Dog Glossary — Essential Terms for Care & Breeding

When reading about dog care and breeding, you may encounter many specialized terms. Here is a glossary of important dog-related terminology organized into four categories: Health & Medical, Breeding, Training & Behavior, and Diet & Nutrition.

Health & Medical Terms

• Combination vaccine (core vaccine): An injection that prevents highly fatal diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. Available as 5-way, 6-way, or 8-way combinations
• Non-core vaccine: Vaccines for leptospirosis, bordetella, etc., given based on lifestyle and environment
• Rabies vaccination: Legally mandated once a year in Japan. Failure to vaccinate carries a fine of up to 200,000 yen
• Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis): A parasitic worm transmitted by mosquitoes that infests the heart and pulmonary arteries. Preventable with monthly medication
• Flea & tick prevention: External parasite control administered regularly via spot-on treatments or chewable tablets
• Neutering (males): Surgical removal of the testicles. Helps prevent testicular tumors, marking, and mounting behavior
• Spaying (females): Surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. Significantly reduces the risk of pyometra and mammary tumors
• Microchip: An identification IC chip implanted subcutaneously. Mandatory for commercial sellers since June 2022 in Japan
• Patellar luxation (patella): A condition where the kneecap dislocates. Common in small breeds, graded from 1 to 4
• Hip dysplasia (HD): A structural abnormality of the hip joint common in large breeds. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute
• Periodontal disease: Inflammation of the gums caused by plaque and tartar buildup. Affects the majority of dogs over 3 years old
• Atopic dermatitis: A chronic skin hypersensitivity reaction to environmental allergens such as house dust and pollen
• Hypothyroidism: Decreased thyroid hormone production causing obesity, hair loss, and reduced activity
• Epilepsy: Seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Idiopathic epilepsy is of unknown cause with suspected genetic predisposition

Breeding Terms

• JKC (Japan Kennel Club): Japan's dog registration organization that issues pedigree certificates
• Pedigree certificate: An official document recording three generations of a dog's ancestry
• Champion (CH): A title awarded to dogs that achieve specified results in dog shows
• Breed standard: Criteria defining the ideal body type, coat color, and temperament for each breed
• Breed type: A breeding approach emphasizing conformity to show standards
• Pet type: A breeding approach prioritizing temperament and health over strict show standards
• Heat (estrus): The female dog's reproductive cycle, occurring every 6–8 months and lasting about 3 weeks
• Mating: Breeding between male and female dogs for reproductive purposes
• Gestation period: Approximately 63 days (range: 58–68 days) in dogs
• Cesarean section: Required for breeds with large heads (such as French Bulldogs) where natural birth is often difficult
• Inbreeding: Mating between closely related dogs, which increases genetic disease risk
• Outcrossing: Mating between distantly related dogs to maintain genetic diversity
• Genetic testing: Screening for hereditary conditions such as PRA (progressive retinal atrophy) and DM (degenerative myelopathy)

Training & Behavior Terms

• Socialization: Exposing puppies to various people, dogs, and environments during the critical "socialization period" (3–14 weeks of age)
• Positive training: A method that reinforces desired behavior through rewards without using punishment
• Clicker training: Using a distinct "click" sound to mark correct behavior and pair it with a reward
• Crate training: Teaching a dog to view their crate (kennel) as a safe, comfortable space
• Loose-leash walking: Training a dog to walk calmly beside the owner during walks
• Sit, Stay, Down: Basic obedience commands. Mastering these three first is recommended
• Separation anxiety: Excessive distress when separated from the owner, causing barking, destructive behavior, or indoor accidents
• Calming signals: Body language such as yawning, looking away, or lip-licking that indicates stress in dogs
• Marking: Depositing small amounts of urine on objects like utility poles to claim territory
• Mounting: Climbing on other dogs or people, caused by dominance, excitement, or stress
• Puppy mouthing: Biting during the teething phase. If not addressed, it may persist into adulthood

Diet & Nutrition Terms

• Complete and balanced food: Food that provides all necessary nutrients with water alone, meeting AAFCO standards
• Complementary food: Food that does not meet complete nutrition standards; used as a side dish or topper
• Dry food (kibble): Solid food with less than 10% moisture. Helps prevent tartar buildup
• Wet food: Canned or pouched food with 75%+ moisture. Highly palatable
• Grain-free: Food that excludes grains (wheat, corn, rice, etc.)
• Human-grade: Food manufactured to human food safety standards
• AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials): The international body that sets pet food nutritional standards
• BCS (Body Condition Score): A 1–9 scale evaluating a dog's body condition. 4–5 is ideal
• Home-cooked diet: Food prepared by the owner from fresh ingredients. Requires nutritional knowledge
• Elimination diet trial: Feeding a limited-ingredient diet for 8–12 weeks to identify food allergy triggers

Find Dogs on Bri-Choku

Understanding terminology helps you communicate more effectively with breeders. The Bri-Choku dog category features many breeders who share pedigree information, genetic test results, and vaccination records. You can also ask breeders directly about any unfamiliar terms.