Page 39 - Canine-Terminology

McNab Shepherd: Is a herding dog that originated in the
Making a wheel: Term given to the circling of the tail over the Mendocino region of Northern California. The McNab was bred
back. to withstand the tough conditions found in California such as heat,
burrs, foxtails, and rugged terrain. McNabs often bond tightly to
Maltese (dog): Is a small breed of dog in the Toy Group. It descends their family members, including other household pets. They have
from dogs originating in the Central Mediterranean Area. The a keen sense of territory and seldom wander away from home.
breed name and origins are generally understood to derive from
the Mediterranean island nation of Malta. They are extremely Measure out: Measured height at withers was determined to be
lively and playful, and even as a Maltese ages, its energy level and outside the limits for that breed as set forth in the breed standard.
playful demeanor remain fairly constant.
Medial: Toward the mid line of the dog.
Manchester Terrier: Is a breed of dog of the smooth-haired
terrier type. It was first bred in the 19th century to control vermin, Median line: Line or furrow in the centre of head (e.g. Mastiff,
notably rats, at which it excelled. So efficient at the task was it Spaniel (American Cocker)).
that it often appeared in rat-baiting pits until that sport, which had
effectively been illegal in the UK since 1835, finally died out at the Melon Pips: Tan spots above eyes in black, tan and white Basenji.
beginning of the 20th century.
Merle eye: Iris flecked with brown and blue.
Mandible: The bone of the lower jaw.
Merle: Dark colour giving marbled effect within lighter coloured
Mane: Long, profuse hair on top and sides of neck and chest (e.g. main coat.
Leonberger, Schipperke, Tibetan Spaniel.)
Metatarsus: The corresponding part of the hind foot in quadrupeds
Mantle: Dark-shaded portion of the coat on shoulders, back and or of the foot in birds.
sides (e.g. Alaskan Malamute).
Mexican Hairless Dog (Xoloitzcuintli): Is a hairless breed of
Manubrium: The broad upper part of the sternum of mammals, dog, found in toy, miniature, and standard sizes. The Xolo also
with which the clavicles and first ribs articulate. comes in a coated variety and coated and hairless can be born in
the same litter. The name comes from the god Xolotl and itzcuintli,
Marcel effect: Regular continuous waves (specified in the meaning dog in Nahuatl. It has high intelligence, high energy,
American Water Spaniel standard). inquisitiveness, strong hunting, and social instincts.

Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog: Is a breed of livestock Milk teeth: The first, temporary teeth. Also called baby teeth.
guardian dog indigenous to central Italy, particularly to Abruzzo
and the Maremma region of Tuscany and Lazio. It has been used Miniature American Shepherd: Is a small herding dog breed. The
for centuries by Italian shepherds to guard sheep from wolves. Miniature American Shepherd is highly intelligent and biddable.
The breed is widely employed in Abruzzo, where sheep herding The breed is often trained for dog sports such as herding, agility,
remains vital to the rural economy and the wolf remains an active obedience, canine freestyle, flyball, and others. It is described
and protected predator. as an intelligent working breed with strong instincts for herding
and flock guarding. It is easy to train, enthusiastic and persistent
Marking: An instinctual behavior in which male dogs urinate in toward its work, and is protective, devoted, and loyal to its family.
certain locations to establish their territory.
Miniature Fox Terrier: Is a small, fine, lightweight working
Markings: Contrasting color or pattern in a dog’s coat. terrier developed as a hunting dog and vermin router. It is known
colloquially in its native Australia as the “Mini Foxie”. Bred for
Mask: Dark shading on the foreface (e.g. Boxer). hunting rodents (rats, mice) and rabbits principally, these dogs are
known for their speed and agility. With the ruthlessness of their
Mastiff: An ancient breed of large strong dogs, probably originating attack on rodent pest species and their ability to squeeze into and
in Asia and having a short, often fawn-colored coat. out of tight spaces, they have made themselves an indispensable
part of many Australian farms since the 19th Century.
Mastitis: Inflammation of the breast or udder.
Miniature Pinscher: Is a small breed of dog originating from
Mate: To breed a dog and bitch. Germany. The breed’s earliest ancestors may have included the
German Pinscher mixed with Italian greyhounds and dachshunds.
Maternal immunity: A form of temporary immunity passed from The Miniature Pinscher is an assertive, outgoing, active, and
a mother to her offspring while in the uterus and after birth in the independent breed. Miniature pinschers are energetic and need a
colostrum and milk. fenced yard to run in; they make great agility dogs. They are great
escape artists and some recommend having a kennel with a lid on

TERMINOLOGY. CAININE. 39