Cephalic index in cats and dogs
The
The cephalic index is used to classify animals into three groups:
Brachycephalic (literally 'short-headed'): the length of the cranium is shorter than the width, giving the top and sides of the cranium a round shape, often referred to as 'apple-head'.
Mesaticephalic or mesocephalic ('middle-headed'): the length and width are equal, giving a square shape. When dealing with animals, especially dogs, the more appropriate and commonly used term is not "mesocephalic", but rather "mesaticephalic", which is a ratio of head to nasal cavity.[1][2]
Dolichocephalic ('long-headed): the length is greater than the width.
Breeds of each group are listed in Cephalic index.
See also
- Artificial selection
- Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome
References
- ^ Evans, Howard (date unknown). Miller's Anatomy of the Dog, 3rd edition, page 132
- ^ Retrieved from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/mesaticephalic.
- Sparks, Corey S.; Jantz, Richard L. (November 2002). A Reassessment of Human Cranial Plasticity: Boas revisited.
- Merriam Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary