Canids have deep-chested bodies and a long muzzle. The legs and feet of canids are moderately elongated, and their stance is digitigrade . The metapodials are long but not fused. Unlike the Felidae , canids have non-retractile claws. This means that they are worn down by activity and are not the specialized weapons found in some other carnivores.
All male canids have a well-developed baculum.
The skulls of canids have an elongated facial region. An alisphenoid canal is present, and the paroccipital processes are long. Canine teeth are large but unspecialized. Molars are of the crushing type. The carnassial pair is strongly built.