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Questions tagged [terminology]

Requests a definition, explanation, or examples of words, terms or phrases used in reference to pets.

Terminology tag is applied when the question requests the definition or origin of a word, phrase or term, as it relates to pets. Some "lingo" or "trade talk" used by experts in the field may be unfamiliar to the average person. The question would revolve around an obscure word used in a very specific context, or a word which is foreign to the questioner's source country or culture.

Terminology may also be used to request examples of uncommon terms used in a supplied sample context.

Answers should provide concise and uncomplicated definitions or examples. In this case, it may be best to answer the questioner in layman's terms; as if speaking to common folk. Terminology usage examples should also be supplied if needed.

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What is the difference between "Open Door" and "Limited Access" shelter policies?

In our area, we have several animal shelters. I have heard some described as "Open Door" shelters and others as "Limited Access" shelters. What do these terms mean, and what is the difference?
James Jenkins
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What is a hound?

It is a truism that all hounds are dogs, but that not all dogs are hounds. What makes a hound, well, a hound? Is it genetic, ability, purpose, or all three?
Joanne C
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What does "Het" mean when talking about reptiles?

I've heard the term used when talking about reptile morphs, and there's sometimes a percentage combined with it. What are people talking about?
Spidercat
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What does it mean to "overstock" a fish tank?

"Overstocking" is a term used when keeping fish. I've heard it used when someone has too many fish, but I've also heard it suggested as a way to make semi-aggressive fish more timid. So, is overstocking an aquarium good or bad? What does it mean?
Spidercat
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What are snake morphs?

When looking for snakes I often see the term morph flying around. What does it mean exactly?
JAD
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I have heard people talk about "candling" eggs. What is this?

I often hear people talking about "candling" eggs to check if the animal inside is still alive or not. What is this and how does it work?
starsplusplus
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What is brumation?

I've heard the term brumation used when talking about various reptiles. I haven't heard the term used with any animal besides reptiles, so I'm assuming it's something specific to reptiles. So what is brumation?
Spidercat
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What terms are used for mice that are fed to snakes, and what are their meanings?

This term "hopper mouse" just got used in a recent question, and it seems to be a term that only people that have experience with snakes know. So what is a "hopper" mouse? What are the other terms used, and their definitions?
Spidercat
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Is Appaloosa a breed or a color?

I've heard the term Appaloosa applied to a wide range of horses and even to describe colour. What does the word "Appaloosa" mean? Is Appaloosa a colour?
SimplyRedAppaloosa
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How can I describe my cat (color/breed/type)?

I am trying to figure out what type of cat I have. My cat is a male, tuxedo, cat and I think he's a tabby, but how can I figure it out?
Daniel
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Identifying maine coon vs. ragdoll vs. ragamuffin

The typical differences given between maine coon, ragdoll, and ragamuffin cats are somewhat vague, and also sometimes involve knowing the cat well enough to be familiar with its disposition. According to…
Jason C
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What's the difference between chocolate and seal colorpoints (Siamese)?

Romeo is a Siamese mix (he's a rescue and has a tiny white dot on his chest, so he's not purebred). The rescue I obtained him from (Siamese Cat Rescue Center) said he is a chocolate point, but he also had a fever coat while he was in rescue (it is…
Zaralynda
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Language problem: what is tetra?

I hope the question is valid for this group. Unfortunately, I am not English native speaker. If someone refers to "tetra" what species do they have in mind? Image search on Google gives many different results, also the list on "tetra" article from…
Voitcus
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What is the difference between a hair coat and a fur coat in dogs?

Listening to dog breeders talk about dogs, I sometimes hear them mentioning that a breed has a "hair coat" or a "fur coat". What are the differences between the two types of coat? Do they have different bathing or grooming requirements? How can I…
Cucamonga
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What is a "rub"?

I keep seeing the word "rub" when people are talking about reptiles (it was also possibly used in a conversation about rats, but that was a while back and I might be misremembering). From context, I can tell it's a container pets are kept in, but I…
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