Dog skull anatomy
The dog skull anatomy is altogether fascinating. This is where the super abilities of hearing, sniffing, track following, and playing are located. Knowing what your dog’s skull looks like is not only fun but it is also useful. This can help you be able to identify any issue or anomaly. Since dogs vary in size and breed, so does their skull. Let us take a closer look at all the great features a dog.
Basic Dog Skull Anatomy
The main function of the dog skull is to protect the brain. The several bones that make up the skull include those surrounding the brain (neurocranium) and others that make up the face (facial skeleton).
If you were to go to a museum and notice the skull of wolves, that is basically the structure of dogs. Only that the size of a dog skull is smaller given that the size of your pooch’s brain is 30% smaller than that of wolves.
Some say that this reduction in the size of the brain was caused by domestication. A shrinkage in the limbic system was particularly affected, compromising an integral part of fighting or flight response.
As mentioned earlier, a dog skull may come in different sizes and shapes. In brachiocephalic dogs, like the pug, this is compact and a “short head“. In dolichocephalic breeds, like collies, the head is long with a narrow snout at the end.
Interesting Facts
Some cool facts about your dog’s skull:
- Tiny holes in the base of the cranium are called foramina and are passageways for nerves and vessels. The big hole is where the vertebral column joins the base.
- The lines between the bones of the skull are called sutures.
- The skull is pretty thick, making dogs pretty “hard-headed“
In Dogalize we are always working to bring you the best resources to keep your “hard-headed” pal n good shape. Check out all the information and cool stuff we have for you by visiting us.