Glossary-BT Compass

Bull Terrier Glossary

All Rounder A dog show judge that is licensed to judge all dog breeds or at least many different breeds.
Angulation Angulation refers to the angles created by bones meeting at various joints, especially at the shoulder, stifle and hock; the pastern and pelvic areas may also be involved.
Armband A number printed on paper which an exhibitor/handler wears to indicate the entered dog's (or Junior's) reference number in the judge's book and catalog. This number is the only identification that the judge is allowed access to before and during the competition.
Awards of Merit (AOM) Awards of Merit may be made to recognize the quality of outstanding entries that are not judged to be either BOB / BOV, BOS or SEL.
Backline The line that extends from the end of the withers to the set-on of the tail.
Bait Used to grab and hold a dog's attention in the showing ring, "bait" can be anything from small pieces of liver to squeaky toys. Use of bait is not allowed in certain shows or by some judges.
Benched Show A dog show that assigns dogs to separate benches when not in the showing ring. At benched shows the dog must be on or by their assigned bench during the show's hours except for occasional potty breaks. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a benched show and interested spectators can approach the benches to learn more about the dogs present. There are very few "benched" shows left in the United States.
Bite The name given to the position of the upper and lower teeth in relation to each other when the mouth is closed. The Bull Terrier Standard states the teeth should meet in either a level or in a scissors bite.
Bite - Level Vise-like bite. One in which the horizontal or cutting surfaces of the upper and lower incisor teeth meet edge to edge when the mouth is shut.
Bite - Overshot A receding, often weekly constructed lower jaw. The lower incisors are situated some distance behind their upper counterparts, hence no physical contact takes place between their outer surfaces and the inner ones of the upper incisors.
Bite - Reverse Scissors A bite in which the lower jaw is somewhat longer than the upper one, causing the lower incisors to be positioned slightly in front of their upper counterparts.
Bite - Scissors In the scissors bite the upper teeth should fit in front of and closely against the lower teeth, and they should be sound, strong and perfectly regular.
Bite - Undershot An under jaw appreciably longer than the upper one and frequently turned up as well, resulting in a bite in which the lower incisors erupt well in front of those in the upper jaw. No physical contact occurs between upper and lower incisor teeth in such a mouth.
Bone A well-boned dog is one possessing limbs giving an appearance and feel of strength and spring without being coarse.
Brace Two dogs of the same breed and exact same ownership being shown together as a pair in order to display the breeder's consistency in their breeding program. Dogs selected to be shown in a brace should display the same attributes, virtues, style and type. Brace competition is a non-regular competition and no points are awarded.
Breed Type The manifestation of those unique traits and characteristics of a dog that distinguish it as a particular breed.
Breeder The owner of the dam (mother) when she was bred to produce a litter of puppies.
Breeder-Judge A dog show judge that is licensed to judge their specific breed after having a minimum of 12 years experience in their breed, having bred and raised at least five litters in their own home, and breeding or owning four or more champions from those same litters.
Breeder-Owner-Handler An individual who bred, owns, and handles that dog.
Brindle A mixture of dark and light hairs giving a general dark effect, usually being lighter streaks on a grey, tawny, brown or black background.
Brisket Is the lower curve outline of the chest or ribcage.
Bulldog Front Having the shoulders protruding outwards so as to increase the width of the front, as in the Bulldog. Synonymous with loose shoulders.
Butterfly Nose When the nostrils are mottled or show flesh color amongst the black pigment.
Cat feet A paw that is neat and round, characterized by high-arched toes that are closely held together.
Challenge Certificate or C.C. A Kennel Club award signed by a judge for the best dog of his sex in breed at a Championship show in the United Kingdom. The holder of three C.C.'s awarded and signed by three different judges becomes a Champion.
Character A combination of the essential points of appearance and disposition contributing to the whole, and distinctive to the particular breed of dog to which the holder belongs.
Close Coupled Short or closely knit between the fore and hind limb joints.
Closing Date The last date by which entries must be received by the show superintendent or secretary, in order for an entry to be valid and included in the show's competition. Entries usually close 3-4 weeks prior to the show date in order to allow the club to arrange the judging schedule and prepare and print the catalogs etc. Closing dates are always listed clearly in the premium lists.
Cobby Of compact, neat and muscular formation…like a cob horse.
Conformation The structure and physical characteristics of a dog; How well a specific dog's structure, type and temperament conform to it's breed's written standard of excellence. Conformation competition is also commonly referred to as "breed competition."
Conformation - 12 months and under 18 months (12-18) For dogs at least 12 months old the day of the show, and under 18 months the day of the show. (Occasionally, specialty clubs offer 12-15 or 15-18 month classes).
Conformation - 4 – 6 Month Puppy competition The dog must be at least four months (but under six months) of age on the day of the event. Physically sound and up-to-date on all inoculations and health checkup-ups. Have an AKC registration number, a Foundation Stock Service registrations number, or a foreign registration number as defined in AKC Rules Applying to Dog Shows, and not be spayed or neutered.
Conformation - Amateur-Owner Handler For dogs at least six months of age and must be handled by their registered owner and; Dogs must not be champions. Exhibitors are not eligible if they have at any time been a Professional Handler, AKC Conformation Judge, or employed as an assistant to a professional. Members of the immediate family or household of a current professional handler are also ineligible for this class.
Conformation - American Bred Dogs must be six months of age and over and have been whelped in the United States by reason of a mating which took place in the United States. Dogs must not be champions of record on the date of entries closing.
Conformation - Award of Merit (AOM) A distinction given to exceptional dogs that do not qualify as Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex, Select Dog or Select Bitch. Awards of Merit can, however, also be given to any of the above except Best of Breed at the judges discretion.
Conformation - Best In Show (BIS) The overall winner of the dog show, selected from the Best in Breed winners, and the highest distinction in a conformation dog show.
Conformation - Best in Specialty Show (BISS) The winner of Best of Breed at a Specialty Show is also considered the Best in Specialty Show.
Conformation - Best of Breed (BOB) or Best of Variety (BOV) The dog judged as the best in its breed or variety. This dog advances to the Group competition. When a dog breed has several varieties of the same breed, Best in Variety is awarded in lieu of Best in Breed.
Conformation - Best of Breed Competition In addition to dogs or bitches that are entered in Best of Breed Class, the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch together with any undefeated dogs in non- regular classes shall compete for Best of Breed. (Non-Regular Classes are often offered at Specialties, and occasionally at all breed shows, they would be for example, Veteran and Field Trial). If Winners Dog or Winners Bitch is awarded Best of Breed, it is automatically awarded Best of Winners. After BOB and Best of Winners have been awarded, Best of Opposite Sex is awarded to a dog of the Opposite Sex to the Best of Breed Winner. After Best of Opposite Sex is awarded, a judge may choose to award Select Dog and/or Select Bitch which are eligible for Grand Champion points.
Conformation - Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed or Best Opposite Sex (BOS) The dog that best represents its breed standard, but in the opposite sex of the Best in Breed or Best of Variety winner.
Conformation - Best of Winners A competition between the Winners Dog and the Winners Bitch, held during the Best of Breed Competition, whereby the two dogs are judged as to which one is considered to be most closely conformed to its written breed standard. The winner of BOW receives the highest number of points given to that breed's WD or WB that day. For instance, if it was only two points in Dogs that day, and 4 points in Bitches, and the Dog won Best of Winners, he, too would be awarded 4 points.
Conformation - Bred By Exhibitor Dogs who are at least six months of age or older and the person handling the dog in this class must be a breeder of record and an owner. Dogs may not be champions of record on the closing date of entries; Dogs must be individually registered by the AKC; Dogs must be owned or co-owned by any of the breeders of record as of the date of the show. (Note: in any subsequent class {Winners or Best of Breed}, there are no restrictions on the handler); A competitive class in conformation, the Bred by Exhibitor class is a breeder's showcase of the specimens s/he is most proud of - and those that they wish to represent the best of their kennel. Exhibits must be shown by the actual breeder of record who is also listed as an owner of the dog - not a handler. AKC has recently implemented a program to award dogs who finish their championships entirely from the BBEx class. A medallion is given to the breeder as special recognition. An additional medal (gold over silver) is awarded after finishing five Champions from the BBEx Class and another medal (silver over gold) is awarded for finishing ten Champions from the BBEx Class.
Conformation - Championship Requirements AKC To become a champion of record, a dog must have won fifteen points, two of the wins must be “majors” where three or more points were available. Two majors are required, each from different judges.
Conformation - Grand Champion AKC Grand Champion points may be awarded to Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex, Select Dog and Select Bitch. Winners Dog and Bitch, and non-regular class winners that are not conformation champions are not eligible for Grand Champion Points. To become a Grand Champion a dog must have attained 25 points. Nine of these points must have come from three or more shows with at least 3 points (majors) are available. Major points must be under three different judges. At least one Champion must be defeated at three shows. Grand Champion Levels: After a dog reaches his Grand Champion Title, they may go on to seek further levels of success. Grand Champion Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Conformation - Novice For dogs over six months old who have not won the following at the time of entry: 3 first places in the Novice Class; 1 first place in any regular class except Puppy; 1 first place in Amateur-Owner Handler, Bred-By-Exhibitor, American-Bred, or Open; One or more championship points. (Eligibility for the Novice Class is not related to the handler, but to the dog).
Conformation - Open Dogs must be six months of age or over; Dogs can be champions of record.
Conformation - Puppy Classes For dogs six months and under twelve months.Puppy classes may be divided, 6-9 and 9-12.
Conformation - Regular Classes Initial competition is divided by sex; dogs (males) and bitches (females). Each sex is entered into one initial class according to the exhibitor's choice. Available classes are: Puppy class (May be divided by age i.e. 6-9 months and 9-12 months); Twelve to eighteen months (this is not considered a puppy class); Novice - For dogs six months of age and over, which have not, prior to the date of closing of entries, won three first prizes in the Novice Class, a first prize in Amateur-Owner Handler, Bred-by-Exhibitor, American-bred, or Open Classes, nor one or more points toward their championship (optional class); Amateur-Owner-Handler – For dogs that are at least six months of age that are not champions. Dogs must be handled in the class by the registered owner of the dog and is limited to exhibitors who have not, at any point in time, been a professional dog handler, AKC approved conformation judge, or employed as an assistant to a professional handler (effective January 1, 2009) (optional class); Bred By Exhibitor (Only for breeder/owner/exhibitor of the dog or bitch); American Bred (Dogs and bitches that were born in USA); Open (All ages, regardless of country of birth or ownership); Breed Competition (For finished champions, Winners Dog - male and Winners Bitch - female).
Conformation - Reserve (or Reserve Winners - RWD or RWB) See "Winners Bitch" and/or "Winners Dog" descriptions.
Conformation - Select Bitch (SB) At each AKC show one AKC Champion bitch competing for Best of Breed can be awarded Select Dog if the judge thinks they are worthy of the points towards her Grand Championship.
Conformation - Select Dog (SD) At each AKC show one AKC Champion dog competing for Best of Breed can be awarded Select Dog if the judge thinks they are worthy of the points towards his Grand Championship.
Conformation - Select Dog and Select Bitch (SEL) After the judge awards the BOB and BOS winners, the champion dog and champion bitch judged next best are awarded Select Dog and Select Bitch.
Conformation - Winners Bitch (WB) The class (aka "unfinished" or "non-champion") bitch (female) who has defeated all other class bitches of that breed at that show is the ONE female of that breed to be awarded points towards her championship. The first place winners from each of the bitch classes in that breed that day, compete for Winners Bitch. After one Winners Bitch is selected, the bitch who originally took 2nd place to her in the classes is asked to come in and compete with the remaining bitches for "Reserve Winners Bitch." The winner of the "Reserve" is like a "runner- up" and is only awarded points if, in the future, the Winners Bitch is found to be disqualified for some reason and the award is disallowed (this does occasionally happen). During the Best of Breed competition, which is held after all class dogs (male and female) of that breed have been judged, the Winners Bitch and Winners Dog compete with each other for "Best of Winners." They may *also* be awarded Best of Breed or Best of Opposite Sex to BOB against the other, already finished champions in the BOB competition.
Conformation - Winners Class This is not a class you can enter, you win your way into it by winning your individual class. The Winners Class is divided by sex – Only undefeated dogs of the same sex which have won first prize in their class are eligible for the Winners Class for their sex. After the Winners prize is awarded, the remaining dogs, and the second place dog in the class from which the “winner” was chosen compete for Reserve. (Eligible dogs must return for Winners and/or Reserve).
Conformation - Winners Dog (WD) The class (aka "unfinished" or "non-champion") dog (male) who has defeated all other class dogs of that breed at that show is the ONE male of that breed to be awarded points towards his Championship. The first place winners from each of the dog classes in that breed that day, compete for Winners Dog. After one Winners Dog is selected, the dog who originally took 2nd place to his in the class is asked to come in and compete with the remaining dogs for "Reserve Winners Dog." The winner of the "Reserve" is like a "runner- up" and is only awarded points if, in the future, the Winners Dog is found to be disqualified for some reason and the award is disallowed (this does occasionally happen). During the Best of Breed competition, which is held after all class dogs (male and female) of that breed have been judged, the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch compete with each other for "Best of Winners." They may *also* be awarded Best of Breed or Best of Opposite Sex to BOB against the other, already finished champions in the BOB competition.
Cow-hocked A dog is said to be cow-hocked when his hocks are bent inwards, thus throwing the hind feet outwards. A fault in any breed.
Crate A containment unit used to safely transport and house a dog during rest periods. They are helpful at shows for keeping a dog safe and allowing them a place to rest when not showing.
Crest The upper part of a dog's neck.
Croup The lower spinal region of a dog, containing the back of the pelvis to the root of the tail.
Dam The female parent of puppies. The term is generally used but has special reference to a bitch from the time of her whelping a litter to the weaning of her last puppy in that litter.
Dentition (Also see Bite) A puppy normally has 28 deciduous teeth and regardless of the breed an adult dog should have 42 permanent teeth. The bites most commonly seen in adult Bull Terriers are: Scissors - outside edge of lower incisors meet with inside edge of upper incisors. Level - upper and lower incisors meet when mouth is closed. Undershot (also referred to as reverse scissors) - top jaw incisors are located behind bottom jaw incisors. Canines - the two lower jaw teeth should flare out slightly and fit in-between the third incisors but in front of the two upper jaw canines.
Devil's Horns Skin tag type growths on the front of the bell of the ear; attributed to the Ghabar line of Bull Terriers
Dew Claws The rudimentary fifth digits and claws found on the insides of the legs and below the hocks.
Down in Pastern Showing an angle of the front feet forward and outward instead of the correct pastern (straight in line from the forearm to the ground).
Down-faced Used to describe a foreface that curves downwards from the stop to the tip of the nose; the tip of the nose is below the level of the stop.
Dudley Nose Nostrils usually wholly cherry or coffee-colored; distinct from Butterfly Nose.
Elbows Out Having the elbow joints noticeably turned away from the body.
Ex-Pen A portable wire fencing unit taken to shows to allow dogs a safe, clean place to stretch out if you plan to be at the show all day.
Exhibitor The person presenting the dog in competition in the show ring.
Filled-up face Clean, smooth facial contours without excessive muscular development, bony ridges and/or depressions. Fullness below and in front of the eyes, so that the surface has no bumps or hollows upon it.
Finish, To Finish In conformation competition, to finish means to have won enough points to be awarded the title of Champion of Record. In obedience a finish is a transitional movement the dog makes between the completion of a recall, and the return to the heel position.
Fly-catching A syndrome in which dogs appear to be watching something and then suddenly snapping at it; categorized as a hallucinatory, locomotory or oral obsessive compulsive behavior.
Forechest The portion of the dog that shows in front of the forelegs, as viewed in profile, the prosternum and soft tissue.
Forequarters The combination of the scapula (shoulder), humerus (upper arm), and radius and ulna (foreleg).
Gait The most efficient way of moving for a particular dog. Most breeds are gaited at a trot or jogging speed; The action of movement of the dog. Generally speaking, a sound and balanced gait usually indicate proper conformation and structure.
Gay Tail One which from root to tip is carried above the horizontal.
Groom To bathe, dry, comb, clip and scissors a dog to best exhibit its virtues at a dog show.
Handler The person presenting the dog in competition. Often a term used to refer to a professional handler.
Heat A bitch is said to be in "heat" when she is fertile and ready to breed, in "season".
Hocks The joints in the hind legs between the pasterns and the stifles.
Hocks well let down Rear pasterns constructed and angulated in such a way that the distance from point of hock to the ground is correct for the breed concerned. The shorter the metatarsus (rear pastern) and the more acute the hock joint angle, the more "let down" do hocks appear.
Hucklebutt

Energetic bursts. Zooming or Zoomies.
Inbreeding The planned mating of related dogs in order to perpetuate certain characteristics which may be desirable, and which already exist to some extent in the genetics of the dogs concerned.
Int. Ch. - International Champion A dog who has been awarded Championship status in more than one country.
Judge An adjudicating official tasked with evaluating and comparing how well, in his/her opinion, and in comparison to the other dogs entered in the class that day, a dog conforms to its breed's written standard of excellence. Other performance events also have official judges.
Judging Schedule A small (usually free) publication offered by the superintendent/show secretary which lists when and where each breed will be judged that day, and by whom. For a complete listing of dogs, their breeders, owners, etc., buy a complete catalog.
Lead A thin leather, nylon, cotton, etc. piece of material usually with a metal snap or clip connector on one end to attach to the dog's collar, and a loop on the other end for the handler to hold on to, leading the dog around the show ring. This is not called a leash - which is a thick piece of material used to take your dogs for a walk or compete in obedience.
Leather The skin of the ear flap.
Leggy So high on the leg that the dog appears asymmetrical.
Lippy When the lips are developed, or overhang , more than is correct.
Loading or Loaded Heaviness in shoulders.
Loin Region of the dog's body on either side of vertebral column between the last ribs and hindquarters when looking over the back from above; The area of the body between the last ribcage and the beginning of the pelvis. (In human terms, this would be the waist). The lower portion of the loin is known as the "tuck-up."
Maiden An unmated bitch.
Major "A Major" is a big win for a class dog who has defeated enough dogs that day by going Winners Dog or Winners Bitch, to earn either 3, 4, or 5 points towards its championship. The point schedule is different for each breed, sex, and region, depending upon entries. Also see "Points" definition.
Mask The dark markings on the muzzle (or the muzzle itself).
Match A form of competition which is usually arranged more or less privately by local or breed clubs.
Matron

A brood bitch.
Muzzle The projecting part of the head combining the mouth and nose.
National An annual specialty show hosted by the breed's national parent breed club. Usually considered that breed's most important, competitive, and prestigious event to win or place well in.
Occiput A boney section of the skull located at the back of the top skull. Also known as an Occipital Protuberance. This bone, during puberty, or if not situated properly in an adult, creates an unattractive bump (or protuberance) in the shape of the headpiece. Situated properly, it creates a slight dome to the skull.
Owner-Handler Someone who handles a dog that they also own.
Pad The cushioned sole of the foot.
Parent Club (aka National Breed Club) The officially recognized national organization governing each specific breed's independent specialty clubs. Parent clubs or "National Breed Clubs" are tasked with being the official guardians of their breeds and their written standards and stud book in this country, and to protect the welfare and integrity of their respective breeds.
Pastern The area of the leg that is below the wrist (carpus) on the front legs but above the foot. One the hind legs, the pastern is the area of leg below the heel (hock) but above the foot. The rear pasterns are not often mentioned when critiquing a dog; The area between a dog's paws and it's lower arm, which - in the front - relates to a human wrist area, and in the rear relates to a human's sole of foot. In the rear, the pasterns are topped by "hocks" which relate to a human heel / ankle bone. Often, this entire rear foot assembly in general is mistakenly referred to as the "hock." A good way to understand and visualize the components of a dogs foot / leg assembly is to sit in a chair barefooted and rest your weight on just your bent toes. Your toes and ball of foot would be the dog's "paw" or foot; your soles would be the pasterns, and your heels/ankle would be the hocks. See also Stifle and Patella.
Patella The knee joint of a dog's rear legs which allow the dog's legs to bend and flex as they move. The patellar joint consists of bone, ligaments and muscle tissue. A frequent disorder of this joint, Patellar luxation is a looseness or hyperextension of the joining tendons which allows the kneecap to slip off of its "runners" causing pain and inability to move correctly. Luxated Patellae can be surgically corrected. LP is thought to be a genetically inheritable tendency, but can also be caused by injury.
Point Schedule A list by region stating the number of dogs or bitches in competition at a show that are necessary for specific points. Depending on the numbers of dogs or bitches entered the winner can earn between 1 and 5 points at a show.
Points In conformation ("breed") competition, AKC awards dogs and bitches between one and five points towards their Champion of Record title - depending on the regional point schedule and/or how many dogs defeated - to both the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch of each breed entered at a show. To receive the title of Champion in US, a dog must earn at least 15 points; at least 6 of which must come from two different judges, and be "majors." A "major" is a substantial achievement earned by defeating a large number of dogs relative to that breed. A major consists of either 3, 4, or 5 points. Points are also earned by AKC Champions of Record toward a Grand Championship. These points start accumulating only after a dog becomes an AKC Champion. To earn a Grand Championship dogs must earn 25 points, including three majors and must defeat at least one other AKC Champion at three different shows. In addition Grand Champions can continue competing for the Grand Championship levels, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Prefix A prefix is usually attached to a dog's name in order to identify him with a particular kennel or breeder. It consists of words added before the dog's name. Not to be confused with a suffix, in which the affixed words follow after a dog's name.
Premium List A publication created by the show superintendent or secretary which is mailed to prospective exhibitors, listing the show giving club, the date and location of the show, the judges, classes and awards ("premiums") offered, etc. Premium lists contain forms and fees for entering, and list the closing date by which entries must be received.
Professional Handler Someone who handles a dog for a fee.
Prosternum The most forward projection of the rib cage which forms the front of the forechest, not to be confused with the point of shoulder.
Racy Long-bodied and slight in build, as in the Whippet.
Rangy Rather long in body but having more substance than a racy dog.
Region A grouping of states with similar numbers of entries, which AKC designates as a Region for calculating point schedules.
Regional An annual specialty show hosted by a local breed club that is sponsored by the breed's national parent breed club. Usually held in locations through out the country to give local exhibitors and members of the national club a chance to compete in a show sanctioned by the national club.
Ring Steward A judge's assistant who is tasked with coordinating the logistics of getting the exhibitors and their dogs into and out of the rings efficiently. Stewards check in the exhibitors, answer questions about ring procedures, call in the classes, prepare the ribbons and trophies for distribution by the judge, and maintain their own marked catalogs as back-up documentation for official placements. Stewards are responsible for the smooth operation of their rings, and the comfort of the judges they are assigned to assist. Some Stewards are club volunteers while others are paid for their professional services.
Roach back A backline contour where there is an obvious arch within the loin section.
Second thigh Everything between the stifle and the hock, i.e.the tibia and its muscles.
Set-on Where the root of the tail is set on to the hind-quarters.
Set-up The area on the show grounds in which you establish your home-base for grooming and holding your dogs while you are not in the ring. Pray for a space close to the rings!
Short coupled Indicating a shorter bodied dog, specifically shortness between last rib and the beginning of the hindquarters.
Show Secretary A show official (usually an individual) licensed by the AKC, and hired by the show giving club to act as the independent person responsible for creating the show documents and accepting show entries. The secretary usually generates and distributes the premium lists, receives the entries, creates the catalogs, keeps all the records and generates the reports for the club and the AKC. Typically they are not responsible for show equipment or anything of that nature.
Sidegait The movement of a dog as it is seen from the dog's side. Look for how effectively it tracks, and how appropriately it reaches with it's front legs, and drives off of it's rear.
Snipey When the dog's muzzle is weak, and too long and narrow.
Special Slang for a Champion of Record who is being actively campaigned for national recognition/ranking and Grand Champion points.
Specialty A show consisting of only one breed or variety, given by a "Specialty Club." Specialty clubs are groups of individuals (breeders, exhibitors, pet enthusiasts, etc.) who share a passion for a specific breed of dogs, and who host events specific to promoting that breed. Specialties usually draw a large entry of dogs, and wins at some specialties are cherished within the national family of that breed's fanciers.
Spinning Compulsive tail chasing or spinning is a canine compulsive disorder considered to have a hereditary factor.
Splay Feet Those of which the toes are spread wide apart.
Spring of rib Refers to the curvature, width and depth of the chest.
Stack The pose itself or the posing of the dog by a handler in its natural stance; To cause your dog to stand in a manner that best displays it's virtues. In most breeds, the dog's forelegs are stacked in alignment with their withers, and their rear pasterns are squarely aligned and presented at a 90 degree angle from the floor. There are exceptions by breed i.e. German Shepherd Dogs, etc. One may "Hand stack" their dog by manually placing each foot in it's best position, or else "Free stack" by using a hands free method of using bait, verbal commands, body language, or lead correction to get the dog to stack itself.
Standard A written description of the ideal specimen of that breed. Standards are written, maintained, and owned by the national breed club or “parent club” of each breed and are approved by the American Kennel Club. Generally relating form to function, i.e., the original function that the dog was bred to perform, most standards describe the desired general appearance, movement, temperament, and specific physical traits such as height and weight, coat type, coat color, eye color, and shape, ear shape and placement, feet, tail, and more. Some standards can be very specific, some can be rather general and leave much room for individual interpretation by judges. This results in the sport’s subjective basis: one judge, applying their interpretation of the standard, and giving their opinion of the best dog on that particular day; The physical and temperamental description of the dog breed that all dogs of that breed are judged against. The breed standard is set and enforced by the parent club for each breed.
Sternum The "breastbone" on a dog. Located on its forechest midway between its point of shoulders, a somewhat protruding post sternum is desirable in most sporting, working, and herding breed - as it is thought to indicate a chest cavity large enough to accommodate lungs and heart expansion as they work in heavy physical activity.
Stifle The curved area on a dog's rear legs containing the thighs and patella (knee). The actual bend of stifle regulates how much flexibility the dog will have to drive off of its rear.
Stop The skeletal junction on the skull's foreface between the back of the muzzle and the beginning of the topskull. Collies and Afghans have very little "stop" and Chihuahuas, Labrador Retrievers, and St. Bernards have a great deal of "stop." Bull Terriers should have no "stop" but in profile, it should curve gently downwards from the top of the skull to the tip of the nose.
Stuffy in neck Usually caused by an incorrect (upright) angle of shoulder thus making the neck look too short, stuffy.
Superintendent A show official (usually a professional show managing company) licensed by the AKC, and hired by the show giving club to act as the coordinating management team for the show. The superintendent usually generates and distributes the premium lists, receives the entries, creates the catalogs, provides the equipment and materials needed, keeps all the records and generates the reports for the appropriate kennel club and the AKC
Sweepstakes A set of non-regular classes, usually offered at specialty shows, which are specifically designed to recognize outstanding young dogs and puppies. Winners of Best in Sweeps, Best Opposite Sex in Sweeps, and often all of the class placement winners, receive a portion of the entry fees as prizes for their placement. Sweepstakes are the ONLY competition where money prizes are normally awarded.
Tail-chasing See Spinning
Throaty When the skin is too loose at the throat.
Tiger Brindle A mixture of dark and light hairs among which the dark color forms a series of stripes or has the resemblance of stripes.
Topline Often mistakenly used to describe a dog's "backline" but is technically the outline from the ears to the set-on of the tail; The spinal section of a dog from it's withers (top of shoulder blades) to the end of it's croup (at the tail root).
Trancing Creeping as if in slow motion, under materials that skim their back, like hanging leaves, bushes, tablecloths or other fabrics.
Tucked-up When the loins are lifted well up.
Typey That quality essential to a dog if he is to represent or approximate the ideal model of his breed based upon the Standard. A dog who "has type" is therefore one who though not necessarily perfect embodies much of the ideal. Conversely a dog "lacking type" is one who though possibly possessing several good points in a long way from being a living model of the ideal.
Variety A division of a breed based on coat, color, or size. In Bull Terriers, the two varieties are Colored or White.
Veteran Sweepstakes

A set of non-regular classes, usually offered at specialty shows, which are specifically designed to recognize outstanding veteran dogs. Veteran dogs are determined by age and must be at least seven years old to compete unless the show giving club designates entries of six year old. Winners of Best in Veteran Sweeps, Best Opposite Sex in Veteran Sweeps, and often all of the class placement winners, receive a portion of the entry fees as prizes for their placement. Sweepstakes are the ONLY competition where money prizes are normally awarded.
Withers The highest point of the shoulders; The point at which the shoulder blades (scapulae) meet. This critical structural point and its adjoining muscles and ligaments regulate how effectively a dog is able to cover ground with the rest of its front assembly. the tightness or looseness of the shoulders can make the difference between a sloppy thrown front and a clean tracking one. The angulation that the shoulders make create the transition between the neck and spine, and contribute to how easily a dog can reach ahead of itself and how it carries it's head. The withers is also the point at which actual HEIGHT of a dog is measured with a tool called a wicket. The height of the dog needs to be determined for obedience, agility and flyball competition as it will determine the jumping height of the dog.
Wristy

Easty-Westy, when a dog's feet turn out to the sides instead of facing forward in line with their forelegs.