Dog Teeth

From LoveToKnow Dogs

Dog teeth are basically the same on all canines, but the set of those teeth, or "bite" is specific to each breed. One visitor asks for clarification.

Dog teeth

Visitor Has Question About Dog Teeth

As a rule, do dogs have an overbite or an underbite? Also, do dogs' lower teeth in the front protrude outward, or should the teeth be straight up and down?

Thank you much~~ Dotkevin

Expert Reply

Hi,

Actually, the type of bite a dog has depends on which breed it is. However, the teeth should be set reasonably straight up and down in the jaw, not protruding outward as you sometimes see on Bulldogs.

  • A level bite: The upper and lower teeth meet perfectly.
  • Scissors bite: The upper teeth fit neatly in front of the lower teeth.
  • Reverse scissors bite, the lower teeth fit neatly in front of the upper teeth.
  • Undershot bite: The lower jaw is slightly longer than the upper jaw, so there is a small space between both sets of teeth. Shih Tzu are one example of a breed with an undershot bite.

Now let's talk about a wry jaw. This is a malformation of the jaw bone that leads to further scrambling of the teeth. This is the type of bite you'll find on many of the Ugly Dog contest winners. This bite usually results in tooth loss because the dog is unable to chew properly and gum disease ensues.

A good breeder will try to avoid breeding for extremes, and will refrain from breeding a dog with scrambled teeth or an incorrect jaw.

Thanks for your questions~~ Kelly.

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Comments

Hi Vanessa,

A set of retained baby teeth can cause dental problems, so it's usually better to have them removed. I think you meant you're concerned about putting your pet under anesthetic to carry out the dental work, and you're right to be concerned. Chihuahuas have such tiny lungs that in the past it was easy to overanesthetize them, but today's vets use a combination of valium and anesthetic for sedation. Sometimes even valium is enough to get the job done because puppy teeth have very small roots that make removal fairly easy.

The best thing you can do is schedule an appointment to have your vet examine your dog's teeth. This will give you the opportunity to discuss your concerns about sedation, and perhaps your vet will be able to put your mind at ease about the entire procedure. At any rate, you'll be better able to make a decision after you have all the facts.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope this info helps. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 3 pound Chihuahua, she will be 1 yr old next month. She has 8 double teeth.? I am scared to put her down. I am scared she might you know... I read about a 14 month yorkie that ..., Any suggestions. The teeth get food caught between, she has bad breath and it is very crowded in there. But She is my baby!!! Category

-- Contributed by: 1 yr old Chihuahua 3 pounds

Hi Gwen, and thanks for visiting.

Ultimately, no, dogs shouldn't have two rows of teeth. There could be two main reasons your dog has a double row. First, if he's a teething puppy, there is sometimes an overlap between the baby teeth falling out and the adult teeth coming in. Second, some puppies have a problem with retained baby teeth. They simply don't come out and generally need to be removed to avoid crowding and a misshapen bite.

As you can see, you'll have to determine which category your pet falls into. Don't hesitate to consult your vet about this problem. The solution could be as simple as giving your dog a sturdy chew bone to help him shed those extra teeth. However, dental intervention may be necessary at some point.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for your pup's continued good health and hapiness. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly
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