Forefoot
The front paw of the dog.
Toes
The digits on each foot; dogs normally have four main toes.
Nails
The hard claws at the tip of each toe.
Pads
The thick, cushioned skin on the underside of the paw that protects and provides traction.
Dew claw
An extra toe located higher up on the inside of the leg, like a “thumb.”
Pastern
The area of the leg between the wrist and the paw on the front legs.
Elbow
The joint where the upper arm meets the forearm on the front leg.
Abdomen
The underside of the body, the belly area.
Stifle
The joint on the back leg that works like a human knee.
Hind foot
The back paw of the dog.
Hock
The joint on the back leg below the stifle, like a human ankle.
Lower thigh
The part of the back leg between the stifle and the hock.
Upper thigh
The part of the back leg above the stifle, made of strong muscles.
Tail
The flexible extension at the rear of the dog’s spine.
Tail set
The position where the tail attaches to the body.
Rump
The upper rear part of the dog’s back, just before the tail.
Loin
The part of the back between the ribs and the rump.
Back
The top of the body between the withers and the loin
Chest
The front portion of the body that holds the lungs and heart.
Withers
The highest point of the shoulders, just above where the neck meets the back.
Neck
The part connecting the head to the shoulders.
Crest
The upper curve of the neck, especially noticeable in strong breeds.
Occiput
The bony bump at the back of the skull.
Ear
The external ear flap, which may stand upright or flop depending on breed.
