Dog Jargon
In the dog world we have somewhat of our own language when it comes to talking about our beloved pets. However, there is no need to feel intimidated by the jargon as the dog community is always very accepting and inclusive for those wishing to learn more. Below we provide a few such examples of the dog world jargon to help newcomers get the hang of some commonly used terms.
What is the AKC?
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The American Kennel Club (AKC) is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its Registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Founded in 1884, the AKC and its affiliated organizations advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine health and well-being, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership.
What is a registered dog?
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A registered dog, also known as a dog "with papers," is one who is officially registered with a breed registry. In the US, the American Kennel Club is the registry of choice. They are dedicated to upholding the integrity of its Registry by promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function.
What is limited registration?
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A dog registered with an AKC Limited Registration shall be ineligible to be entered in a breed competition in a licensed or member dog show. It IS eligible, however, to be entered in any other licensed or member event. These events include: Obedience, Rally, Agility, Tracking, Field Trials, Hunting Tests, Herding, Lure Coursing, Earthdog, Fast Cat, CAT, Scentwork, Junior Showmanship, Trick Dog and CGC.
What is a kennel name?
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It is similar to surname, but comes at the beginning of a registered dog’s name. For example, my kennel name is Signature.
What is a call name?
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Just as you have a first, middle and last name, AKC registered dogs have multiple names as well. So, a call name is the name actual name you call your dog. For example, Tessie’s registered name is Signature Stock of Elon. We call her Tessie or Tess which is short for Tesla.
What is a professional handler?
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A professional handler is a person who shows dogs for a fee. You should expect that a worthy handler has spent many years learning the care, conditioning, training, and proper breed presentation of the breeds they show. Before choosing a handler, ask about his or her experience with your breed. Some handlers are good at showing many breeds, while others only specialize in particular breeds or groups.
An owner-handler is someone who owns the dog and exhibits it themselves. They cannot be a professional handler.
What is a lead?
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A lead is just a fancy word for a leash.
What are dog shows?
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The official term for dog shows is conformation — as in, the act of conforming or producing conformity. While a dog show may look like a beauty pageant, it’s not. Dogs are not being compared to each other; they’re being measured by how closely they conform to the standard of their particular breed. Why? Because the closer a dog’s appearance is to the breed’s standard, the better that dog’s ability will be to produce puppies that meet the standard. It’s also the reason why mixed breeds and spayed or neutered purebreds are ineligible to compete in conformation.
What are dog shows?
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The official term for dog shows is conformation — as in, the act of conforming or producing conformity. While a dog show may look like a beauty pageant, it’s not. Dogs are not being compared to each other; they’re being measured by how closely they conform to the standard of their particular breed. Why? Because the closer a dog’s appearance is to the breed’s standard, the better that dog’s ability will be to produce puppies that meet the standard. It’s also the reason why mixed breeds and spayed or neutered purebreds are ineligible to compete in conformation.
What are the AKC dog groups?
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AKC recognizes seven dog breed groups. They are as follows: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding.
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Breeds in the Sporting Group were bred to assist hunters in the capture and retrieval of feathered game. Retrievers, built for swimming, specialize on waterfowl, while the hunting grounds of setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds are grasslands where quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest. Many Sporting Group breeds possess thick, water-repellant coats resistant to harsh hunting conditions.
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All breeds in the Hound Group were bred to pursue warm-blooded quarry. The sleek, long-legged sighthounds use explosive speed and wide vision to chase swift prey, like jackrabbits and antelope, while tough, durable scenthounds rely on their powerful noses to trail anything from raccoons to escaped convicts. Members of the Hound Group possess strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch their quarries.
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Breeds in the Working Group (Berners) are dogkind’s punch-the-clock, blue-collar workers, and the group includes some of the world’s most ancient breeds. They were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks and homes, and protecting their families – and many of these breeds are still used as working dogs today. Breeds in the Working Group tend to be known for imposing stature, strength, and intelligence.
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The feisty, short-legged breeds in the Terrier Group were first bred to go underground in pursuit of rodents and other vermin. Long-legged terrier breeds dig out varmints rather than burrowing in after them, while the group’s “bully” breeds, created long ago for ghastly pursuits like bull-baiting, are popular companion dogs today.
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The diminutive breeds of the Toy Group (Havanese) come in enough coat types and colors to satisfy nearly any preference, but all are small enough to fit comfortably in the lap of their adored humans. In a way, toys dogs are their own version of working dogs: they work hard at being attentive, affectionate companions. Breeds in the Toy Group are popular with city dwellers, as their small size makes them a good fit for smaller yards or apartments.
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The breeds of the Non-Sporting Group have two things in common: wet noses and four legs. After that, there’s not much shared by this patchwork group of breeds whose job descriptions defy categorization in the six other groups, though they all have fascinating histories. Today, the varied breeds of the Non-Sporting Group are largely sought after as companion animals, as they were all developed to interact with people in some capacity.
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The Herding Group comprises breeds developed for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness makes them highly trainable. Today, some Herding breeds, such as the German Shepherd Dog, are commonly trained for police work. The high levels of energy found in Herding Group breeds means finding them a job is recommended, lest they begin herding your children at home.
What is a girl dog called?
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A bitch is a girl or female dog.
What is a boy dog called?
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A male dog is called a dog. If he is being used for breeding purposes, he is called a stud.
What is a dam?
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The female parent of puppies is referred to as the dam.
What is a sire?
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The male parent of puppies is referred to as the sire.