Useful Terms to Know

AKC (American Kennel Club)
The largest purebred dog registry in the United States, responsible for promoting and maintaining breed standards, dog shows, and canine activities.

Almond Eye
An eye shape that is elongated and oval, often considered aesthetically pleasing in many dog breeds.

Apple Head
A rounded skull shape commonly associated with certain breeds like Chihuahuas.

Balance
A term used in dog shows to describe the harmony of a dog’s physical proportions and movements, ensuring all parts work together seamlessly.

Beard
The long, thick hair that grows on the underjaw of certain breeds, adding to their distinctive appearance.

Best in Show
The top honor awarded to the most outstanding dog among all breeds in a dog show competition.

Bitch
The term used to refer to a female dog.

Bite
The way the upper and lower teeth align when a dog’s mouth is closed. Types include level, undershot, overshot, or scissors bite.

Blaze
A strip of white fur running down the center of a dog’s face, typically between the eyes.

Board
The act of housing, feeding, and caring for a dog in exchange for payment, often provided by kennels or pet sitters.

Breed
A specific group of domestic dogs sharing a common gene pool, physical traits, and functions, as established by breed standards.

Breed Standard
A formal document describing the ideal physical characteristics, temperament, and behavior of a breed, serving as a guideline for judging and breeding.

Buff
A coat color that ranges from pale yellow to light gold.

Clip
A method of trimming or styling a dog’s coat, often specific to a breed or functional purpose.

Coat
The layer of hair or fur covering a dog’s body. Breeds may have single or double coats, which serve purposes like insulation and protection.

Condition
The overall health of a dog, evaluated through its coat, skin, behavior, and physical fitness.

Crate
A portable enclosure used for housing or transporting dogs, often made of metal or plastic.

Crossbreed (Hybrid)
A dog whose parents are of two distinct breeds. Crossbreeds cannot typically be registered with organizations like the AKC.

Dam
The term for the female parent of a dog.

Dock
The surgical removal of a portion of a dog’s tail, often done for cosmetic or traditional reasons, though it is controversial in many countries.

Double Coat
A type of coat featuring a dense underlayer for insulation and a tougher outer layer for weather resistance.

Drop Ear
An ear type where the ear folds and hangs down, rather than standing erect.

Entropion
A genetic condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing irritation or damage to the eye.

Fancier
An individual deeply interested in a specific breed or dog-related activity, such as shows or breeding.

Fawn
A coat color described as a yellowish-brown or tan.

Feathering
A fringe of longer hair, often found on the ears, tail, or legs of certain breeds.

Groom
To maintain a dog’s coat by brushing, trimming, or washing to ensure cleanliness and appearance.

Heel
A command used in training, instructing the dog to walk closely beside its handler.

Hip Dysplasia
A genetic condition characterized by improper formation of the hip joint, potentially causing pain or mobility issues.

Inbreeding
The breeding of two dogs closely related within the same breed, often done to reinforce specific traits but can lead to genetic health issues.

Kennel
A structure or facility used for housing dogs. It can also refer to businesses that breed or board dogs.

Litter
A group of puppies born from the same pregnancy.

Markings
Distinct patterns or patches of color on a dog’s coat.

Mask
Dark shading across a dog’s face, often emphasizing its facial structure or expressions.

Mate
The act of breeding between a male dog and a female dog (bitch).

Neuter
The surgical procedure of castrating a male dog or spaying a female dog to prevent reproduction.

Puppy Cut
A grooming style where a dog’s coat is trimmed short and evenly all over the body, offering a neat and low-maintenance look.

Kennel Cut
A practical grooming style where the dog’s coat is cut very short to prevent matting and keep the dog cool and clean, often used for boarding situations.

Teddy Bear Cut
A grooming style that leaves the fur longer around the face and head, giving the dog a soft and fluffy teddy bear appearance.

Cording
A grooming technique where a dog’s coat is naturally or manually divided into rope-like cords, often seen in breeds like Poodles or Komondors.

Natural
A coat grooming approach where the dog’s coat is left untrimmed, retaining its natural length and texture.

Natural with a Top Knot or Bun
A natural grooming style where the dog’s long facial fur is tied up in a bun or top knot, often used to keep hair out of the eyes.

Show Coat
The meticulously maintained and styled coat of a show dog, adhering strictly to the breed’s standard grooming guidelines.

Waiting List
A list maintained by breeders or rescues for individuals interested in acquiring a puppy or adopting a dog.

Reputable Breeder
A responsible breeder who prioritizes the health, temperament, and proper care of their dogs, often performing health screenings and following ethical breeding practices.

Backyard Breeder
An amateur or irresponsible breeder who often breeds dogs without proper knowledge, health screenings, or adherence to ethical standards.

Rescue
An organization or effort dedicated to rehoming dogs in need, often saving them from neglect or abandonment.

Rescue Scam (Transport Scam)
A fraudulent operation where individuals pose as dog rescuers but are fronts for puppy mills, and exploit adopters by demanding excessive fees for nonexistent dogs or misleading transport charges.

Agility
A canine sport involving timed obstacle courses, highlighting a dog’s speed, coordination, and obedience.

Socialization
The process of exposing a dog to various people, environments, and situations to encourage well-rounded and confident behavior.

Undershot Bite
A bite where the lower jaw protrudes past the upper jaw, often seen in breeds like Bulldogs.

Overshot Bite
A bite where the upper jaw extends beyond the lower jaw.

Prey Drive
A dog’s instinctive tendency to chase or hunt moving objects, such as squirrels or toys.

Working Dog
A dog bred and trained for specific tasks such as herding, guarding, or search-and-rescue.

Toy Group
A category of small dog breeds recognized by the AKC, valued for their size and companionship qualities.

Temperament
The general behavior and personality traits of a dog, including its friendliness, energy level, and adaptability.