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.
AKC Direct Authorized
access, toll-free (800) telephone service to AKC customer service. Currently being tested with specific groups of AKC constituents.
Albino A relatively rare, genetically recessive condition resulting in white hair and pink eyes.
All-Breed show Conformation show where all breeds are 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 gaits.
American-bred
class A regular class for all dogs (except champions) six months of age that 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 dog shows and field
trials; 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 the purity 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 a subcommittee of the AKC's Board of Directors to either nullify or reduce the length of a suspension.
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.
Arm card See
armband.
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.
Also called
arm card.
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 handler's dogs, 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.
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.
Bandog A dog tied by day,
released at night.
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 Long,
thick hair 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.
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 dog.
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 form A
term used for an individual Dog Registration Application. See
Dog Registration Application.
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.
Blue slip A term used for an individual Dog Registration Application. See
Dog Registration Application.
Blues A term used for an individual Dog Registration Application. See
Dog Registration Application.
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) Twelve 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 monthly. 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 See
Chapter 3, Section 7 of the Rules Applying to Dog Shows.
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 standard A word picture describing how the perfect dog of a breed should look, move, and behave. The
breed standard is owned by the parent club, with full use extended to the AKC.
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, Chapter 3, Section 5, 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.
C.A.R. Companion Animal RecoveryC.G.C. Canine Good CitizenC.K.C. Canadian Kennel ClubCafe 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 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. 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.
Case code Code that provides a very brief description
of what a specific case is about. Located in the upper portion of the case information screen. Also called
reason code.
Case involvement code A one-letter code, located in the lower portion of the case information, that
identifies the individual on the case; for example, B=Subject (who the case is about), C=Complainant (the person who wrote
in).
Case Management System (CMS) An on-line method of tracking activity in regard to cases. CMS
uses information from the Registration system concerning dogs, litters, and referrals.
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 performance award.
Chain of title The complete
sequence of ownership of a dog, including the date of transfer from litter owner (L/O) or recorded owner (R/O) to the new
owner (N/O).
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 and/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 in four consecutive
days at the same location.
Co-owners One or more individuals recorded in the AKC records as the owner
of a dog.
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 (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.
Complainant A customer who calls or writes in about a problem or discrepancy.
Condition
Health as shown by the coat, skin, general appearance, and behavior.
Conditions letter A
letter sent to a humane society, animal control, or governmental body indicating that at the time an AKC inspection was conducted,
the kennel, in the opinion of the AKC inspector, had conditions that were unsafe or unsanitary.
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.
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 A conviction or admission in a court or tribunal of competent
jurisdiction, as a result of a finding by a federal or state administrative agency, whereby an individual was found to have
engaged in conduct that would endanger the life or health of an animal or cause undue suffering.
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.
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.
Discipline Procedure whereby an individual
is suspended from all AKC privileges 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 of an animal.
DNA test
A test to determine identity. The AKC has used this test to determine paternity. Permission must be obtained from
the AKC Board for testing, and the testing must be conducted by an AKC-approved facility.
Dock To
shorten the tail.
Dog Male dog or term used to refer generically to all dogs, male or female.
Dog Registration Application Used to register an individual dog of a registered litter. Also called
blue
form,
blue slip, or
blues.
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.
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
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.
Earth
Dog 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.
Electronic transmission of event results All results from an event are entered and electronically
transmitted to the AKC by the Superintendent.
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.
Entry (submittal) service A service that submits the
entries for its clients to a superintendent or show secretary.
Equal mating When a litter is registered
and another application is received to register another litter from the same dam with the same date of birth.
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 misconduct that may occur in connection with its event. The committee is comprised of 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.
Expired blues An expired AKC dog registration. Every application is valid one year from date of
issue. The expiration date is located in the upper right hand corner of the application. See a Chapter 3, Section 4, paragraph
3, of the Rules Applying to Registration and Discipline.
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.
Failure to receive papers Customers who did not receive AKC registration papers from a breeder, broker, pet
shop, or other dog owner when they acquired their dog.
Fall Hair overhanging the face.
Fallow
Pale cream to light fawn color; pale; 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
active in some phase of the sport of purebred dog shows.
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.
Federation 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 reciprocity agreement with the AKC, the Canadian
Kennel Club, and The Kennel Club (of England), which are not members.
Femur Thigh bone. Extends from
hip to stifle.
Fetch (1) The retrieve 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 in 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 and bitches 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.
Forgery When one individual
falsely represents another individual's signature.
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 breeds
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 male 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.
FRP
Failure to Receive Papers.
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.
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
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 18 years old or older, 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.
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 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.
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.
Identification On-dog system whereby a dog may be identified to a record; i.e., microchip or tattoo.
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 (registerable breed or Miscellaneous 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. An inspection of the identification practices and
kennel conditions.
Inspection report A form used by AKC Inspectors when conducting an inspection
of an individual's records, identification practices, and kennel conditions.
Interbreeding The breeding
together of dogs of different breeds.
Intermediate(s) Person(s) in the 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.
Jabot The
apron of the Schipperke; the part situated between the front legs.
Jobber
In terms used by the AKC, a synonym for
dog broker.
Jowls Flesh of the lips and jaws.
Judge Official approved by the AKC to evaluate dogs in 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.
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. Also called
prefix.
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.
Lame Irregularity or impairment of locomotion.
Landseer The black and white Newfoundland
dog, so-called from the name of the famous painter who used such 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.
Legal ownership Ownership that is governed
under rules of law.
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.
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.
Lien
The right to take and sell or hold the property of a debtor as security or payment of a debt.
Limited
registration Restricted registration of offspring 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 in a litter, generally expressed in the number by sex; for example, 3M2F.
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 coursing Organized events
for Sighthounds, which chase an artificial lure over a course.
Luxation Dislocation of an anatomical
structure.
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 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 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.
Miscellaneous
class Transitory class for breeds desiring to advance to full AKC recognition.
Mismark (1)
Coat or color. (2) A dog that has coat coloration or markings not conforming to that which is acceptable for the breed.
Mode
I (event results) Results of events that are entered by the AKC. The club or superintendent submits the results in
printed or written form.
Mode II (event results) Results of events that are transmitted electronically
but require manual entry of placements and clean-up by the AKC.
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.
National Specialty Any 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.
Nighthunt
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.
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.
Old colony Dogs in a person's possession at the time of their suspension that
cannot be used at reinstatement.
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.
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 number of applications
to register puppies (completed
Dog Registration Applications) from a specific litter exceed the total number of puppies by sex indicated on the
Litter Application.
Ownership dispute A conflict involving one of more parties concerning the recorded ownership of
a dog or litter.
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 Several hounds kept together in
one kennel. A mixed pack is made up of males and females.
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 with thin pads.
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.
Pending discipline The period of time between
the Management Discipline Committee's decision to prefer charges and the AKC Board of Directors actual suspension of an individual.
Pending hearing The period of time between an individual's request for a formal hearing and when
the hearing is actually held. In this time period, the attorneys are setting the formal hearing in motion.
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 and 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, 1218 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.
Processed application Any AKC document received that warrants a change on a dog or
litter record.
Professional handler A person who 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 six months of age or over,
but under twelve 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.
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 a 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.
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 that everyone with
AKC registered or registerable dogs maintain the required records except those individuals who own only one or two dogs and
never breed or sell them.
Record reconstruction A service provided for those individuals whose records
have been lost or destroyed. There is a $50 charge for the first hour of work involved and $25 for every hour or partial hour
thereafter. Records are not reconstructed over the telephone; a signed statement must be received from the person requesting
the information
Recorded owner (R/O) 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.
Registered name The name, selected
by the customer, assigned to a dog at the time the
Dog Registration Application is processed.
Registration certificate The document issued by the AKC to the 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.
Regulation A principle rule or law designed to govern or control.
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 the AKC's rules and regulations. (A prior inspection found 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 those 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.
Rule book(s) Both the
Rules Applying to
Registration & Discipline and the
Rules Applying to Dog Shows as well as various sets of obedience and field
trial rules. There are also a number of rule books relating to specific events.
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.
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 cause hearing A proceeding similar to a trial board hearing, with one person presiding, to
determine disciplinary action for an individual.
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.
Also called
R-77,
R-92, and
C-21.
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.
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. Designed to offer a premium level of service to those significantly involved in the sport.
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.
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 and used in lieu of a court document. 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 Breastbone.
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 produced
a litter 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.
Subcommittee of the Board A
subdivision consisting of three members of the Board, which is organized for the specific purpose of hearing privileges (AKC
privileges) appeals.
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
The inability to use any of the facilities or privileges of the AKC.
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.
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), and as a stud dog in a stud dog class.
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. More information on
AKC titles and abbreviations.
Tongue 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 plucking or clipping.
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.
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 eight 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.
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.
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.
Warning letter One of four different letters that advise an individual of the extent of
their noncompliance with AKC Rules and Regulations for record keeping and identification.
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.
Xiphoid process Cartilage process of the sternum.
Zygomatic arch A bony ridge extending posteriorly (and laterally) from beneath the eye orbit.