Terms Commonly Used in Describing the Dog’s Outer Anatomy
Knowing how to indicate a certain area of the pet when speaking and writing allows for clear communication with others. Clear communication is important to ensure that the pet’s health care team (vet, groomer, pet parent) are all on the same page as to information relating to a pet’s overall health. Get to know the body parts of the dog and then test yourself with the blank diagram below.
Terms Commonly Used in Describing the Dog’s Outer Anatomy
| Point of Hock | Abdomen | Back | Flews |
| Neck | Breastbone | Front Pastern | Central Body |
| Forehead | Hindquarters | Paw | Buttocks |
| Carpal Joint | Rear Pastern | Hock Joint | Upper Arm |
| Stifle | Occiput | Muzzle | Withers |
| Upper Thigh | Coupling | Forearm | Loin |
| Sternum | Croup | Ribcage (Chest) | Flews |
| Stop | Forequarters | Point of Shoulder | Second Thigh |
| Elbow | Shoulder | Point of Hip | Foreface |