Breed Bytes
Learn The Lingo
When visiting breeders in your search for the perfect puppy, it’s helpful to know certain terms that the breeders might use from time to time. Here is a list of some of the more common terms.
When visiting breeders in your search for the perfect puppy, it’s helpful to know certain terms that the breeders might use from time to time. Here is a list of some of the more common terms.
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Dam |
The puppy’s mother. |
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Sire |
The puppy’s father. |
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Whelp |
The act of a dam giving birth. |
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Wean |
The process of switching a puppy to food other than his mother’s milk. |
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Dominant |
In terms of puppies, dominant dogs tend to be more outgoing and driven than the others in their litter. Dominant dogs may try to challenge their family members for dominance if they feel the members are not being the leaders that they need. They may try to use their overabundance of confidence to get what they want, whether it is a treat or a toy from another dog. |
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Submissive |
When it comes to puppies, submissive dogs tend to be more timid than their littermates, and lack the confidence of more dominant dogs. Some submissive dogs may appear defeated looking when verbally disciplined in a harsh tone of voice. These dogs need plenty of confidence-building activities and reassurance. |
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Socialization |
The process of introducing a puppy to new people, animals, places, objects, sounds, and experiences. |
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Kennel |
The enclosure where the dogs are kept. Ideally, a breeder will keep and raise his or her puppies inside the house, so the dogs are exposed to people and pets, as well as household noises smells and objects. |
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Maternal Immunity |
A temporary immunity that is pass from the dam to her puppies before the puppies are born and after birth through the dam’s milk. |
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