Cephalic index in cats and dogs
Encyclopedia
Cephalic index is the charting of or classification of the Cephalic ratio; the cranial width as compared to cranial length. The cephalic index
refers to the cranium and its relative size, comparing cranial length to cranial width.
This ratio does not include the muzzle
or face and its relative size as compared to the cranium. The structure and size of the muzzle or face as related to the cranium or skull
is classified as the craniofacial ratio, (cranio- combining form meaning head or skull and facial- combining form referring to the facial structures).
Many dog breed
s are often erroneously categorized within the cephalic index based on their craniofacial ratio, (the size and structure of the face or muzzle as compared to the size and structure of the cranium), rather than their cephalic ratio, (the cranial width as compared to cranial length).
Wide or oval cranium.
Square cranium.
Long, rectangular cranium.
Cephalic index
Cephalic index is the ratio of the maximum width of the head multiplied by 100 divided by its maximum length ....
refers to the cranium and its relative size, comparing cranial length to cranial width.
This ratio does not include the muzzle
Snout
The snout, or muzzle, is the protruding portion of an animal's face, consisting of its nose, mouth, and jaw.-Terminology:The term "muzzle", used as a noun, can be ambiguous...
or face and its relative size as compared to the cranium. The structure and size of the muzzle or face as related to the cranium or skull
Skull
The skull is a bony structure in the head of many animals that supports the structures of the face and forms a cavity for the brain.The skull is composed of two parts: the cranium and the mandible. A skull without a mandible is only a cranium. Animals that have skulls are called craniates...
is classified as the craniofacial ratio, (cranio- combining form meaning head or skull and facial- combining form referring to the facial structures).
Many dog breed
Dog breed
Dog breeds are groups of closely related and visibly similar domestic dogs, which are all of the subspecies Canis lupus familiaris, having characteristic traits that are selected and maintained by humans, bred from a known foundation stock....
s are often erroneously categorized within the cephalic index based on their craniofacial ratio, (the size and structure of the face or muzzle as compared to the size and structure of the cranium), rather than their cephalic ratio, (the cranial width as compared to cranial length).
Brachycephalic
Meaning short headed or broad headed, wherein the length of the cranium is shorter than the width. This gives the top and sides of the cranium a round shape, often referred to as 'apple-head'.Wide or oval cranium.
Mesocephalic
Meaning the ratio of cranial length is equal to cranial width, normal or medium proportion.Square cranium.
Dolichocephalic
Meaning long headed, wherein the cranial length is greater than the cranial width.Long, rectangular cranium.