Underbite

[Destiney Teague]

We are picking up our new goldendoodle puppy this Saturday, and the breeder emailed to tell us that our puppy has a moderate underbite. She offered to let us look at a couple of other puppies as well. Does anyone's doodle have an underbite, and if so what are problems you have experienced? Any chance she will grow out of it? I just want to be prepared!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Tara has an underbite-I'm not sure if it is moderate or mild. You can' see any teeth when her mouth is closed. We had her checked by a vet dental specialist and she said "we could keep an eye on it". Tara is 7 years old and has not had any problems with the underbite.  I have noticed though that since she was a puppy she has not liked to play games that require tugging-the tug-of-war type games. I don't know if this is due to the underbite or if it is just her nature.  Oh, and it does give her the appearance of having a lower lip. :)

[Destiney Teague]

Thank you for your reply! It makes me feel better to know that she didn't have any issues. I have come across some horror stories while researching, which has scared me a bit.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It does depend on the severity of the malocclusion. An underbite (called a Class 3 malocclusion) can cause pain and require surgery in some cases. The jaws are out of alignment. The only way to know for sure would be to have a vet assess it. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Why don't you ask the breeder to send you a quick picture of the pup's mouth.  Take it to your vet and ask.  Then when you go on Saturday, you will know whether you want to see this pup at all.  With cell phones nowadays this should not be that hard.

If you can't get a picture of the pup, run by the vet and see if they have some pictures of mild, moderate, severe under bites, and explain to you the possible problems.  Do your homework.  You don't want to fall in love with the puppy out of pity only to find out later that the under bite is severe and feel blind-sided.

[Destiney Teague]

They did send a picture of the underbite, but I am not an expert at all and have no idea if it is "moderate." The breeder gave me the vet's number so I can call. I was told the vet said it would not cause any health issues at all, but I may call her tomorrow to talk to her directly. She said it was cosmetic only. I may even talk to my vet, also. We have had her picked out for a while now and have been receiving pics! I can't imagine leaving her and taking another, but will definitely look into it more before going Saturday. Thank you for your input!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The fastest and easiest thing would be to have her vet fax or email the information to your vet. It's your vet's opinion that would be most important here. I don;t want to sound cynical, but your breeder has a sale riding on this, so she may very well underplay it, and her vet is...well, her vet, lol. He gets a lot of business from her. 

"Moderate" is a more severe misalignment than "mild". I'm not telling you not to take her, but you need to be aware of what kind of issues and expenses this might cause down the road. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

You feel exactly how I would feel. Once I picked my dog out, there was no going back for me. Good luck with your decision. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Here is a picture of a dog I saw at the Walla Walla romp with incorrect tooth alignment. I don't think he has had any problems.

[Destiney Teague]

He's beautiful! Good to know!! Thanks!

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

My daughter's dog has an underbite and his jaw is not aligned properly. When he was a puppy, he needed to have one of his lower canine teeth reduced in size, so that it wouldn't bunk into his upper palate when he closed his mouth. Also, I remember my daughter encouraging him to chew on balls in order to try to nudge his base eye teeth outward. He has not had any health issues related to his teeth or his misaligned bite. I would have your vet take a look at this puppy's medical record and view pictures of his mouth. If you end up deciding to keep the puppy that you have chosen, at the very least, I would have your contract include the reimbursement of all future related vet bills.

[Wendy and Myla]

I have no idea if this would work, but maybe get pet insurance on your puppy before you go to your vet so that you are covered for dental work if you do decide to get this puppy?

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I wondered about that, too!