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anatomy guide

Dog skeletal system — anatomy overview

Overview of the canine skeleton — skull, spine, ribcage, and limbs — and how its structure supports a fast, agile cursorial body plan.
General educational reference only — not clinical or veterinary advice. Anatomy varies between individual animals; consult a licensed veterinarian for any health concern.

Axial skeleton

The axial skeleton comprises the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum. The vertebral column is typically divided into cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and caudal (tail) regions. The ribcage protects the heart and lungs while allowing the chest to expand during breathing.

Appendicular skeleton

The appendicular skeleton includes the bones of the fore- and hindlimbs and the girdles that attach them. Dogs lack a functional clavicle, so the forelimb connects to the trunk mainly through muscle, which lengthens stride and aids running. The limbs are built for a cursorial, weight-bearing gait.

Joints and growth

Bones meet at joints, many of which are synovial and lubricated by joint fluid for smooth movement. In growing dogs, long bones lengthen at cartilage zones called growth plates, which later close as the skeleton matures. Breed differences produce wide variation in overall size and proportion.

Sources

More Dog anatomy

Digestive systemCardiovascular systemRespiratory systemUrinary systemIntegumentary systemNervous systemDental anatomy

Other species

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