Body Parts of a Dog

Although breeds of dogs will consistently change, the body parts will essentially stay the same. The body parts of a dog are distinctive. Dogs have four toes per paw and have vestigial dewclaws (dog thumbs) on the front of their legs, sometimes the rear.

  1. History

    • There has been controversy over the origin of dogs by biologist, but most concede that dogs are descendants of the Canis Lupus.

    Types

    • The American Kennel Club recognizes over 150 different breeds, but there are countless breeds that are yet to be discovered.

    Upper Body

    • A snout on a dog is located below the eyes and above the nose. The snout consists of the teeth and tongue.

      The shoulders on a dog will are aligned below the dewlap (throat, neck skin) and above the forefeet.

    Lower Body

    • A dog's legs are connected to the thighs and hips and lead down to the forefeet and hind feet.

      The hock is at the pivotal point of the leg. A dog uses the hock like a lever to move himself around.

    Fun Fact

    • A dog's tongue reaches from its posterior attachment to the front of its jaw.