A pedigree is a dog's family tree recorded on paper. The AKC has a family tree on file for all registered dogs. If you have an AKC registered dog and the breeder did not give you a printed record of your dog's ancestry. You can download a 4 or 5 generation pedigree from at AKC.org.Plaque
A build-up of matter from bacteria, food and saliva on the teeth. See also Tartar.Posterior
Refers to the area of the body near the tail; the back or or the rear half of an animal.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy( PRA)
A hereditary, potentially blinding eye disorder. Onset of the disease and the rate of progression of the disease vary according to different breed-specific forms. Diagnosis is made by an ophthalmoscopic examination and comfirmed by a procedure that tests electrical measurement of retinal function.
Prong Collar
Also known as a Pinch Collar, it is an effective training collar for large dogs. A typical prong collar is an interlocking chain of blunt, metal prongs connected by a small chain. It applies pressure evenly around the neck, training the dog to walk on a leash without pulling or tugging. When used properly, a prong collar is a safe alternative to a choke collar, which can cause damage to a dog's throat.
Puppy Mill
A facility that mass-produces puppies. A puppy mill might be a dark, drafty, dirty shed stacked with wall to wall rusty cages full of pregnant dogs or nursing dogs and puppies. Many puppy mills are very large scale breeding operations - puppy factories where dogs are kept in equally deplorable conditions.
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Rabies
Rabies is a fatal virus that can be spread from animals to humans. It affects the brain and is spread by the saliva of infected animals. Rabid animals have a change in temperament. Wild animals might attack are more likely to attack, human beings, and pets might turn on their owners. Most rabies is spread by the bite of an infected raccoon, fox, or skunk. All states require rabies vaccinations even if a pet never goes outdoors.Rawhide Chews
Rawhide is the inner layer of the hide from cattle, that has been washed, cleaned, cut, rolled or formed into a variety of shapes and sizes of chew products, and dried. Rawhide is not a food, but a chewable that can be, and often is, consumed. It is high in protein (80 to 85%), and lower in fat ( only 1 or 2% fat), than pig ears, hooves and other pork skin products, with fewer calories per ounce than an average dog biscuit. Rawhide chews should be large and thick enough to prevent a dog from too large a piece or swallowing a whole chew. Due to surface dirt and buildup.of bacteria, a rawhide chew that lasts more than a week should be discarded and replaced. Puppies and super chewers who frequently swallow or attempt to swallow overly large pieces of bones, treat, and chewables, should not be left unattended with rawhide or any chewables.Reverse Sneezing -
Sudden, rapid, forcefull inhaling of air through the nose that causes a dog to snort loudly, or gasp repeatedly for anywhere from about 10 seconds up to about a minute. It sounds like the dog is choking or trying to inhale, or "reverse" a sneeze. Reverse sneezing is usually triggered by some type of irritation to the laryngeal area. Although it looks and sounds frightening, it's not a serious condition. A dog will be perfectly normal afterwards and veterinary treatment is not necessary. You can usually shorten or end an episode by gently massaging the dog's throat or by briefly pinching it's nostrils.Rimadyl Rx (Carprofen)
A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication that's very effective in treating arthritis in dogs, without the stomach irritation and kidney damage associated with older anti-inflammatory medications. Read the latest reports and discuss the benefits and possible side effects with your veteranarian before starting your pet on any new medication.Ringworm
A skin infection caused by a fungus, not a worm. It can be transmitted between animals by skin abrasions scabs, and other sores and possibly on grooming equipment. scabs etc particularly if the animal's immune system has been compromised, e.g. with steroids. In otherwise healthy dogs, ringworm infections are usually mild. Typical lesions are round, ring-like and scaly, but a positive diagnosis can only be made by microscopic examination of skin scrapings.
Roundworms
Intestinal parasites that infest the intestines of many puppies, causing a pot-bellied appearance and poor growth. Round worms can be seen the stool. See a veterinarian for an oral medication to elimainate them.
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Scent Hound
Hounds that hunt by following their prey's scent. They trail their prey, either on a leash or while running free.Scooting
Scooting on the hindquarters and excessive tail licking may be a sign of indication of either worms or anal sac disease. If your dog begins scooting, have it examined by a veteraniarian.Seizures
See Epilepsy/Epileptic Seizure Separation Anxiety
A behavioral problem in which a dog becomes overly anxious when separated from it's owner for any amount of time. Dogs with separation anxiety will bark, chew and destroy objects, and sometimes urinate or defecate when separated from their owners, then greet them with ove -enthusiasm when they return. Proper crate training can help protect your home and possesions and help to alleviate anxiety.Septic
A condition caused by an infection from bacteria and germs or a fungus.Service Dogs/ Assistance Dogs
Dogs who are trained to assist a physically disabled person in handling many daily activities.Schutzhund
A popular German-developed training program for protective work. It measures the dog's mental stability, endurance, structural efficiencies, ability to scent, willingness to work, courage, & trainability. Strong, muscular breeds do well in Schutzhund.Show Dog
A dog bred for conformation according to its breed standards and shown in competition.Sighthound
Dogs that hunt by sight; also known as called "gazehounds". The act of hunting by sight is "coursing".".Sneezing
See "reverse sneezing". Sire
A male dog parent - the father of a litterSpay
Sterilization by surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus of a female animal.Sporting Group
AKC grouping of breeds that includes most dogs bred to hunt wild game - the pointers, retrievers and setters and spaniels.
Spitz
A type of dog that has a long hair with a double coat, a pointed face and ears and a plumed tail that's carried over it's back. The American Eskimo Dog, the Keeshound and the Pomeranian are a few examples of Spitz type dogs.
Steroid Responsive Meningitis
The most common form of meningitis diagnosed in dogs is steroid responsive meningitis. Symtoms include fever, cervical pain, a stiff short-strided gait and reluctance to walk. It does not respond well to antibiotics, but improves rapidly with Prednisone . Once the dog seems to be back to normal, the dosage of Prednisone can be tapered of and eventually stopped. Relapses can occur, however, and It's not unusual to have to go back on the starting dose. The overall prognosis for this condition is good, with most dogs either recovering completely or at least having manageable disease.Stop
A point between a dogs' eyes.Stud
A male dog used for breeding
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Tapeworms
A dog becomes infected with tapeworms, parasites that attach to the wall of the small intestine by swallowing a flea that contains tapeworm eggs. Adult tapeworms, made up of many small segments may reach 8" in length. As the worm matures, segments which break off may be seen near the dog's anus or in it's stool. Tapeworm infection is usually diagnosed by segments are seen crawling on your dog or in the stool. Tapeworms are not usually detected by the routine fecal examination performed by the veterinarian.
Tartar
A build-up of bacteria, saliva, and food on the teeth that has mineralized, and formed a forming a hard coating on the teeth. Tartar build-up can cause gum disease and loss of teeth.Terrier Group
An AKC group of Airedales, Staffordshires, Kerry Blues, West Highland Whites, Scotties, Bull terriers, Fox Terriers,, Miniature Schnauzers and other terrier type dogs.Therapy Dogs
Therapy Dogs visit places such as nursing homes, hospitals, rehab centers, and schools. These special animals bring happiness to people who need something to touch, to hold onto and feel love. Pet visits sometimes trigger memories of animals they used to own. Regular visits from furry friends give patients or residents something to look forward to. Dogs have been effective in reaching both adults and children who have withdrawn from the world.Thunder Phobia
A fear of thunder storms. Usually a thunder-phobic dog is also afraid of other loud noises, such as fireworks or gunshots. Such phobic behavior can become very irrational, exaggerated and worsen over time.Ticks
Small wingless insects that borrow under the skin. Ticks can carry diseases like Lyme Disease and Rocky Mounted Spotted Fever. They should be carefully removed with a tweezers, by grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pulling it out. Even when a flea and tick repellant is used, examine your dog for ticks after he's been outside in a tick infested area.Titer
A a type of blood test that measures the of the amount of antibodies present in the blood. The higher the titer, the more antibody is present.Topical
Applied to the skin.Torsion
Twisting of an internal organ.Toy Group
An AKC group of very small dogs. This group includes the Chihuahuas, Pugs, Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers, Toy Poodles and other tiny dogs.
Tracheobronchitis
Tracheobronchitis is also known as "kennel cough". When dogs are placed in group situations, they are frequently exposed to the germs that can cause tracheobronchitis. Most cases of this contagious disease, are caused by Bordetella . A dry hacking cough is the most common symptom of this disease. It can be treated with cough suppressants, but pneumonia is a possible complication. Most boarding kennels require proof of Bordatella vaccine before a stay.Triple Champion
A dog that has won a conformation show, a field trial, and an obedience trial.Tumor
An abnormal growth or swelling, frequently used to denote a cancerous growth.Type I Diabetes
A form of Diabetes in which very little insulin is produced and the animal needs supplemental insulin to live. Also known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).Type II Diabetes
A type of Diabetes which, although the blood sugar level is higher than normal, an animal with can live with a restricted diet and oral medication. Also referred to as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).top
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Umbilical Hernia
A common type of hernia found in puppies, usually the result of the umbilical cord being severed too close to the abdominal wall. Fat or internal organs protrude through an incompletely closed umbilical site. In most cases, these hernias shrink and disappear on their own by the time a puppy is 6 months old. will shrink and disappear on its own. If the hernia enlarges or remains, see your veterinarian for possible surgical repair.
Undershot Jaw
The front teeth of the lower jaw protrude and overlap the front teeth of the upper jaw when the dog's mouth is closed - as on a Bulldog.
Urinary Incontinence
Inability of the bladder to hold urine, characterized by uncontrolled urine leakage, and urinating while lying down, awake or asleep. Incontinence can be controlled in most cases. It can be caused by urinary tract infections or stones elsewhere in the urinary tract, neurologic disorders, and diseases with increased urine production, such as diabetes. Hormonally responsive incontinence is the most common cause in spayed females. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome(CDS) can lead to incontinence in older dogs.Urination, submissive
Some dogs will urinate small amounts when greeting people or when frightened. They'll usually roll over and assume a submissive posturesr. Some dogs outgrow the behavior. Those who do not, can sometimes be helped with anti-anxiety medications.Urination - Excitement
Some puppies are unable to control urination and will dribble when they are very excited. Most outgrow this problem.
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Vaccination
A substance that provides immunization, usually temporary, from a contagious disease. Many vaccinations do not completely eliminate the possibility of contracting a disease, but, if contracted, the symptoms will be milder than a full-blown case. Vaccination as a verb, means the act of giving a vaccine.Virus
A virus is an minute infectious particle, invisible with an ordinary microscope, that enters living cells of plants or animals. Viruses must enter a cell for replication. Some viruses cause disease.
Von Willebrands Disease
Named after Erik von Willebrand, the Finnish physician, who recognized the disease in humans, vWD is similar to hemophilia. Dogs with von Willebrand's Disease have excessive bleeding upon injuryare missing a substance which helps the platelets form clots and stabilizes in the clotting process. have excessive bleeding upon injury.This substance is called "von Willebrand's factor". Because of the deficient clotting of blood, dogs with von Willebrand's disease Certain breeds have a higher incidence of vWD than others. German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, German Shorthaired Pointers, Golden Retrievers, Standard Poodles and Scottish Terriers all have a higher than normal incidence, showing that it can be inherited.
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Wart
A benign growth on the skin caused by a virus.Westminster Kennel Club
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, "America´s Most Distinguished Dog Show" is the oldest, continuous sporting event in the US, next to the Kentucky Derby. It's held annually in New York City's Madison Square Garden on 2 consecutive days in February and limited to dogs who have already earned their AKC conformation champion title. Best of Group and Best of Show events are broadcast live on TV.Whelp
To give birth to of puppies. When puppies are being born, the mother is "whelping."Whelping Box
A box for a dig to gives birth and care for newborn puppies. The sides of a properly built whelping box has are designed to prevent a newborn puppy from being crushed accidentally by the mother as she gives birth and cares for the litter, and sleeps.Whipworms
Parasites that cause severe irritation to a dog's intestinal lining, resulting in watery, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and general debilitation. They are diagnosed by finding eggs with a microscopic examination of the stool. Whipworms are not infectious to people. Use of heartworm products also prevent whipworms.
Withers
On a dog, the top of the shoulders, just behind the neck. In kennel club breed standards, height is usually measured at the Withers.Worms
See either "whipworms", "hookworms", "roundworms", or "tapeworms".Working Dog Group
An AKC group of dog breeds whose original functions was to work or perform a task. The group includes guard dogs. sled dogs, search and recsue dogs. etc.
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