Dog Skeleton Anatomy

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Although most dog owners do not need to know about the basic bone structures of their dog, it can’t hurt.

Basic Dog Skeleton Anatomy

Skull
The bony structure that encloses and protects the brain and sinus cavity in the head.

Cervical Vertebrae
The first set of vertebrae located directly behind the skull.

Thoracic Vertebrae
The middle segment of the vertebral column, these are the vertebrae that carry the ribs.

Lumbar Vertebrae
Run from the end of the ribcage to the root of the tail.

Caudal Vertebrae
The vertebrae that extends into the tail.

Sacrum
A large triangular bone at the base of the spine between the two hip bones that connects with the the last lumbar vertebrae.

Pelvis
A large bone that is the transition area between the body and limbs, connecting the spine to the hind legs.

Femur
Found only in the rear legs, the femur is the thigh bone.

Tibia
Also called the shinbone, the tibia is the longer and stronger of the two bones in the lower hind leg.

Fibula
The smaller of the two bones in the lower hind leg, the fibula forms the lateral part of the ankle-joint.

Tarsus
Also referred to as the ankle, the tarsus is a cluster of bones in the foot between the tibia and the fibula.

Metatarsus
Located between the tarsal bones and the phalanges of the toes, one belonging to each toe.

Phalanges
The toe bones which are attached to the metatarsus bones.

Stifle Joint
Equivalent to our knee, the stifle joint is only found in the hind legs and is found between the femur to the tibia.

Rib Cage
A bone and cartilage structure surrounding the chest cavity which protects internal organs from damage.

Metacarpus
On the forelegs the metacarpus bones are located between the phalanges and the carpus.

Carpus
The cluster of bones which connect the radius and the metacarpus.

Radius
Located in the front of the forearm and connects to the carpus.

Ulna
On the back side of the forearm the ulna bone connects the humerus at the elbow.

Humerus
A long bone that runs from the shoulder to the elbow joints.

Scapula
The shoulder blade, the scapula connects the humerus to the neck.

Stop
A dip in the skull just below the eyes and above the muzzle.

Want To Learn More?

Be sure to check out basic dog part anatomy too.