Page 3 - Canine-Terminology

Glossary of Terms - Canine Air scenting: Technique a dog can use to locate target odor where

he searches wind or air currents.

A Airedale Terrier: Also called Bingley Terrier and Waterside
Terrier, is a dog breed of the terrier type that originated in the
Abdomen: The belly or under surface between the chest and the valley (dale) of the River Aire, in the West Riding of Yorkshire,
England. It is traditionally called the “King of Terriers” because it
hindquarters. is the largest of the terrier breeds. In the United States, this breed
has been used to hunt big game, upland birds, and water fowl, and
Acetabulum: The concave lateral portion of the sacrum that serve in many other working capacities.
articulates with the head of the femur. Anatomically important in
evaluating hip dysplasia. Alert: The pre-determined response the dog offers when he has

located target odors.
Action: A term used to describe component functions of
locomotion (e.g., action of the hocks) or as a synonym for gait in Akbash Dog: A breed of sheep dog native to Turkey possessing
some standards. characteristics of both mastiffs and gazehounds. It is primarily

used as a livestock guardian dog or shepherd dog.
Affenpinscher: Is a breed of small dogs of German origin, having
wiry, shaggy hair and a tufted muzzle. The name is derived from Akita: Is a large breed of dog originating from the mountainous
the German Affe (ape, monkey). Affenpinschers are somewhat northern regions of Japan. There are two separate varieties of
territorial when it comes to their toys and food, so they are not Akita: a Japanese strain, commonly called “Akita Inu” (“inu”
recommended for homes with very small children. means “dog” in Japanese), or “Japanese Akita”; and an American
strain, known as the “Akita” or “American Akita”. The Akita is
Afghan Hound: Is a hound that is distinguished by its thick, generally seen as territorial about its property, and can be reserved
fine, silky coat and its tail with a ring curl at the end. The breed with strangers. It is sometimes described as feline in its actions; it
is selectively bred for its unique features in the cold mountains of is not unusual for an Akita to clean its face after eating, to preen its
Afghanistan. The temperament of the typical Afghan Hound can kennel mate, and to be fastidious in the house.
be aloof and dignified, but happy and clownish when it’s playing.
This breed, as is the case with many sighthounds, has a high prey Alano Español: Known as Spanish Bulldog in English, is a large
drive and may not get along with small animals. It is most closely breed of dog of the molosser dog type, originating in Spain. The
related to the Saluki. name of the breed comes from the Iranian tribe of Alani, nomadic
pastoralists who arrived in Spain as part of the Migration Period
Afghan Shepherd (Kuchi Dog): The Kuchi or Afghan Shepherd in the 5th Century.
dog is an Afghan livestock guardian dog, taking its name from the
Kuchi people of Afghanistan. It is a working dog following the Alaskan Husky: The Alaskan husky is the sled dog of choice
nomads, protecting caravans and flocks of sheep, goats, camels for world-class dog sled racing. None of the purebred northern
and other livestock from wolves, big cats and thieves. Kuchi dogs breeds can match it for sheer racing speed. Alaskan Huskies are
often growl to show either pleasure or displeasure, which can be generally very good with other dogs and gentle with people. They
misconstrued by many, especially children, as a sign of aggression. are ferocious eaters and can be food fixated.

Afterbirth: The placenta and fetal membranes expelled from the Alaskan Klee Kai: Is a spitz type breed of dog, developed in the
uterus following the birth of each newborn puppy. 1970s to create a companion sized dog resembling the Alaskan
Husky. It is an energetic, intelligent, dog with an appearance that
Aggressive alert: When a dog scratches or bites at source, resulting reflects its northern heritage.
in a fault being incurred for disturbing the hide.
Alaskan Malamute: Is a large breed of domestic dog (Canis lupus
Agouti: Used to describe Siberian Huskies, this color is the familiaris) originally bred for hauling heavy freight due to their
alternating bands of light and dark pigmentation along each hair in strength and endurance, and later as a sled dog. They are similar to
the coat. Color definitions may vary by breed. other arctic breeds, such as the Greenland Dog, Canadian Eskimo
Dog, the Siberian Husky, and the Samoyed.
Aidi: Is a North African dog breed used as a livestock guardian,
protecting herds of sheep and goats. It also possesses hunting Albino: A relatively rare, genetically recessive condition resulting
capabilities and good scenting ability. The Aidi’s lean, muscular in white hair and pink eyes.
body is protected by a coarse, thick, weather-resistant coat with a
heavy plumed tail. The Aidi is energetic and highly protective and Allele: One member of a pair or series of genes that occupy a
is said to make an outstanding watchdog. It is a powerful dog that specific position on a specific chromosome.
is also agile, alert, and ready for action.

TERMINOLOGY. CAININE. 3