or sloping a croup.
Goose step Accentuated lift of the forelimbs.
Grand Nite Champion (GNC) A prefix title conferred
on dogs that have acquired a Nite Championship title and have won the requisite
number of first places at AKC Coonhound night hunts.
Gray form Term used to refer to the Supplemental Transfer
Statement.
Grizzle A mixture of black or red hairs with white
hairs. Frequently, a bluish-gray or iron-gray color. Color definitions may vary
by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Groom To brush, comb, trim, or otherwise make a dog's
coat neat.
Grooming area Space at a dog show that is designated
for grooming dogs.
Group class A class made up of dogs designated Best
of Breed or Best of Variety for their specific group. No separate entry is made
for this class. Each group winner is eligible to compete in the Best in Show
competition.
Group show Conformation dog show, at which championship
points may be awarded, that permits participants or breeds exclusive to an individual
group. Examples are: all-terrier show, toy show, etc.
Groups The breeds as grouped into seven divisions
by the AKC to facilitate judging. The seven groups are: sporting, hound, working,
toy, terrier, non-sporting, and herding.
Guard hairs The longer, smoother, stiffer hairs that
grow through and normally conceal the undercoat.
Gun dog A dog trained to find or pursue game.
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Hackles Hairs on neck and back raised involuntarily
in fright or anger.
Hackney action A high lifting of the front feet accompanied
by flexing of the wrist like that of a Hackney horse.
Hallmark A distinguishing characteristic.
Handler Person other than an the owner or co-owner,
designated by the owner or co-owner of an entered dog to be the handler of,
and the person responsible for, the dog at the event. See also exhibitor
.
Hard-mouthed A dog that crushes or renders game unfit
for consumption.
Hare foot Foot on which the two center digits are
appreciably longer than the outside and inside toes of the foot, and the arching
of the toes is less marked, making the foot appear longer overall.
Harlequin Patched or pied coloration, usually black
or gray on white. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed
standard for the definitive color description.
Harness A leather, nylon or cloth strap shaped around
the shoulders and chest, with a ring at its top for the lead.
Haunch bones The hip bones.
Haw A third eyelid or membrane on the inside corner
of the eye.
Head The front portion of the dog, including the muzzle
and the cranium.
Head planes Viewed in profile, the contours of the
top portion of the skull from occiput to stop, and the foreface from stop to
tip of the nose.
Heat (1) Seasonal period of the female. Estrus, in
season. (2) Performance: A competitive running of dogs.
Heel Command to a dog to keep close beside its handler.
Height Vertical measurement from the withers to the
ground; usually called shoulder height.
Herding Group Group of dogs bred to help shepherds
and ranchers herd or work livestock.
Herding Champion (HC) A prefix title conferred on dogs
that have earned the required number of points and placements in the Herding
Excellent class at AKC herding trials.
Herding Excellent (HX) A suffix title conferred on
dogs that have qualified the requisite number of times in the Advanced class
at AKC herding trials. This title is course/stock specific.
Herding Intermediate (HI) A suffix title conferred
on dogs that have qualified the requisite number of times in the Intermediate
class at AKC herding trials.
Herding Started (HS) A suffix title conferred on dogs
that have qualified the requisite number of times in the Started class at AKC
herding trials.
Herding Tested (HT) A suffix title conferred on dogs
that have passed the requisite number of AKC herding tests.
Hie on A command to urge the dog on; used in hunting
or in field trials.
High standing Tall and upstanding, with plenty of
leg.
Hindquarters Rear assembly of the dog (pelvis, thighs,
hocks, and paws).
Hip Dysplasia Abnormal formation of the hip joint.
Hock The collection of bones of the hind leg forming
the joint between the second thigh and the metatarsus; the dog's true heel.
Hocking out Spread hocks.
Hocks well let down Hock joints close to the ground.
Holt The lair of the fox or other animal in tree roots,
banks, drains, or similar hideouts. Lodge.
HomeAgain Brand name for microchips sold by Schering
Plough to veterinarians for permanent identification of companion animals.
Honorable scars Scars from injuries suffered as a
result of work.
Hound Group Group of dogs used for hunting game by
scent or sight.
Hound-marked A coloration composed of white, tan,
or black. The ground color, usually white, may be marked with tan and/or black
patches on the head, back, legs, and tail. The extent and the exact location
of such markings, however, differ in breeds and individual dogs. Color definitions
may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color
description.
Hucklebones Top of the hipbones.
Humerus The bone of the arm (i.e., the upper arm).
Hunting tests Non competitive field events for flushing
breeds, retrieving breeds, and pointing breeds.
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Identification On-dog system whereby a dog may be
identified to a record (i.e., microchip, tattoo or DNA).
Imported semen Frozen semen that is imported from
another country.
Impure breeding See crossbred.
In whelp Pregnant.
Inbreeding The mating of two closely related dogs
of the same breed.
Incapacitation When a recorded owner is unable to
sign AKC documents due to an illness or handicap.
Incapacitation form A form completed by an individual
acting on behalf of an incapacitated person. The form must be notarized and
will not contain the signature of the incapacitated person.
Incisors The six upper and six lower front teeth between
the canines. The point of contact forms the bite.
Indefinite Listing Privilege (ILP) A number assigned
to a dog by the AKC that allows a dog belonging to one of the AKC-recognized
breeds that could not or was not registered (for whatever reason), to participate
in some performance events. The dog must be spayed or neutered, and it cannot
compete in conformation events.
Individual registration When an individual dog becomes
AKC-registered.
Inspection (American Kennel Club) An on-site review
of an individual's ownership, breeding, and litter records; and the practices
required to be followed under AKC rules and regulations, including identification
practices and kennel conditions.
Interbreeding The breeding of dogs of different
breeds.
Intermediate(s) Person(s) in the registration chain
of title that are between the litter owner(s) and the final recorded owner.
Iris The colored membrane surrounding the pupil of
the eye.
Isabella Usually used to describe Doberman Pinschers,
this color is similar to fawn or light bay, but has more saturation and brilliance
(similar to a bay-colored horse). Color definitions may vary by breed. Always
check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
ISD The AKC's Information Systems Department.
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Jabot The apron of the Schipperke; the part
situated between the front legs.
Jowls Flesh of the lips and jaws.
Judge Official approved by the AKC to evaluate dogs
at specific AKC events.
Judge's book Book in which the judge records the
results from the event being officiated.
Judging schedule A program that lists the time scheduled
for judging of each breed or variety, obedience class, and other classes that
are offered for the event on that day. Also called judging program.
Junior Courser (JC) A suffix title conferred on dogs
that pass the required number of Junior Courser tests at AKC lure coursing tests.
Junior Earthdog (JE) A suffix title conferred on dogs
that have qualified the required number of times in Junior Earthdog classes
in AKC earthdog tests.
Junior Hunter (JH) A suffix title conferred on dogs
that have qualified the required number of times in Junior tests at hunting
tests for spaniels, retrievers, and pointing breeds.
Junior Showmanship AKC-sponsored class that evaluates
the abilities of the young handler, not the quality of the dog.
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Keel The rounded outline of the lower chest.
Kennel Building or enclosure where dogs are kept.
Kennel name Registered or protected name used in
a dog's registered name.
Kennel report A form filled out by an AKC Inspector
during an on-site inspection, noting any deficiencies in the dogs or facilities.
Kink tail A deformity of the caudal vertebrae producing
a bent tail.
Kiss marks Tan spots on the cheeks and over the eyes.
Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the
definitive color description.
Knee See stifle.
Knee joint See stifle.
Kneecap The stifle, with the bone known as the patella.
Knuckling over Faulty structure of wrist joint allowing
it to flex forward under the weight of the standing dog.
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Lame Irregularity or impairment of locomotion.
Landseer Newfoundlands that are white dogs with black
markings, named in honor of Sir Edward Landseer, the 19th Century artist who
used these dogs as models
Lateral Pertaining to the side.
Layback The angle of the shoulder blade as compared
with the vertical plane viewed from the side.
Layon The angle of the shoulder blade as compared
with the vertical plane viewed from the front.
Lead A strap, cord, or chain attached to the collar
or harness, or sometimes simply around the neck, for the purpose of restraining
or leading the dog. Also called leash.
Lease The assignment of breeding rights by the recorded
owner of a bitch to another person for a specified period of time. Only bitches
may be leased.
Lease form (AKC) A form that must be completed by
the recorded owner and lessee to accomplish the leasing of a bitch. This form
is sent to the AKC before the litter application or along with the litter application
to ensure that the lessee is recorded appropriately on the litter.
Leather The flap of the ear; the outer ear supported
by cartilage and surrounding tissue.
Lemon Used to describe pointers, this color is a brilliant,
medium-saturated yellow. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the
breed standard for the definitive color description.
Lessee The person who leases a dam from a recorded
owner.
Lessor The person who is the recorded owner of the
dam at the time of leasing.
Level bite When the front teeth (incisors) of the
upper and lower jaws meet exactly edge to edge. Also called pincer bite,
equal bite, or even bite.
Level gait Dog moves without rise or fall of withers.
License Formal permission granted by the AKC to a
non member club to hold an event.
Licensed club Clubs approved to hold events at which
championships and/or titles may be won.
Limited registration Restricted registration that
prohibits both AKC registration of any puppies produced by this dog and participation
in conformation events. Limited registration is assigned to a dog by its breeder
on its Dog Registration Application. It can
be removed only by the breeder.
Line breeding The practice of mating a dog to a member
of an earlier generation of the dog's bloodline.
Lippy Pendulous lips or lips that do not fit tightly.
List of Foreign Registries A list of registries from
which the AKC may accept documentation to be used in registering dogs whelped
outside of the USA in the AKC Stud Book. Refer to the AKC
Special Registry Services for Imported and Domestic Dogs for an updated
list.
Litter The puppy or puppies of one whelping.
Litter application Form used to register a litter.
Litter complement The number of puppies of each sex
in a litter.
Litter kit A set of Dog
Registration Applications issued to the litter owner.
Litter owner (L/O) The recorded owner(s) or lessee
of the dam on the whelping date (birth) of the litter.
Liver Used to describe many breeds, this deep, reddish
brown color includes various shades of chocolate brown, from light to very dark.
Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the
definitive color description.
Loaded shoulders Excessive development of the muscles
associated with the shoulder blades.
Loin The region of the body associated with the lumbar
portions of the vertebrae column (i.e., behind the ribs and in front of the
pelvic girdle).
Loose slung Construction in which the attachment of
the muscles at the shoulders is looser than desirable.
Lower thigh See second
thigh.
Lumbar vertebrae The seven vertebrae of the loin region.
Lumbering An awkward gait.
Lurcher A crossbred hound.
Lure Courser Excellent (LCX) The title of Lure Courser Excellent is a
cumulative title earned by accruing championship points to receive the next
title level. (LCX II, LCX III, LCX IV, etc.).
Lure coursing Organized performance event for sighthounds
which demonstrates those breeds' ability to perform their historical work by
chasing an artificial lure over a course.
Luxation Dislocation of an anatomical structure.
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Mad dog A rabid dog.
Mahogany Used to describe several breeds, this color
is a medium-saturated, dull, reddish brown. Color definitions may vary by breed.
Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Major win A win that consists of 3, 4, or 5 points
in conformation events and some performance events.
Making a wheel Term given to the circling of the tail
over the back.
Management Discipline Committee AKC staff members
who review discipline files and, if found warranted, set a term of suspension
within the Board-directed guidelines.
Mandible The bone of the lower jaw.
Mane Long, thick hair on top and sides of neck.
Mantle Dark-shaded portion of the coat on shoulders,
back, and sides.
Manubrium The first sternabra of the chest.
Marcel effect Regular continuous waves (specified
in the American Water Spaniel standard).
Markings Contrasting color or pattern in a dog's coat.
Mask Dark shading on the foreface.
Master Agility Excellent (MX) A suffix agility title
conferred on dogs that have earned the Agility Excellent title and that have
qualified the required number of additional times in the Agility Excellent class
at AKC agility trials.
Master Courser (MC) A suffix title conferred on dogs
that have acquired the Senior Courser title and have qualified the required
number of additional times in either Open or Special stakes at AKC lure coursing
trials.
Master Earthdog (ME) A suffix title conferred on
dogs that have qualified the required number of times in the Master test at
AKC earthdog events.
Master Hunter (MH) A suffix title conferred on dogs
that have qualified the required number of times in Master tests at hunting
tests for spaniels, retrievers, and pointing breeds.
Match show Usually an informal dog show at which no
championship points are awarded.
Mate To breed a dog and bitch.
Mating date See date
of mating.
Measure out Measured height at withers was determined
to be outside the limits for that breed as set forth in the breed standard.
Medial Toward the mid line of the dog.
Median line See furrow.
Member clubs Eligible clubs that have fulfilled all
of the sanctioned and licensed requirements; these clubs select AKC delegates
to attend the AKC's quarterly delegate meetings.
Merle A marking pattern, used in conjunction with
another color, to describe Shetland Sheepdogs, Collies, Great Danes, and Australian
Shepherds. The color is characterized by a marbling effect of dark patches against
a lighter background of the same color. Color definitions may vary by breed.
Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Metatarsus Rear pastern.
Microchip A rice-sized device encoded with a unique
and unalterable number. The chip is implanted just under the skin in the scruff
of the neck and is read by a scanner.
Microfilm A film on which printed materials are photographed
greatly reduced in size. AKC applications and correspondence are microfilmed
when processed.
Milk teeth First teeth. Also called baby teeth.
Mismark (1) Coat or color. (2) A dog that has coat
coloration or markings not conforming to that which is acceptable for the breed.
Molars The posterior teeth of the dental arcade, with
two on each side in the upper jaw and three on each side in the lower jaw in
an adult with correct dentition.
Molera Incomplete, imperfect, or abnormal ossification
of the skull.
Mongrel See crossbred.
Monorchid A dog that has one testicle retained or
hidden in its abdominal cavity. See cryptorchid.
Mottled Pattern of dark roundish blotches on a lighter
background. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard
for the definitive color description.
Move To gait a dog in a pattern prescribed by the
judge.
Move-up (1) Events: Dogs that, according
to their owner's records, have completed the requirements for a championship
after the closing of entries for the show (but whose championships are unconfirmed
by the AKC) may be transferred from one of the regular classes to the Best of
Breed or Variety competition. (2) Event Records: If an award in any of
the regular classes is canceled, the dog judged in the next order of merit will
be given that award. The result of the award will be counted the same as if
it had been the original award.
Moving close When the hocks turn in and pasterns drop
straight to the ground and move parallel to one another, the dog is moving
close in the rear.
Moving straight Term descriptive of balanced gaiting
in which angle of inclination begins at the shoulder, or hip joint, and limbs
remain relatively straight from these points to the pads of the feet, even as
legs flex or extend in reaching or thrusting.
Multum in Parvo Latin phrase meaning much in little,
quoted in the Pug standard.
Music The baying of the hounds.
Mustard Usually used to describe Dandie Dinmont Terriers,
this color is like the color of the spice; i.e., a dull, highly saturated, brown-yellow.
Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the
definitive color description.
Mute To run mute, to be silent on the trail; i.e.,
to trail without baying or barking.
Muzzle (1) The head in front of the eyes: nasal bone,
nostrils, and jaws. Foreface. (2) A strap or wire cage attached to the foreface
to prevent the dog from biting or from picking up food.
Muzzle band White marking around the muzzle.
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N
National Specialty An event held by the parent club.
National Amateur Field Champion (NAFC) A prefix title
or designation conferred on a dog that has won the National Amateur Championship
field trial for its breed.
National Amateur Field Championship Annual field
trial event held open to dogs that qualify for entry. Professional handlers
cannot participate.
National Field Championship Annual field trial event
open to dogs that qualify for entry.
National Field Champion (NFC) A prefix title or designation
conferred on a dog that has won the National Championship field trial for its
breed.
Neck well set-on Good neckline, merging gradually
with withers, forming a pleasing transition into topline.
Neuter To castrate or spay.
New owner (N/O) Person who is applying to register
or record the transfer of a dog.
Nick A breeding that produces desirable puppies.
Nite hunt Performance competition for coonhounds.
Nite Champion (NC) A prefix title conferred on dogs
that have won the required number of points and placements in AKC Coonhound
night hunts.
Nonbreeding contract (Canada) A limitation sometimes
put on a Canadian dog by its breeder to limit breeding; therefore, not eligible
to compete in AKC events. Restriction may be lifted by the dog's breeder.
Non-qualifying A score that is lower than the number
designated as a qualifying score.
Non-slip retriever Term used in connection with off-lead
retriever field trials.
Non-Sporting Group Group of dogs that may share attributes,
but don't fit into the mold of other groups.
Nose (1) Organ of olfaction. (2) The ability to detect
by means of scent.
Novice Agility (NA) A suffix title conferred on dogs
that have qualified the required number of times in the Novice Agility class
at AKC agility trials.
Novice class A regular class for dogs six months
of age or over that have not, prior to the closing of entries for the show,
won three first prizes in the Novice class, a first prize in Bred-by-Exhibitor,
American-Bred, or Open classes, nor have one or more points toward their championship.
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O
Obedience trial (licensed) An event held under AKC
rules at which a leg toward an obedience degree can be earned.
Obedience Trial Champion (OTCH) A prefix used with
the name of a dog that has been recorded an Obedience Trial Champion by the
AKC as the result of having won the number of points and First Place wins specified
in the current Obedience Regulations.
Oblique shoulders Shoulders well laid back.
Obliquely placed eyes Eyes with outer corners higher
than their inner ones.
Occipital protuberance A prominently raised occiput
characteristic of some sporting and hound breeds.
Occiput Dorsal, posterior point of the skull.
On-dog identification A system of tagging, tattooing,
or microchipping used to uniquely identify a dog.
One-time disqualification Conformation: Permanent
disqualification as a result of being disqualified by a judge one time. Reasons
for one-time disqualification include:
- Blindness
- Deafness
- Castration, spayed
- Changed by artificial means
- Attacks or vicious behavior
Dogs are no longer eligible to compete in shows, unless and until, the owner has,
after application to the AKC, received official notification from the AKC that
the dog's show eligibility has been reinstated.
Open Agility (OA) A suffix title conferred on dogs
that have qualified the required number of times in the Open Agility class at
AKC agility trials.
Open class A regular class for dogs six months of age
or over.
Orange belton See Belton.
Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive
color description.
Organized competition Competition governed by the rules
of a club or society, such as the AKC, organized to promote the interests of purebred
dogs.
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Organization,
established in 1966, that developed and maintains a registry of hip dysplasia
in dogs. Dogs with OFA numbers are rated and certified free of canine hip dysplasia.
This rating applies for the life of the dog. In order to have OFA on AKC records,
a dog must have permanent ID.
Otter tail Thick at the root, round, and tapering, with
the hair parted or divided at the underside.
Out at the elbows Elbows turning out from the body as
opposed to being held close.
Out at the shoulders With shoulder blades loosely attached
to the body, leaving the shoulders jutting out in relief and increasing the breadth
of the front.
Outcrossing The mating of unrelated individuals of the
same breed.
Oval chest Chest deeper than wide.
Overage dam A dam over 12 years of age on the date
of mating.
Overage sire A sire over 12 years of age on the date
of mating.
Overhang A heavy or pronounced brow.
Overreaching Fault in the trot caused by more angulation
and drive from behind than in front so that the rear feet are forced to step to
one side of the forefeet to avoid interfering or clipping.
Overshot The incisors of the upper jaw projecting
beyond the incisors of the lower jaw, thus resulting in a space between the respective
inner and outer surfaces.
Oversubscription When the total number of applications
submitted to register puppies (Dog Registration
Applications) from a specific litter exceed the total number of puppies by
sex as indicated on the litter file.
Ownership dispute A conflict involving one of more parties
concerning the recorded ownership of a dog or litter.
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P
Pace A lateral gait that tends to promote a rolling
motion of the body. The left foreleg and left hind leg advance in unison, then
the right foreleg and right hind leg.
Pack Multiple hounds cast at one time.
Padding A compensating action to offset constant concussion
when a straight front is subjected to overdrive from the rear; the front feet
flip upward in a split-second delaying action to coordinate the stride of the
forelegs with the longer stride from behind.
Paddling A gaiting fault, so named for its similarity
to the swing and dip of a canoeists paddle. Pinching in at the elbows and shoulder
joints causes the front legs to swing forward on a stiff outward arc. Also called
tied at the elbows.
Pads Tough, shock-absorbing projections on the underside
of the feet. Soles.
Paper foot A flat foot devoid of arch to the toes.
Parent club The national organization designated by
the AKC to represent a specific breed.
Parti-color Two or more definite, well-broken colors,
one of which must be white. For example, black parti-color would be black and
white. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for
the definitive color description.
Pedigree The written record of a dog's genealogy of
three generations or more.
Pelvis Hip bones, each consisting of three fused bones:
an anterior ilium, a ventral pubis, and a posterior ischium; combined with the
sacrum forming the pelvic girdle.
Pen breeding Unwitnessed mating that occurred because
the sire and dam were confined to the same area.
Penalty fees Fees set by the Board of Directors for
disciplinary action or the submission of late applications.
Penciling Black lines dividing the tan on the toes.
PennHIP A method, established in 1993, of evaluating
hip dysplasia in dogs by calculating hip laxity; within-breed ratings are provided,
permitting breeders to select dogs with the best (smallest laxity) hips
for breeding future generations.
Pepper Used to describe several breeds, this color is
a lowly saturated, medium brilliant black. When coupled with Salt, it describes
the alternating black and white hairs of the Schnauzer breeds. Also referred to
as Peppering. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed
standard for the definitive color description.
Permanent disqualification (1) The dog may no longer
compete in AKC events. Permanent disqualification occurs if:
- A dog is disqualified on three separate occasions by three different judges
under the standard for its breed or when a male has been disqualified as not
having two normal testicles (see three-time
disqualification)
- A dog, in the opinion of the judge, attacks any person(s) in the ring (see
one-time disqualification).
(2) In performance events: When dogs are reported for having attacked another
dog (two or three times, depending on the event).
Permanent post See permanent
referral.
Permanent referral The act of placing a dog or litter
on hold indefinitely based on the outcome of an AKC inquiry.
Pet shop A commercial organization that buys and sells
dogs. Is always listed as an intermediate in the chain of title for a dog.
Piebald Covered with patches of two colors, especially
black and white. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard
for the definitive color description.
Pied Patches of white and another color. Color definitions
may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Pig eyes Eyes set too close.
Pig jaw See overshot.
Pigeon-breast A narrow chest with a protruding breastbone.
Pigeon-toed Toes pointing in toward the mid line.
Pile Dense undercoat of soft hair.
Pincer bite See level
bite.
Pinto Marked with white and some other color (usually
patches of color on white). Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check
the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Planes See head planes.
Plume (1) A long fringe of hair on the tail. (2) Carrying
the tail plume-like over the back.
Point The intense, stylized stance of the hunting dog,
taken to indicate the presence and position of game.
Pointing breeds Term commonly applied to those sporting
breeds that typically point birds.
Points (1) Color on face, ears, legs, and tail when
correlated; usually white, black, or tan. (2) In events, credits toward championship
status.
Poke To carry the neck stretched forward in an abnormally
low, ungainly position, usually when moving.
Police dog Any dog trained for police work.
Pompon A rounded tuft of hair left on the end of the
tail when the coat is clipped.
Posterior The portion of the dog carried toward the
rear during normal locomotion.
Pounding Gaiting fault resultant of a dog's stride being
shorter in the front than in the rear; forefeet strike the ground hard before
the rear stride is expended.
Power of attorney When a recorded owner grants another
individual the authorization to sign AKC documents on his/her behalf.
Power of attorney form A form completed by the recorded
owner to grant another person authorization to sign AKC documents on his/her behalf.
Premium List Official announcement of the club's event
sent to prospective participants. It contains the details of an upcoming event.
Pre-Trial tested (Herding) A suffix title conferred
on dogs that have passed the required number of Pre-Trial tests at AKC herding
tests.
Prick ear Ear carried erect, usually pointed at the
tip.
Primary class The regular allowable class divisions:
Puppy, 12-18 Month, Bred-by-Exhibitor, Open, Novice, American-bred, Amateur Gun
Dog. Also called Regular class.
Privileges The ability to use the services of the AKC,
including the ability to register dogs and enter them in AKC events.
Professional handler A person who conditions, trains
and exhibits dogs for a fee.
Professional trainer A person who trains hunting dogs
and who handles dogs in field events.
Prong collar Collar used for training dogs. It has metal
pieces on it that pinch a dog. It is against AKC rules to use this type of collar
on the show grounds. Also called pinch collar.
Provisional Judge Title assigned to judges while they
are being evaluated on their knowledge of designated breed(s) and/or level of
obedience class in accordance with the current AKC judging approval system.
Pump handle Long tail, carried high.
Puppy A dog under 12 months of age.
Puppy class A regular class for dogs that are 6 months
of age or over, but under 12 months, that are not champions. Puppy classes may
be divided into the 6-9 Month and 9-12 Month classes.
Purebred A dog whose sire and dam belong to the same
breed and who are themselves of unmixed descent since recognition of the breed.
Put down (1) To prepare a dog for the show ring. (2)
A dog unplaced in competition. (3) To euthanatize a dog.
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Q
Qualifying score Obedience: A qualifying score
is comprised of scores of more than 50% of the available points in each exercise
and a final score of 170 or more points, earned in a single regular class at an
AKC-licensed or -member obedience trial or sanctioned match. Performance:
A generic term meaning that a dog has met, at least, the minimum standard necessary
for qualifying in a class or test level at lure coursing, herding, earthdog, or
hunting tests.
Quality Refinement, fineness, a degree of excellence.
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R
Racy Tall, of comparatively slight build.
Radius One of the two bones of the forearm.
Ragged Muscles appear ragged rather than smooth.
Rangy Tall, long in body, high on leg, light-framed;
gangly.
Rat tail The root thick and covered with soft curls;
at the tip devoid of hair, or having the appearance of being clipped.
Reach of front Length of forward stride taken by forelegs.
Rear pastern The metatarsus; the region of the hindquarters
between the hock and the foot.
Record keeping requirements The AKC Board of Directors'
requirement, as stated in the Regulations for Recordkeeping and Identification
of Dogs, that everyone with AKC-registered or -registerable dogs maintain the
required records. Individuals who own only one or two dogs and never breed or
sell them are not required to keep any records other than the registration certificate
issued by AKC.
Record reconstruction A service provided, prior to
an inspection, inquiry or investigation, for individuals whose records have been
lost or destroyed.
Recorded owner/Registered owner Person listed on AKC records as
the owner of the dog.
Red sesame Red with a sparse black overlay (Shiba Inu).
Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive
color description.
Referral A posting placed on the records for a dog or
litter as a result of an inquiry. A referral may also be an internal coding for
AKC informational purposes.
Register To record with the AKC a dog's breeding particulars.
Registration certificate The document issued by the
AKC to the registered owner of a dog when it is individually registered or transferred
to a new owner.
Registration number Unique number assigned to a dog
when it is individually registered. Under the current registration system, this
number is the litter number plus a slash mark (/) and a two-digit number.
Registries Organizations that keep official records
on specific subjects. With respect to dogs, there are registries of purebred dogs
for tracking lineage and health registries for rating certain health conditions
(e.g., Canine Eye Registry Foundation, Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, etc.).
Regular class See Primary
class.
Reinspection An inspection conducted at the written
request of the customer to determine whether or not he/she has been able to bring
records and/or identification into compliance with AKC rules and regulations.
(A prior inspection havingfound the customer in noncompliance.)
Reinstate To restore AKC privileges
to an individual or dog as a result of compliance with AKC rules and regulations
or completion of a suspension period.
Rejection Any AKC document received that is incomplete
or not properly constructed. A rejection notice is issued, explaining the discrepancy
and asking for proper completion.
Reprimand A severe formal or official warning issued
to individuals not in compliance with AKC rules.
Required records Ownership, breeding, or litter records
that individuals are required to keep as stated in AKC Regulations for Record
Keeping and Identification of Dogs.
Reserve Winners The award given to the second place
dog or bitch in the Winners class.
Retrieve Performance: A hunting term. The act
of bringing game back to the handler. Obedience: An exercise in some obedience
classes.
Retrieving breeds Term commonly applied to those sporting
breeds that typically return birds to hand from water or over land.
Rib cage The collection of paired ribs, cartilage, sternum,
and associated tissue that define the thoracic region.
Ribbed up Long ribs that angle back from the spinal
column. A reference to a long rib cage.
Ring tail Carried up and around almost in a circle.
Ringer A substitute for; a dog closely resembling
another dog.
Roach back A convex curvature of the back involving
thoracic and lumbar regions.
Roan Frequently a blue-gray or iron-gray, this color
is the fine mixing of colored hairs with white hairs. For example, a blue roan
is a coat comprised of black and white hairs. (Note: This is the same definition
as the Belton color in English Setters.) Color definitions may vary by breed.
Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Rocking horse Both front and rear legs extended out
from the body as on an old-fashioned rocking horse.
Rolling gait Swaying, ambling action of the hindquarters
when moving.
Roman nose A nose whose bridge is so comparatively high
as to form a slightly convex line from forehead to nose tip. Ram's nose.
Rose ear A small drop ear that folds over and back so
as to reveal the burr.
Rounding Cutting or trimming the ends of the ear leather.
Ruby A rich, mahogany red (English Toy Spaniel). Color
definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive
color description.
Rudder The tail or stern.
Ruff Thick, longer hair growing around the neck.
Rust Used to describe several breeds, this color is
a medium-brilliant reddish brown. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always
check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
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S
Saber tail Carried in a semicircle.
Sable Coat color produced by black-tipped hairs on a
background of silver, gold, gray, fawn, or brown.
Sacrum The region of the vertebral column that consists
of three fused vertebrae that articulate the pelvic girdle.
Saddle Markings in the shape of a saddle over the back.
Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive
color description.
Saddle back Overlong back, with a dip behind the withers.
Sanctioned club Club holding Plan B and Plan A level
matches for the purpose of qualifying to hold licensed events.
Sandy Used to describe several breeds, this color is
a dull, yellowish gray of medium saturation. Color definitions may vary by breed.
Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Scent The odor left by an animal or bird on the trail
(ground-scent) or wafted through the air (air-borne scent).
Scissors bite A bite in which the outer side of the
lower incisors touches the inner side of the upper incisors.
Screw tail A naturally short tail twisted in more or
less spiral formation.
Seal Used to describe Boston Terriers, this color appears
black except that it has a red cast when viewed in the sun or bright light. Color
definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive
color description.
Second thigh That part of the hindquarters from the
stifle to the hock, corresponding to the human shin and calf. Lower thigh, including
the tibia and fibula.
Secondary class A division of the regular or primary
class. The division can be breed-specific, having to do with color, height, weight,
or coat (e.g., Open-Fawn), or event-specific (e.g., Novice A or B in obedience
events). Best of Breed or Best of Variety are not divided into secondary classes.
Secondary classes are offered at the discretion of the Event Committee of the
club holding the event.
Sedge Used to describe Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, this
color is similar to deadgrass, but it is more
accurately a lightening of the chocolate hue. Color definitions may vary by breed.
Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Seeing Eye Dog A dog trained as a guide dog for the
blind.
Self color One color or whole color except for lighter
shadings. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard
for the definitive color description.
Semi-prick ears Ears carried erect with just the tips
leaning forward.
Senior Earthdog (SE) A suffix title conferred on dogs
that have qualified the required number of times in the Senior class at AKC earthdog
tests.
Senior Hunter (SH) A suffix title conferred on dogs
that have qualified the required number of times in Senior tests at hunting tests
for pointing breeds, retrievers, and spaniels.
Senior Grand Nite Champion (SGNC) A prefix title conferred
on dogs that have earned the Grand Nite Champion and have won the required number
of first placements in AKC Coonhound night hunts.
Septum The line extending vertically between the nostrils.
Set up Posed as to make the most of the dog's appearance
for the show ring.
Shelly A shallow, narrow body, lacking the correct amount
of bone.
Short back See close
coupled.
Show Chairman See Event
Chairman.
Show hours See event
hours.
Show Secretary See Event
Secretary.
Sickle hocked Inability to straighten the hock joint
on the back reach of the hind leg.
Sighthound A hound that runs or courses game by sight
rather than scent.
Signature Authorization form A form completed by pet
shops and brokers to indicate those approved to sign AKC applications for the
firm.
Single tracking All footprints falling on a single line
of travel. When a dog breaks into a trot, his body is supported by only two legs
at a time, which move as alternating diagonal pairs. To achieve balance, his legs
angle inward toward a center line beneath his body, and the greater the speed,
the closer they come to tracking on a single line.
Sire The male parent.
Skeleton Descriptively divided into axial (skull, vertebrae
column, chest) and appendicular (forequarters, hindquarters) portions or the hard
framework of the body; the bones of the body collectively.
Skully Thick and course through the skull.
Slab-sided Flat ribs with too little spring from the
spinal column.
Sled dogs Dogs worked, usually in teams, to pull sleds.
Slew feet Feet turned out.
Sloping shoulder The shoulder blade set obliquely or
laid back.
Smooth coat Short hair, close lying.
Snatching hocks A gait fault indicated by a quick outward
snatching of the hock as it passes the supporting leg and twists the rear pastern
far in beneath the body. The action causes noticeable rocking in the rear quarters.
Snipy A pointed, weak muzzle, lacking breadth and depth.
Snow nose Nose normally solid black, but acquires pink
streak in winter. Also called winter nose.
Soundness The state of mental and physical health when
all organs and faculties are complete and functioning normally, each in its rightful
relation to the other.
Spay To remove a bitch's ovaries to prevent conception.
Speak To bark.
Special attraction An event or class, restricted to purebred dogs, that
is not normally offered at an AKC all-breed or specialty event. Special permission
may be granted to open the event to breeds not recognized by the AKC or to a well-known
dog with a celebrity. Examples of special attractions are:
- Agility team demonstrations
- Best puppy in show
- Herding demonstrations
- Weight pull
- Eye clinics
- Tattoo clinics
Permission for all special attractions must be requested by the club before listing
them in their Premium List.
Special Registry Services A department that specializes
in handling anything outside the normal domestic registration; e.g., Foreign Applications,
Open Registry, and Special Litters.
Special Services Department formed at the AKC to handle
questions and problems that come from the show group of customers of the
AKC.
Specialty club A club formed to serve and responsibly
promote the interests of a single breed.
Specialty show Conformation show in which only dogs
of an individual breed or group of breeds are eligible to enter.
Spectacles Shadings or dark markings over or around
the eyes or from eyes to ears.
Speedy discipline A Board action, whereby, when an individual
does not contest his/her suspension, he/she is suspended without benefit of trial.
Spike tail Straight, short tail that tapers rapidly
along its length.
Splashed Irregularly patched, color on white or white
on color.
Splayfoot A flat foot with toes spreading. Open foot,
open-toed.
Sporting group Group of dogs who were originally bred
to assist the hunter to hunt game birds, both on land and in the water.
Spread Width between the forelegs when accentuated.
Spread hocks Hocks pointing outward.
Spring See flush.
Spring of ribs Curvature of ribs for heart and lung
capacity.
Square body A dog whose measurements from withers to
ground equals that from forechest to rump.
Squirrel tail Carried up and curving more or less forward.
Stack (setup, pose) The posing of a dog in a natural
position, often done in the conformation show ring.
Stag red Deep red (almost brown) with intermingling
of black hairs (Miniature Pinscher). Color definitions may vary by breed. Always
check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Stake Designation of a class; used in field trial competition.
Stance Manner of standing.
Standard See breed
standard.
Stand away coat See standoff
coat.
Standoff coat A long or heavy coat that stands off
from the body. Also called stand away coat.
Staring coat The hair dry, harsh, and sometimes curling
at the tips.
Statement of Legal Rights A form to be completed by
a person authorized to sign for a decedent. The form must be notarized.
Station Comparative height from the ground, as high-stationed,
low-stationed.
Steep Used to denote incorrect angles of articulation.
For example, a steep front describes a more upright shoulder placement than is
preferred.
Stern Tail.
Sternum A row of eight bones that form the floor of the chest.
Steward Person who is responsible for the smooth running
of a specific ring; for example, assembling the classes, distributing armbands,
etc., thereby enabling the judge to concentrate on judging the dogs.
Stifle The joint of the hind leg between the thigh and
the second thigh. The dog's knee.
Stilted The choppy, up-and-down gait of the straight-hocked
dog.
Stop The step up from muzzle to back skull; indentation
between the eyes where the nasal bones and cranium meet.
Straight in pastern Little or no bend at the wrist.
Straight shoulders. The shoulder blades rather straight
up and down, as opposed to sloping or well laid back.
Straight-hocked Lacking appreciable angulation at the
hock joints.
Stud Book Monthly publication of the AKC. A listing
of dogs that have sired or whelped a litter for the first time that has been registered
with the AKC. With this information, a person can use Stud Book volumes to trace
a dog's lineage and to produce pedigrees.
Stud dog A male dog used for breeding purposes.
Stud dog class Class where a stud dog is shown and
judged with at least two of his offspring. Judging is based on the quality of
the get, not the sire. (Club may permit more offspring to be shown. The upper
limit must be stated in the Premium List.)
Stud dog power of attorney form A completed form (used
primarily by handlers) that authorizes the AKC to accept the signature of someone
other than the actual owner of the stud dog named. This form can be used only
on litter applications for litters sired by that dog. The form is valid for one
year; a new form must be filed to extend authorization.
Stud fee Payment made for the services of a stud dog.
Substance Bone.
Substitution of a dog Entering a specific dog in an
AKC event and physically using a different dog at the event.
Superciliary arches The ridge, projection, or prominence
of the frontal bones of the skull over the eyes; the brow; supraorbital ridges.
Superintendent An individual licensed by the AKC
and hired by a club to be responsible for the actual mechanics of holding an event.
Supplemental Transfer Statement The form that must
be completed by the current owner and the new owner when a registered or registerable
dog changes hands more than once before being transferred or registered. This
form is attached to the original registration certificate or application. Also
called the gray form.
Suspension trot See flying
trot.
Swayback Concave curvature of the vertebrae column between
the withers and the hipbones.
Sweepstakes A non-regular competition offered in conjunction
with regular classes at specialty shows for puppies or veterans. Class divisions,
requirements, and conditions are established by the club. No championship points
are awarded.
Symmetry Pleasing balance between all parts of the dog.
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Tail-set How the base of the tail is set on the rump.
Tattoo A method of on-dog identification.
Tawny Used, along with white, to describe Ibizian Hounds,
this color is the color of lions (sandy yellow). Also referred to as Lion
Tawny. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard
for the definitive color description.
Team Usually, four dogs exhibited by one handler.
Terrier front Straight front as found on fox terriers.
Terrier group A group of dogs used originally for hunting
vermin.
Testicles The male gonads, which produce spermatoza.
AKC regulations specify that a male that does not have two normal testicles normally
located in the scrotum may not compete at any show and will be disqualified, except
that a castrated male may be entered in obedience trials, tracking tests, field
trials (except Beagles), as a stud dog in a Stud Dog class, and Veterans class
at an independent specialty.
Thigh The hindquarter from hip to stifle.
Thoracic vertebrae The thirteen vertebrae of the chest
with which thirteen pairs of ribs articulate.
Three-time disqualification Conformation: Permanent
disqualification as a result of being disqualified for the same reason on three
separate occasions by three different judges. Reasons for disqualification include:
- Undescended testicles
- Testicles not present
- Height not as specified in the breed standard
- Weight not as specified in the breed standard
- Color not as specified in the breed standard
Throatiness An excess of loose skin under the throat.
Thumb marks Black spots on the region of the pastern.
Tibia One of the two bones of the leg (i.e., the lower
thigh, second thigh, or lower leg).
Ticked Small, isolated areas (smaller than spots) of
black or colored hairs on a white background. Color definitions may vary by breed.
Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Tied at the elbows See paddling.
Title An award conferred on a dog for completing specific
qualifications earned at AKC events or AKC-sponsored activities.
Prefix Titles (come before the registered name):
Ch. - Conformation Champion
FC - Field Champion
AFC - Amateur Field Champion
NAFC - National Amateur Field Champion
NFC - National Field Champion
OTCH - Obedience Trial Champion
CT - Champion Tracker (TD, TDX, VST)
HC - Herding Champion
DC - Dual Champion (CH & FC)
TC - Triple Champion (CH, FC, & OTCH)
Suffix Titles (come after the registered name):
CD - Companion Dog
CDX - Companion Dog Excellent
UD - Utility Dog
UDX - Utility Dog Excellent
TD - Tracking Dog
TDX - Tracking Dog Excellent
VST - Variable Surface Tracking
UDTD (UDT) - Utility Dog Tracking Dog
UDTDX - Utility Dog Tracking Dog Excellent
UDXTDX - Utility Dog Excellent Tracking Dog Excellent
UDVST - Utility Dog Variable Surface Tracking
UDXVST - Utility Dog Excellent Variable Surface Tracking
JH - Junior Hunter
SH - Senior Hunter
MH - Master Hunter
HT - Herding Tested
PT - Pre-Trial Tested
HS - Herding Started
HI - Herding Intermediate
HX - Herding Excellent
JC - Junior Courser
SC - Senior Courser
MC - Master Courser
NA - Novice Agility
OA - Open Agility
AX - Agility Excellent
MX - Master Agility Excellent
JE - Junior Earthdog
SE - Senior Earthdog
ME - Master Earthdog
NC - Nite Champion
GNC - Grand Nite Champion
SGNC - Senior Grand Nite Champion
Tongue (1) The fleshy, moveable, muscular organ attached
to the floor of the mouth; (2) or the barking or baying of hounds on the trail,
as to give tongue, to open or speak.
Topknot A tuft of longer hair on top of the head.
Topline The dog's outline from just behind the withers
to the tail set.
Toy group Group of dogs bred to be companions or lap
dogs.
Tracking Dog (TD) A title awarded to a dog that has
been recorded a Tracking Dog as a result of having passed an AKC-licensed or -member
tracking test. The title may be combined with the UD (Utility Dog) title and shown
as UDT.
Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) A title awarded to a
dog that has been recorded a Tracking Dog Excellent as a result of having passed
an AKC-licensed or -member tracking test. The title may be combined with the UDT
title and shown as UDTX.
Trail To hunt by following ground scent.
Training collar A collar made of nylon, leather, or
chain, fitted to the dog's neck in such a manner that the degree of tension exerted
by the hand tightens or loosens it. Also called choke collar or slip
collar.
Trial Board Three independent individuals, appointed
by the AKC Board of Directors, who conduct a hearing on specific charges to determine
whether or not an individual should be suspended.
Triangular eye The eye set in surrounding tissue of
triangular shape; three-cornered eye.
Tricolor Three colors in the coat: white, black, and
tan (Prince Charles in English Toy Spaniel breed). Color definitions may vary
by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Trim To groom the coat by stripping, clipping or scissoring.
Triple Champion (TC) A dog that has won conformation
show, field trial, and obedience trial championships.
Trot A rhythmic two-beat diagonal gait in which the
feet at diagonal opposite ends of the body strike the ground together; i.e., right
hind with left front and left hind with right front.
Trousers Longish hair at the back of both upper and
lower thighs.
Trumpet The slight depression or hollow on either side
of the skull just behind the orbit or eye socket; the region comparable with the
temple in man.
Truncated Cut off.
Tuck-up Characterized by markedly shallower body depth
at the loin. Small-waisted.
Tulip ear An ear carried erect with edges curving in
and forward.
Turn-up An up-tilted foreface.
Twelve-to-eighteen month class A regular class for dogs
that are 12 months of age and over, but under 18 months, that are not champions.
Twisting hocks A gaiting fault in which the hock joints
twist both ways as they flex or bear weight. Also called rubber hocks.
Type Sum of qualities that distinguish dogs of one breed
(breed type) or dogs from one kennel (kennel type) from others.
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Ulna One of the two bones of the forearm.
Unbenched Show Conformation show where dogs are not
required to be on specific benches for viewing.
Underage dam Dam under eight months of age at the time
of mating.
Underage sire Sire under seven months of age at the
time of mating.
Undercoat Dense, soft, short coat concealed by a longer
top coat.
Underline The combined contours of the brisket and the
abdominal floor.
Undershot The front teeth (incisors) of the lower jaw
overlapping or projecting beyond the front teeth of the upper jaw when the mouth
is closed.
Unentered dog Term used to describe dogs that are the
show grounds but are not entered at the show.
Unilateral cryptorchid See cryptorchid.
Unsound A dog incapable of performing the functions
for which it was bred.
Upper arm The humerus or bone of the foreleg, between
the shoulder blade and the forearm and associated tissues.
Utility Dog (UD) A title awarded to a dog that has been
recorded a Utility Dog by the AKC as a result of having won certain minimum scores
in Utility classes at a specified number of AKC licensed or member obedience trials.
This title may be combined with the TD or TDX title and shown as UDT or UDTX,
respectively.
Utility Dog Excellent (UDX) A title awarded to a dog
that has been recorded a Utility Dog Excellent by the AKC as a result of having
won certain minimum scores in Utility B and Open B classes at a specified number
of AKC-licensed or -member club Obedience Trials. This title may be combined with
TD, TDX, or VST titles and shown as UDXTD, UDXTDX, or UDXVST.
Utility Dog Excellent Tracking Dog (UDXTD) A title
awarded to a dog that has been recorded a Utility Dog Excellent by the AKC as
a result of having won certain minimum scores in Utility B and Open B classes
at a specified number of AKC-licensed or -member club obedience trials and has
been certified by two judges to have passed a licensed or member club tracking
test.
Utility Dog Excellent Tracking Dog Excellent (UDXTDX)
A title awarded to a dog that has been recorded a Utility Dog Excellent by
the AKC as a result of having won certain minimum scores in Utility B and Open
B classes at a specified number of AKC licensed or member club obedience trials
and has been certified by two judges to have passed a licensed or member club
Tracking Dog Excellent Test.
Utility Dog Excellent Variable Surface Tracking (UDXVST)
A title awarded to a dog that has been recorded a Utility Dog Excellent by
the AKC as a result of having won certain minimum scores in Utility B and Open
B classes at a specified number of licensed or member club obedience trials and
has been certified by both judges to have passed a licensed or member club Variable
Surface Tracking Test.
Utility Dog Tracking Dog (UDTD) (UDT)
A title awarded to a dog that has been recorded a Utility Dog and a Tracking
Dog by the AKC as a result of having won certain minimum scores in Utility classes
at a specified number of AKC-licensed or -member club obedience trials and has
been certified by two judges to have passed a licensed or member club Tracking
Test.
Utility Dog Tracking Dog Excellent (UDTDX) A title
awarded to a dog that has been recorded a Utility Dog and a Tracking Dog Excellent
by the AKC as a result of having won certain minimum scores in Utility classes
at a specified number of AKC-licensed or -member club obedience trials and has
been certified by two judges to have passed a licensed or member club Tracking
Dog Excellent test.
Utility Dog Variable Surface Tracking (UDVST) A title
awarded to a dog that has been recorded a Utility Dog by the AKC as a result of
having won certain minimum scores in Utility classes at a specified number of
licensed or member club obedience trials and has been certified by both judges
to have passed a licensed or member club Variable Surface Tracking test.
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Variety A division of a breed approved by the AKC. There
are nine breeds that are divided into varieties: Cockers, Beagles, Collies, Dachshunds,
Bull Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Chihuahuas, English Toy Spaniels, and Poodles.
Varminty A keen, very bright or piercing expression.
Veil The portion of the dog's forelock hanging straight
down over the eyes or partially covering them.
Vent The anal opening.
Vertebral column The bones of the central axis of the
dog posterior to the skull, including cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and
caudal vertebrae.
Veterans class Class for dogs older than a minimum age
requirement. Each club establishes its own age requirements for this class.
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Walk Gaiting pattern in which three legs are in support
of the body at all times, each foot lifting from the ground one at a time in regular
sequence.
Walleye An eye with a whitish iris; a blue eye, fisheye,
pearl eye.
Webbed Connected by a membrane.
Webbed toes Toes connected by a skin membrane; important
for water-retrieving dogs, providing help in swimming.
Weedy An insufficient amount of bone; light boned.
Well let down Having short hocks; refers to short metatarsals.
Wet neck Loose or superfluous skin; with dewlap.
Wheaten Pale yellow or fawn color. The color of wheat.
Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive
color description.
Wheel back A marked arch of the thoracic and lumbar
vertebrae.
Whelp date The date of birth of a litter.
Whelping The act of birthing puppies.
Whip tail Carried out stiffly straight and pointed.
Whiskers Vibrissae or sensory organs (hairs) on the
sides of the muzzle.
Whitelies Body color white with red or dark markings.
Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive
color description.
Wicket Device used to measure the height of a dog at
the withers.
Wild boar Usually used to describe Dachshunds, this
color is dull gray hairs intermingled with black hairs. Color definitions may
vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Wind To catch the scent of game.
Winging A gaiting fault where one or both front feet
twist outward as the limbs swing forward.
Winners An award given at dog shows to the best dog
(Winners Dog) and best bitch (Winners Bitch) competing in regular classes.
Winners class A regular class divided by sex, with
each division open to dogs of the same sex that have won first prizes in either
the Puppy, Twelve-to-Eighteen month, Novice, Bred-by-Exhibitor, American-Bred
or Open classes.
Winter nose See snownose.
Wirehair A coat of hard, crisp, wiry texture.
Withers Highest point of a dog's shoulders.
Withholding Decision of a judge not to give an award
or placement in a class at any point in the judging process.
Wolf sable Used to describe Pomeranians. Silver or gray
with black tips (no tan, white, or cream anywhere). Color definitions may vary
by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.
Working group Group of dogs used to pull carts, guard
property, and for search and rescue.
Wrinkle Loose, folding skin on forehead and foreface.
Wry mouth Asymmetrical alignment of upper and lower
jaws; cross bite.
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Xiphoid process Cartilage process of the sternum.
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Zygomatic arch A bony ridge extending posteriorly (and
laterally) from beneath the eye orbit.
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