Pedigree: The written record of a dog's genealogy of three generations or more.

Pekingese: A breed of small dog developed in China, having a flat nose, a long-haired coat, short bowed forelegs, and a tail that curls over its back.

Pelvis: Hip bones, each consisting of three fused bones: an anterior ilium, a ventral pubis, and a posterior ischium; combined with the sacrum forming the pelvic girdle.

Pen Breeding: Unwitnessed mating that occurred because the sire and dam were confined to the same area.

Penciling: Black lines dividing the tan on the toes.

Pendant Ears: As seen in the Basset Hound, an ear with a long, hanging ear leather.

PennHIP: A method, established in 1993, of evaluating hip dysplasia in dogs by calculating hip laxity; within-breed ratings are provided, permitting breeders to select dogs with the best (smallest laxity) hips for breeding future generations.

Pepper: Used to describe several breeds, this color is a lowly saturated, medium brilliant black. When coupled with Salt, it describes the alternating black and white hairs of the Schnauzer breeds. Also referred to as Peppering. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.

Pericarditis: An inflammation of the membrane covering the heart.

Periodontal Disease: A disease that attacks the gum and bone and around the teeth.

Peritonitis: An inflammation of the membrane covering the abdominal cavity.

Pet Shop: A commercial organization that buys and sells dogs. Is always listed as an intermediate in the chain of title for a dog.