The dog skeleton has 13 ribs. As well as ribs, dog also have 13 vertebrae where the ribs are attached to. Skeletally, dogs are different and distinct from all other canids, except the wolf-like ones. The difference in size and proportion varies greatly between breeds.
Compared to the wolf, domestic dogs show greatest variation when it comes to size and shape of their skulls, regardless of their brain size or the body weight of the dog.
Some dogs can be affected by a form of dwarfism that can affect their bones, making them suspect to various diseases and health issues, some of which are: breathing problems, improper muscle development and others.
