Dachshund: A small dog of a breed developed in Germany for hunting badgers and having a long body, a usually shorthaired brown or black and brown coat, drooping ears, and very short legs.

Dalmatian: A dog of a breed believed to have originated in Dalmatia, having a short, smooth white coat covered with black or dark brown spots.

Dam: The female parent.

Dander: Small scales from the skin, hair, or feathers of an animal, often causing an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier: A breed of small terrier with long wiry coat and drooping ears.

Dapple: A mottled or variegated coat color pattern. Single dapple is expressed as lighter color areas contrasting with the darker base color, which may be acceptable color. Looks like the merle effect in Shelties, Collies, etc., except that it is found in Dachshunds. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.

Date of Whelping: Date of birth.

Deadgrass: Tan or dull straw color. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.

Deep-Chested: Term describing the rib cage structure of dogs like German Shepherds, Great Danes and Irish Setters. Deep-chested dogs have a greater tendency to develop stomach dilatation, also referred to as bloat.

Dehydration: Excessive loss of water from the body or from an organ or body part, as from illness or fluid deprivation.

Demodex: A mite that causes mange.

Dentition: Forty-two adult teeth, including incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.

Depth of Chest: An indication of the volume of space for heart and lungs, and commonly referenced to the elbow (i.e., above, at the level of, or below).

Dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin.

Dewclaw: An extra claw on the inside of the leg; a rudimentary fifth toe, removed on most breeds.

Dewlap: Loose, pendulous skin under the throat and neck.