Pet loss and children  J. Hunter, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Equine Practice) Lazy Paw Animal Hospitals (972) 712-1300  "Any child old enough to love is old enough to mourn." - Alan Wolfelt  I have an old lab. Despite my best efforts to the contrary, he has gotten older. Of course there are days when the puppy in him comes raring to the surface; however, those days are becoming farther and fewer in between. Needless to say, I am concerned about the effect his inevitable ‘passing’ will have on me, but more importantly, on my children.   A constant fixture in their lives, they feed, groom, and much to his chagrin but inexhaustible patience, play ‘emergency vets’ with him. (For his sake, I am constantly hiding and re-hiding bandage material.) My own pediatrician’s advice was to tell them the truth in a way that they can readily comprehend. Adult euphemisms designed to make us feel better can be confusing to children who often take statements literally. By telling them that ‘Max’ went to sleep or went away somewhere, I will be failing to provide closure, which children need just as adults do. Many of us, myself included, look with dread upon the prospect of having to discuss the death of a loved one with a child. We want to protect them from the pain of grief, and sometimes, if the bond is especially strong, we fear losing control ourselves thus further confusing our children. We want to only say the right thing. As those of us who have experienced a profound loss, there are no words that can absolve the pain. It is the love and compassion of friends and family that sees you through. By following a few simple steps, we can guide our children through this difficult time and give them ‘permission’ to grieve in their own way:     Be honest. Don’t hesitate to patiently answer your child's questions. Though it may add to your discomfiture, older children will often ask lots of questions about the physical and practical details of death. Curiosity is one way that children deal with death; it is a way for them to ‘make sense of it all.’ Don’t confuse unresponsiveness with a lack of caring. Very young children may appear indifferent to the news. This is normal. Very young children have shorter sadness attention spans. Some deal with the grief process more gradually and as they are able to handle it.    Use the experience constructively. For some, religious beliefs provide great solace at such a time of loss. Talk about your sorrow, but also about fun times you and your pet spent together, activities you enjoyed, and meaningful memories. Reassure your child. Tell her it is okay to talk about and to remember her pet. Sometimes children feel responsible for a death by having bad thoughts or acting out, and worse, think that they can bring a loved one back by being very good. Reassure him that Buffy’s death was not his fault, nor sadly, can he bring Buffy back. Or a child may reason, "If it happened to Buffy, it can happen to me! Or my parents!" Make sure he understands that no matter what, people who love him will always be with him to love and to care for him.   Don’t overly shield your child. Most people who work with children agree that they should be included in family grief rituals and not be sheltered or shut off from them. It is healthy to provide a child with a way to grieve, to begin the process of letting go surrounded by the love and comfort of her family and friends. Being a witness to and participant in family members’ and friends’ expression of grief and celebration of memories of the now absent loved one is powerful stuff. One of the greatest gifts any parent can bestow upon a child is love, honesty and patience.   If you and your family need additional support, many sources are available. Your veterinarian recognizes how important a role your pet played in your life and the intensity of your grief, a concept that well-meaning close family members and friends may be unable to grasp. He or she can be a wonderful resource at this time as your vet recognizes that the bond we form with animals is unique and one that can make the grieving process complicated. Dr. Hunter is a house-call veterinarian whose practice serves Frisco, Plano and surrounding North Texas communities. She and her veterinarian husband are co-founders of LazyPaw Animal Hospitals based in Frisco,Texas. She can be reached via her practice's website at www.lazypawvet.com.   HELPFUL LINK: http://www.chancesspot.org/

Canine Hip Dysplasia the following was taken from the PennHip website Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) afflicts millions of dogs each year and can result in debilitating orthopaedic disease of the hip. Many dogs will suffer from osteoarthritis, pain, and lameness, costing owners and breeders millions of dollars in veterinary care, shortened work longevity, and reduced performance.The occurrence of CHD is well documented in the large and giant breed dogs, but there is also evidence that CHD is prevalent in many small and toy breeds as well as in cats. Hip dysplasia was first described in 1937. It is a disease of complex inheritance. Accordingly, veterinarians and dog breeders have attempted to eliminate CHD through selective breeding strategies. However, the reduction of CHD frequency in pure-breed dogs has been disappointing. What is CHD? A Brief Anatomical Review The hip is a ball and socket joint. The "ball" is known as the femoral head. The "socket" part of the joint is known as the acetabulum. The femoral head is attached to the inside of the acetabulum by the round ligament or ligamentum teres and to the periphery of the acetabulum by the joint capsule (see illustration). The joint capsule is a continuous envelope that surrounds the joint from the neck of the femur to pelvic bones around the acetabulum, this closed compartment is filled with a viscous, lubricating fluid called synovial fluid. Both the joint capsule and the synovial fluid play an important role in the stability of the hip joint and ultimately in the development of CHD. The muscles that cause rotation of the hip (not shown) are also extremely important for hip stability. Each individual muscle develops a force component that pulls the femoral head into the acetabulum. For optimal function and stability of the hip, these forces require complex dynamic coordination and balance. CHD Definitions Dysplasia comes from the Greek words dys, meaning "disordered" or "abnormal", and plassein meaning "to form". The expression hip dysplasia can be interpreted as the abnormal or faulty development of the hip. Abnormal development of the hip causes excessive wear of the joint cartilage during weight bearing, eventually leading to the development of arthritis, often called degenerative joint disease (DJD) or osteoarthritis. The terms DJD, arthritis and osteoarthritis are used interchangeably. CHD was first described in 1937 by Dr. Gerry B. Schnelle. In a paper entitled Bilateral Congenital Subluxation of the Coxofemoral Joints of a Dog Schnelle writes: "The condition described herein, rare though it may be, should be recognized as being congenital and potentially hereditary, and the dog or bitch in which it occurs should be destroyed or sterilized in the eugenic interests of the breed." In 1966, Henricson, Norberg and Olsson refined the definition of CHD describing it as: "A varying degree of laxity of the hip joint permitting subluxation during early life, giving rise to varying degrees of shallow acetabulum and flattening of the femoral head, finally inevitably leading to osteoarthritis." Today, the general veterinary consensus is that hip dysplasia is hip joint laxity resulting in osteoarthritis. The Development of CHD It is generally agreed that hip joint laxity is somehow related to the development of DJD. However, prior to the research conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, there existed little or no scientific evidence to bolster this empirical association. The magnitude of hip laxity had not been correlated with the presence or the extent of DJD. The above definitions of CHD are vague as to the amount of laxity required to bring about arthritic change. The science behind the PennHIP method has shown unequivocally that hip joint laxity is the most important risk factor for the development of DJD. As described above, CHD is a developmental disease meaning that it is not present at birth, but develops with age. The series of radiographs below illustrate how a loose hip gradually develops DJD. At 6 months, this dog's hips exhibit extreme laxity, but no DJD.     At 15 months, laxity is accompanied by the development of "mild" to "moderate" DJD: the femoral heads appear slightly "flattened", the femoral necks are beginning to thicken and the acetabular rims are in the early stages of remodeling. At 6 years, DJD has progressed into a "severe" form, marked by extreme bony remodeling of the acetabular cups and the femoral head and necks.   CHD Diagnosis CHD in its severest form can be diagnosed by clinical signs, but it usually requires radiographic evidence of hip joint laxity and/or the appearance of DJD to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. An affected dog may have one or any combination of the following clinical signs: Presentation: 5 months to 12 months for the severe form of hip dysplasia; later for the chronic form Abnormal Gait Bunny-hopping When Running Thigh Muscle Atrophy (loss of muscle mass) Pain Low Exercise Tolerance Reluctance to Climb Stairs Audible "click" When Walking Increased Intertrochanteric Width ("points of hips" are wider than normal) Clinical signs by themselves do not necessarily mean that a dog has hip dysplasia, other conditions of the hip can mimic CHD. A radiograph is essential for a more accurate assessment of the dog's hip joint integrity. More information about radiographic procedures can be found in the PennHIP Method section.

A Free Service of Josey Ranch Pet Hospital Few disease syndromes challenge the veterinarians medical and surgical skills to the extent that gastric dilatation-volvulus does. Veterinarians understand the progression of this disorder, but its underlying cause is still not completely understood. GD-V is a very serious medical emergency which, if not treated, will end in death of the patient. Research is ongoing to determine the origins of GD-V, so that individuals at high risk can be identified and given reliable advise on prevention. However, the origin of this disease becomes a secondary concern to the vet presented with a dog succumbing to GD-V. GD-V is a condition in which the stomach becomes extremely dilated, either with gas or food. This is often called "bloat." A dogs stomach which has bloated can be displaced to an abnormal position in the abdomen. When displaced, the stomach can twist on itself, preventing its contents from emptying into the intestines or from being vomited up the esophagus. It is believed that delayed stomach emptying results in continuous traction on ligaments supporting the stomach. This could lead to a tendency toward GD-V. Aerophagis (the dog swallowing a large amount of air) is a major source of gastric or stomach gas and is thought to contribute to GD-V in most cases. GD-V is most common in giant breeds such as Great Danes, St. Bernards and Borzois. German Shepards and Irish Setters are also commonly affected. However, any size dog can be affected with this problem. Dogs generally develop this condition between the ages of two and ten years, and there is no sex predilection. Once a dog has bloated, they are more prone to this problem occurring again, unless surgery is performed to keep the stomach in its proper location. When the stomach rotates or twists on itself, a very serious chain of events occurs in the dog. From the lack of blood flow to the gut once torsed, the lining and gut wall will become necrotic (dead) and the tissue can slough, or peal apart. The acid produced by the stomach further enhances this problem. The dogs can become very shocky, because major veins in the abdomen/liver are occluded, thereby decreasing blood flow to the heart. The shock leads to many problems within the various organs of the dog. If not treated immediately, this is usually fatal in the patient. Treatment is a definite veterinary challenge. Some dogs can be treated by passing a tube into the stomach to release gas build-up. Others can only be treated by immediate surgery. Because these dogs are so shocky, surgery becomes an even greater risk. Numerous procedures have been shown to resolve this. The appropriate procedure depends on the size, displacement and health of the stomach, once the vet is performing the surgery. Post-operative management is also a challenge to the vet, due to the shock and its accompanying medical problems. Because GD-V is such a serious medical problem, it is best to try to decrease any chances of its occurrence that you can. When this condition is present, your pet will look distended just behind the rib cage, and may be vomiting and depressed. Seek veterinary attention immediately. If you have large, deep chested dogs, keep them confined after eating a large meal. Do not feed them and then allow them to exercise or run excessively. This does not necessarily cause the problem, but it has been seen as a factor in some cases. Feed these dogs several smaller meals throughout the day. Be aware of the symptoms, and seek immediate veterinary assistance if you suspect medical problems with your pets.

AKC Glossary Welcome to the AKC Glossary. We have put together definitions for dog words that you may not be familiar with. If you have additional questions regarding the glossary, please contact our Special Services Department. 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. 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. TEXAS WHITE LABS ARE NOT ALBINO All-Breed show Conformation show where all breeds are exhibited. 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. 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. 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. Balance... When all the parts of the dog, moving or standing, produce a harmonious image. 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 Winners.... The dog judged as best between the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch. Bird dog... A sporting dog bred and trained to hunt game birds. Bitch... A female dog. Blocky... Square or cube-like formation of the head. Breastbone See sternum. Bred-by-exhibitor class... See Chapter 3, Section 7 of the Rules Applying to Dog Shows. 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. C.A.R. Companion Animal Recovery C.G.C. Canine Good Citizen C.K.C. Canadian Kennel Club Canadian Kennel Club... The recognized registry organization for purebred dogs in Canada. 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. Care and conditions... The minimum standard, set by the AKC, that individuals must maintain for their animals and facilities. Carpals.. Bones of the wrist. Castrate.. To remove the testicles of a male dog. CERF Canine Eye Registry Foundation. 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 Chest.. The part of the body or trunk that is enclosed by the ribs. 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. 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. 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. 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. Crate... Portable container used for shipping, transporting, or housing dogs. Also called cage or kennel. Crest... The upper, arched portion of the neck. Cropping, Crop... The cutting or trimming of ear leather to encourage it to stand erect. 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. 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. 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. Date of whelping.. Date of birth. 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. 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. 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. Dog... Male dog or term used to refer generically to all dogs, male or female. 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. Drive ...A solid thrusting of the hindquarters, denoting sound locomotion. Drop ear.. The ear leather folds over; not erect or prick ears. Dual champion.... A dog that has won both a conformation and a field trial championship. 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. East-west front... Incorrect positioning that causes the feet to turn outwards. Elbow... The posterior region of the articulation between the arm and forearm. 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. 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. 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. 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. Fancier... A person especially interested and active in some phase of the sport of purebred dog shows. 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. 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. 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. 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. Fraud... Submitting inaccurate information that affects the AKC Stud Book. 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. 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. Gun dog... A dog trained to find or pursue game. Hackles... Hairs on neck and back raised involuntarily in fright or anger. 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. Harness... A leather or cloth strap shaped around the shoulders and chest, with a ring at its top for the lead. 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. 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. 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.                                                                                                           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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Kennel... Building or enclosure where dogs are kept. Kennel name... Registered or protected name used in a dog's registered name. Also called prefix. Knee See stifle. Knee joint See stifle. 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. Legal ownership... Ownership that is governed under rules of law. 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. 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. Mad dog... A rabid dog. 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. 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. Measure out... Measured height at withers was determined to be outside the limits for that breed as set forth in the breed standard. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Ownership dispute... A conflict involving one of more parties concerning the recorded ownership of a dog or litter. 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. 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). 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. Police dog... Any dog trained for police work. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 per hour of work involved. 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. 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.). 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.) 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. 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. Rudder... The tail or stern. 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. 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. Seeing Eye Dog.... A dog trained as a guide dog for the blind. 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. 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. Sire... The male parent. 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. 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. 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. Stance... Manner of standing. Standard See breed standard. Staring coat... The hair dry, harsh, and sometimes curling at the tips.  Stop... The step up from muzzle to back skull; indentation between the eyes where the nasal bones and cranium meet. Straight shoulders... The shoulder blades rather straight up and down, as opposed to sloping or well laid back. 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. 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. 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. 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. Tibia... One of the two bones of the leg (i.e., the lower thigh, second thigh, or lower leg). 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. Topline... The dog's outline from just behind the withers to the tail set. 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. 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. Ulna ..One of the two bones of the forearm. 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. 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.  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. Whelp date... The date of birth of a litter. Whelping... The act of birthing puppies. Whiskers... Vibrissae or sensory organs (hairs) on the sides of the muzzle. Wicket... Device used to measure the height of a dog at the withers. 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. Working group... Group of dogs used to pull carts, guard property, and for search and rescue.