Aspiration of lytic bone lesions is an excellent diagnostic test in the initial evaluation of primary bone tumor. However, cytologically, it can be difficult to differentiate osteosarcoma (OSA) from other bone neoplasms, including fibrosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, synovial cell sarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. The purpose of this study is to introduce alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining to differentiate OSA from other mesenchymal tumors. Tumors actively producing bone are specifically positive for ALP staining. Unstained, cytologic specimens were incubated for 10 minutes with nitroblue tetrazolium chloride/5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate toluidine salt-phosphatase substrate. Among 20 cases of cytology specimen, 14 were positive for ALP staining and histopathology, 6 were negative for ALP staining and histopathology. ALP staining was 100% sensitive and specificity for the diagnosis of OSA. Aspirate cytology with ALP staining was a simple, fast, safe and accurate diagnostic test for the evaluation of suspected OSA lesions in dogs.