Dog Anatomy: Cool and Interesting Facts About it

dog anatomy

Dog Anatomy

There are some important facts about the dog anatomy that you, as a responsible dog owner, should be aware of.  The truth is that there are some myths out there and some misunderstandings that, in the long run, take their toll on our furry friends.

So, check out these basic dog anatomy facts.

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Basic Dog Anatomy

  • Nose.  This one is usually wet and cold and they usually like to place it where it does not belong.
  • Muzzle.  Upper and lower jaws.
  • Forehead.  Just like in humans, it goes from the eyebrows to the tip of the head.
  • Ears.  This one is obvious, but you have probably noticed that dogs have different types of ears:
    • Dropped or hanging down
    • Button ears, with a fold on them
    • Pricked ears stand upright
  • Eyes.  Usually big and brown.
  • Eyebrows.  Not as visible but they have, just like humans.
  • Occiput.  The highest part of the skull at the back of the head.
  • Whiskers.  These provide some sensory feelings.
  • Cheeks.  Right where the muzzle ends.
  • Nape:  Where neck meets the base of the skull at the back of the head.
  • Throat:  Beneath the jaws.
  • Whithers:  The highest point located atop the shoulders.
  • Chest:  Ribcage.
  • Belly or Abdomen:  From the end of the ribcage to the tail.
  • Loin: Back between the end of the ribcage and the pelvic bone.
  • Elbow:  First joint on the forelegs right below the chest.
  • Wrist:  Lower joint between the foreleg and paw.
  • Paws:  Or foot, they are at the end of the four legs.  They are equipped with toes that have sharp claws.
  • Dewclaws:  Located a bit higher from the paws, these are the end of vestiges of thumbs that dogs never developed.
  • Rump: Proverbial end of the dog, is where the pelvic bone is.
  • Tail:  That long thing that wiggles at you.

Human vs Dog Anatomy

The reason why so many dog breeds were created was to help humans complete tasks they would otherwise not be able to complete.  Compared to humans, there are some anatomical features in our pooches that make them appear like superheroes.

  •  Dogs only have around 1700 taste buds on the tip of their tongues.  Humans have around 10,000 located all around the inside of the mouth, including the lips.
  • A dog has around 320 bones in their body.  Humans have a total of 206 bones as adults.
  • The Greyhound, the fastest dog breed, can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.  Usain Bolt, the fastest human alive, has reached a top speed of 27.44 miles per hour.
  • The cells of a dog have a complete set of 78 chromosomes.  Humans have 46.
  • The total field of view of a dog is 250 degrees. The total span for a human is 180 degrees.
  • The gestation period of a dog is around 63 days, with some variations.  For human females, pregnancy lasts around 266 days.
  • Dogs only have sweat glands on their noses and pads.

We definitively love our furry friends and we know that here in Dogalize.  That is why we have amazing resources to help you take better care of your pet.  Visit us to learn more.