A Dog's Fingerprint

fin·ger·print  (fnggr-prnt)

n.

1. An impression on a surface of the curves formed by the ridges on a fingertip, especially such an impression made in ink and used as a means of identification.

2. A distinctive or identifying mark or characteristic:

A dog doesn't have fingers or thumbs (if so we would need more than a zip seal to keep treats safe), so where can you find their "fingerprint" ? A finger print shows distinctive markings but have you really looked at your pet? I look at each of mine and their nose and paw pads each have individual marking to show who is who. Every ridge, line and wrinkle shows their individual "fingerprint".

Nanook's nose. Notice the tinting even in black and white.

Nanook's paw pad. Older, faded and can be a true give away to activity and age.

August's nose. Some noses has different color to them.

August's paw pad. Not every paw is built the same, but notice her excessive hair. I trim up all of their pads but her's grows very rapidly since her breed was bred for cold icy conditions. 

Kodak's nose. One solid color but the shape is very large compared to the others. 

Kodak's paw pad. Pretty typical paw but if you compare it to the others it is very spaced out between pads. 

Dublin's nose. Very petite and one solid color. 

Dublin's paw pad. Almost cub like. 

You can have 10 dogs of the same breed/age lined up in a row and you can tell them apart all by their features. Just like a mom can tell her her twins apart, a pet parent can tell their pet from others buy their "fingerprint" and don't that limit you to their nose and paw pads seeing your pets has a very distinctive personality as well!