Canine Anatomy

Dogs are domesticated descendants of the wolf, belonging to the canine species. Loyal, loving, and intelligent, they vary in physical characteristics and temperament from breed to breed. However, all dogs share key anatomical traits and exceptional, highly developed senses that have made them ideal companions to humans.

Understanding canine anatomy is crucial for veterinary professionals, students, and pet owners alike. It helps support better care, training, and health outcomes. We will explore the skeletal structure, muscles, and sensory abilities of dogs, and touch on common joint and canine dental issues that affect canine health.

To gain a deeper understanding of canine anatomy, our range of anatomy charts and posters offers detailed, easy-to-follow illustrations ideal for veterinary students, educators, and professionals.

The canine skeleton consists of approximately 320 bones (depending on tail length), compared to 206 bones in humans. Although the structure is generally similar, there are several differences in bone shape and location.

The axial skeleton consists of the skull, vertebral column (spine), and the sternum. 

Dogs' skulls are categorised by their shape, as follows:

• Brachycephalic: A short, broad skull with a shortened nose, seen in breeds such as pugs and shih tzus.
• Dolichocephalic: An elongated, narrow skull seen in breeds such as greyhounds.
• Mesocephalic: A well-proportioned skull without extremes of length or width. Seen in breeds such as labradors and beagles.

Dogs possess 42 adult teeth, compared to the human set of 32, designed for gripping, tearing, and shearing meat - read on to learn more about canine dental anatomy.

The canine spine consists of:

• 7 cervical vertebrae forming the neck
• 13 thoracic vertebrae which run from the base of the neck to the middle of the back
• 7 lumbar vertebrae which form the lower back
• 3 sacral vertebrae which are fused together to form an attachment site for the pelvis
• 6–23 coccygeal vertebrae forming on the tail, depending on breed

The tail acts as an extension of the spine, aiding in balance and communication.

Dogs have 13 pairs of ribs, which protrude from each side of the thoracic vertebrae. The base of ribs 1-9 connect to the sternum, a series of interconnecting bones that support the thoracic cavity. 

The appendicular skeleton consists of the bones that form the forelimb and hindlimb. 

The bones of the forelimb are:

• Scapula
• Humerus
• Radius
• Ulna
• Carpus (formed from multiple carpal bones)
• Metacarpals
• Phalanges

Unlike humans, dogs lack a clavicle, making their scapulae (shoulder blades) more mobile, aiding in running and agility. 

The bones of the hindlimb are:

• Pelvis (consisting of 3 bones, the ilium, ischium, and pubic bone)
• Femur
• Patella
• Tibia
• Fibula
• Tarsus
• Metatarsals
• Phalanges

The femur is more bowed than in humans, and the patella sits just above the stifle joint (knee).

Explore our canine anatomy models to see a three-dimensional view of bones, muscles, and joints. These visual aids help make complex structures easier to learn, supporting better academic outcomes and practical skills in veterinary practice.

Canine muscles function similarly to humans', contracting to facilitate movement and providing stability to joints.

The key muscle groups are as follows:

• Epaxial muscles: multiple, intricate muscles that sit along the vertebral column, responsible for up and down movement of the neck, lateral bending of the spine, and spinal stability. 
• Hypaxial muscles: a series of intricate muscles that sit just below the vertebral column, responsible for flexion of the neck and spine, and spinal stability. 
• Forelimb muscles: major muscles that enable movement of the forelimb include the brachiocephalicus, trapezius, deltoids, triceps brachii, latissimus dorsi, and omotransversarius. 
• Hindlimb muscles: major muscles that enable movement of the hindlimb include the gluteals, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, tensor fascia lata, the quadriceps, and gastrocnemius.
  
  

Dogs have around 700 muscles that all carry out one or multiple functions, facilitating movement, stabilising the body, or aiding homeostasis.

Dogs' senses are famously acute, particularly smell and hearing.

• Olfaction: Up to 300 million olfactory receptors versus 6 million in humans, giving dogs an excellent sense of smell, enabling them to use smell as a form of communication. 
• Hearing: Dogs can hear sounds that humans are not able to. A dog's hearing ranges between around 65 - 45000 Hz, whereas a human has a smaller range of around 20- 20000Hz.
• Sight: Dogs do not see fine detail as well as humans, and have limited colour vision, but can detect subtle movements, and have multiple adaptations within the eye that enhances their vision in low-light.
• Taste: Weaker than humans, with only around 1,700 taste buds.
• Touch: Developed early through nerve endings and vibrissae (whiskers) around the muzzle and eyes.

Various joint pathologies can impact a dog's mobility and quality of life. Early detection and management are crucial.

• Osteochondrosis: Abnormal cartilage development, usually in elbows, knees, or shoulders, leading to pain and swelling. Common in large, rapidly growing breeds.

• Elbow Dysplasia: Poor development of the elbow joint bones, often hereditary in large breeds. Symptoms include lameness and reluctance to exercise.
• Dislocation of the Knee (Patella Luxation): The kneecap shifts from its normal position, often causing limping or a skipping gait. Common in smaller breeds
• Osteoarthritis: Chronic joint degeneration with cartilage loss, leading to restricted movement, pain, and stiffness.
• Hip Dysplasia: Abnormal formation of the hip joint that leads to hip instability, with the femur slipping out of place during movement.
• Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease: the damage or rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament, a small, fibrous band that stabilises the stifle joint. 

We have a range of canine joint anatomy charts and models which provide clear, detailed visuals of major joints, including hips, knees, and shoulders. Designed for veterinary education, they offer a better understanding of joint structure, movement, and common orthopaedic conditions.

Dental health is key to a dog's overall wellbeing. Dogs possess 42 adult teeth compared to humans' 32. Puppies have 23 deciduous (baby) teeth.

• Incisors: Small, single-rooted teeth at the front, used for grooming and nibbling meat.
• Canines: Long, sharp fangs for tearing and grasping.
• Premolars and Molars: Flat, multi-rooted teeth for shearing and grinding. Larger, specialised molars, known as carnassials, sit on either side of the mouth, on both the top and bottom jaws. The carnassials have self-sharpening edges that aid the shearing of food.

• Retention of deciduous teeth: Especially in small breeds, leading to bite problems and periodontal disease.
• Periodontal disease: Symptoms include red gums, bad breath, difficulty eating, and facial swelling.

Regular tooth brushing and veterinary dental check-ups are essential for preventing painful dental conditions.

Understand the complexities of canine dental anatomy with our charts and models, featuring detailed illustrations of teeth structure, eruption patterns, and oral health landmarks. Perfect for students and professionals aiming to master veterinary dentistry.

Understanding veterinary anatomy can be far more effective with high-quality visual tools. Our range of anatomical models, posters, and digital downloads allow students and professionals to deepen their understanding through both visual and tactile learning.

Whether you're preparing for exams, teaching a class, or working in a clinical setting, our veterinary resources provide a practical and engaging way to study animal anatomy.