WHAT YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT DOGS

After several centuries, humans have developed hundreds of different dog breeds.
Some are tiny, some are huge, some have little heads with big ears, and some have
big heads with little ears.

What sets different dog breeds apart?

The skeletal and muscular systems of the different dog breeds, while similar, do
reflect refinements that characterize the breed. For example, a dog with a longer
neck may have longer vocal cords and thus a deeper bark, while a shorter neck and
shorter vocal cords produces a higher-pitched bark.

The anatomy of the dog reflects its history as an omnivorous animal, able to derive
nutrition from a variety of sources. Its huge teeth illustrate its close relationship to
the wolf and constantly remind us of its carnivorous ancestry.

From a nutritional and metabolic perspective, however, the dog also eats and thrives
on plant sources of nutrients, as well as meat. Just like most other animals, every
element of a dog's anatomy serves a specific purpose. Learn the basics here.

Skeleton and Teeth

A dog's skeleton is formed so the dog can run fast, hunt, and chase. For example, a
dog's shoulder blades are not tightly connected to its skeleton, so the dog has
potential for greater motion and flexibility.

Of course, not all dogs have the exact same type of bones. Since humans have been
breeding dogs for years, bones may vary according to length and thickness
depending on the breed. Smaller dogs may have tiny bones, while hunting dogs will
have more substantial bones.

There are basically two scull shapes for dogs – a narrow head and long face (like the
Borzoi), or a short head and wider face (like the Pug). Of course there are many
variations between them.
1. Coccygeal vertebra. 2. Sacrum. 3. Lumbar vertebrae. 4. Thoracic vertebrae. 5.
Cervical vertebrae. 6. Scull. 7. Scapula. 8. Shoulder. 9. Humerus. 10. Elbow. 11.
Radius. 12. Carpus. 13. Metacarpals. 14. Ulna. 15. Ribs. 16. Os penis. 17.
Metatarsals. 18. Tarsus. 19. Fibula. 20. Tibia. 21. Knee (stifle). 22. Pelvis. 23. Femur.

Teeth

Of a dog's 42 teeth, 6 pairs are incisors, and two pairs are canine teeth. The
remaining teeth are molars. Traditionally, the most important teeth for the dog were
the incisors and the canines, because they helped the dog rip and bite his food. With
domestication and prepared diets from loving owners, a full set of functioning teeth
is no longer a life and death issue for most pet dogs, but this does not mean they
should be neglected. Overall health is directly affected by dental health.

What do a dog's claws do?

A dog's claws are fairly strong. They help the dog to run and maneuver, to dig and
they do offer some protection. As would be expected, they help to provide stability
to the feet. However, a dog's claws just don't seem to be a particularly defining part
of their anatomy as they might be to a cat. After all, when did you last see a dog
climbing a tree?

Specific Breeds Dewclaw Image

Not really. Unlike cats' claws, which can be retracted and are very sharp, a dog's
claws are more like humans' fingernai ls and cannot be retracted.

What are dewclaws?

The mini-claws that are located on the inside of the legs above the 'normal' claws
are called dewclaws. They actually represent the first digit or toe on a dog, located a
short distance up the leg on the inside surface, and are not used for walking.

Are dewclaws necessary?

Although they may have been functional in the past, dewclaws no longer serve a
purpose for the dog. Some dogs may be born with front dewclaws only, or any
combinations of front and back.

Should I have my puppy's dewclaws removed?

Dewclaws are prone to getting snagged and ripped, so many breeders prefer to
have them removed when the puppies are just days old. If you are not showing your
dog, you may want to discuss dewclaw removal with your veterinarian when you
have your dog spayed or neutered.

Most dogs are built for endurance, not speed, and their muscles reflect this. The
muscles, collectively, are the largest organ system in the dog's body. Although the
dog's muscles are not quite as well-built as his close cousin, the wolf, some breeds
have been bred to run faster than thirty miles an hour!

Specific Breeds Muscle Illustration

1. Gluteas and muscles which move the hip joint.

2. Latissimus dorsi.

3. Brachiocephalicus (neck muscles).

4. Muscles which move the shoulder.

5. Triceps (extends elbow).

6. Extensors of foot.

7. Pectorals.

8. Muscles which flex the hip to move the leg forward.

9. Biceps femoris and muscles which extend the leg.

The tongue.

The tongue is one of the most important muscles in the dog's body. It serves several
purposes. They are:

Helping food get to the throat

Cleaning its coat

Panting

Licking owners and ice cream cones

What does panting do?

A dog panting is similar in function to a human sweating. Panting helps lower the
dog's body temperature by the evaporative action of moving cool air over the
tongue. The result is a cooler dog....provided the air is cooler than the dog. Dogs left
in hot parked cars with poor ventilation don't benefit from panting because the air is
warmer than the dog. So if you see your dog panting heavily, make sure she has
plenty of fresh, cool air and clean, cool water in her bowl. After all, if you were hot,
you'd want a fan and a nice glass of ice water, right?

Answer the following questions:

1. How many dog breeds have humans developed?

2. How do these breeds vary?

3. What characterizes each dog breed?

4. Which dogs have a deeper bark, a higher-pitched bark?

5. What does the anatomy of the dog reflect?

6. What do its huge teeth illustrate us?

7. Does the dog eat and thrive on plant sources of nutrients?

8. How is a dog's skeleton formed?

9. How may dog's bones vary?

10. What are the basic skull shapes of dogs?

11. How many teeth does the dog have?

12. How are the dog's teeth classified?

13. What are the most important teeth for the dog?

14. What purpose do dog's claws serve?

15. Are dog's claws like cat's claws?

16. What claws are called dewclaws?

17. Where are dewclaws located?

18. Are dewclaws necessary for dogs?

19. Should they be removed?

20. What do dog's muscles reflect?

21. What purposes does a dog's tongue serve?

22. What is the function of a dog panting?

23. What should you do if you see your dog panting heavily?