Scissors Bite Question for Experienced Breeders - Page 1

Hello, I have an 8 month old imported pup out of fine bloodlines who has about a1/4-1/3 inch overshot on his top mandible. So he does not have a correct scissor bite. I also own his brother who has a perfect scissor bite. The difference in their head morphology is clear with the pup with the overshot having a slightly longer and finer, although not feminine, muzzle. The other pup has a very large and broad head with a shorter muzzle at this point. In your experience, do such bite problems arise and then correct as the dogs' jaws and head develops? If so, what would be a reasonable expectation as to age that this will correct, if indeed it will correct? I have someone who wants to buy this pup, but I do not want to sell him if this will not correct to anyone other than a pet home. I did not notice this early on, but I may simply have been not paying enough attention early on. Both dogs have excellent pigment, temperament and structure. It would be a shame if this overbite really is what the one pup ends up with. Finally, how common are overbites in your experience. Thank you,

Hi Hodie, An experienced Breeder I would class myself not, so please take comment for what it's worth. I sadly acquired a similar male pup from a close breeding. At eight weeks bite was fine. Not long thereafter, head spurted into growth but for lower jaw and, at 4 months, situation was pretty well as you described. Its 'twin' sister had same affliction, if not worse - others from that litter were fine. I checked around and was generally told that if condition hadn't corrected by 6 to 8 months - ie lower jaw growth catching up with rest of head - there really wasn't much hope and to dispose of it as a pet. All this of an anecdotal or hearsay nature. Some mention of surgery! I'd already decided he should never be used for breeding. Couldn't see how it could be anything but genetic (vet confirmed). Oh yes, it corrected slightly but not much. Offering chewing material is supposed to help, but I'm not convinced. Apology if above is not more constructive. Oh, at the time asked vet for explanation of course, but overall didn't receive much of use there either. Regards.

Scissor bite can correkt it self until the dog is fully grown, however it will be unlikely that it will be better after the age af 12-14 months. 1/3 inch is almost 1 cm, i think and anything more than 1-2 mm are considered an overbite. My best estimate is that this dog will have an overbite always.

I agree - at his age the overbite will not correct itself and should be considered a genetic fault. Small puppies with overbites are not uncommon - but they normally correct themselves by the time the pup is 10-12 weeks, and if not, then should correct itself when adult teeth come in and lower canines "hook" into the slot they are supposed to go into, and then seem to "pull" the lower jaw up and into place, creating a scissor bite. If this does not happen and the older pup still has an overbite, then I would be very surprised if it would correct itself. Molly http://workinggermanshepherd.com

hodie, if it is less than a matchhead overshot - give him another 3 months. Anything more is almost never going to correct itself in my experience - not just in GSD, but in few other breeds too. I have had this heartache myself when an excellent puppy developed an overshot.

Hi Blitz, What's new?

My "experience" seems to prove sort of "rule of thumb" so to speak--- if bite is on at 6 to 8 weeks it will be back on at 1 year! If it is not at 6 to 8 weeks and not at 6 to 8 months it will take prayer as the only hope. I am extremely cognizant to examine my puppies 6 to 8 weeks. I would suppose their are those familiar with some specific lines for this problem. I am NOT! I feel level at least would be preferred before over or under. I believe some look at level and see scissor.

More opinion Hodie, Vet mentioned problem may be question of recessive versus dominant genes - match 'wrong' animals or too closely, and presto! Regards.

For the record--- Hodie and Patrishap--- Opinion is all that can be asked for. ONE thing I do know for certain after 50 years in dogs. If you want opinions about dogs you ask those who purport to know about dogs and some of them have written books. If you want facts about dogs---- You must ask the dogs! Hodie, I hope it works out for your puppy. Patrishap, were you able to follow up with puppies condition at 1 year. You may have blown my thoughts away!

Hi PJ Dogs Very slight improvement - but not so'd you'd really notice unless you meticulously took measurements. I thought male was beyond belief - till I saw sister! They also seem to experience some hindrance in chewing up chicken etc. I reckon it's a genetic thing brought forward from way back, and which, out of blue, can emerge. I'd really prefer opinion of some real medical expert here. Thanks.