Dog Park Dictionary

kennel cough: A highly contagious respiratory infection, also known as tracheobronchitis, that affects the trachea and the bronchial tubes and is characterized by a distinctive, high-pitched cough.

 

killed virus vaccine (Kv): A vaccine containing dead viruses able to stimulate a preventive immune response against future illness.

 

kink tail: A bent tail resulting from a deformity of the caudal (tail) vertebrae.

 

kiss marks: Typically tan spotting on the cheeks and over the eyes.

 

lactation: Female production and secretion of milk via the mammary glands.

 

leptospirosis: A bacterial infection of the kidney and liver characterized by jaundice, bleeding and fever.

 

level bite: Also referred to as pincer, equal or even bite, a level bite describes the circumstance in which the upper and lower incisors meet squarely edge to edge.

 

lick granuloma: A skin condition resulting from persistent licking in a particular area, typically the leg or paw.

 

line breeding: Mating dogs from different generations of the same bloodline.

 

liver: A deep reddish-brown coat color. The liver is also a term that refers to the internal organ that cleanses the blood.

 

luxating patella: Genetic slipping of the kneecap when the joint moves that can result in lameness.

 

Lyme borreliosis: Also known as Lyme disease, lyme borreliosis is an infectious, tick-borne arthritis caused by spirochete bacteria.

 

mask: Refers to dark coloration on the foreface.

 

merle: A marking pattern characterized by marbling of dark patches against light colors.

 

Molosser: The collective name for several breeds of large working dogs.
 

monorchid: A male characterized by a single descended testicle.

 

myiasis: Tissue infestation by fly larvae, i.e., maggots.

 

Newfoundland: Large breed of dog in the Molosser family originally used as a working dog in Newfoundland; known for sweet dispositions, loyalty and natural water rescue tendencies.

nictitating membrane: The protective, transparent inner or third eyelid that contains the tear ducts.

 

odd-eyed: Refers to the circumstance whereby a dog has two different-colored eyes.

 

otter tail: Refers to a round, tapering tail, thick at the root and thinner at the tip with hair parted on its underside.

 

outcross: Breeding two unrelated dogs of the same breed.

 

oval eye: Refers to egg-shaped eyes.