Title: Identify the characteristics of dogs.
Course: Small Animal Care I (18102-18) > Section: Caring for and Managing Dogs

Identification should include

- common canine terminology, including male and female internal and external anatomy
- canine ancestry
- physical characteristics (e.g., skeletal features, eyes, ears, coat) and their effects on a dog’s functions
- markings and colors
- classification of dogs according to use and size
- body language
- behavioral characteristics, including normal and warning behaviors.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is a dog’s scientific classification (i.e., kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species)?
- What are the basic differences between a dog's skeleton and a cat's? How do these differences affect their movement and behavior?
- How does sense of smell vary from one canine breed to another?
- In what ways can a dog's sense of smell help humans?
- In what ways is a dog's hair a form of protection?
- How does a dog's sense of hearing compare with that of humans? Of other animals? What advantages does this keen sense of hearing give the dog?
- How does the sense of hearing vary from one canine breed to another? Why is this significant?

Teacher Resource:

American Kennel Club (https://www.akc.org/)