It’s not uncommon for breeders and judges to approach the topic of canine anatomy with a certain amount of resistance and a less than eager attitude. To realize the importance of understanding canine anatomy we need only to turn to our breed standards, which are the written descriptions of the ideal specimen in each breed.

What most do not realize is that each breed standard was written based on the assumption that the reader has a sound working knowledge of canine structure.

The Practical Canine Anatomy and Movement Home Study Program summarizes important anatomy concepts that judges and breeders should know and focuses on surface and skeletal parts of the dog within the context of structural balance.