Shih-tzu underbite questions

[Jayems]

Hi,

My fiancee and I are looking at a puppy, but we're holding off because he has "a severe underbite." I'm wondering what future problems a dog may have if it has a severe underbite? Will there be a good chance of high dental bills? Other issues?

Thanks,


james.

[FanIn80]

I don't think so. We had a Shih Tzu with an underbite, and he was fine. He died a few years back from old age, but it was nothing to do with his teeth.

Shih Tzus are awesome, btw. They are the perfect breed, in my opinion! My family (parents, brothers, sisters, myself, etc) has had 13 of them so far, amongst all of us.



Cutest. Dog. Ever!

[Ice]

I have a Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso (very similar looking, slightly larger) and my Lhasa has an underbite. The only thing the vet mentioned about any problems with the underbite has to do with anesthesia if they have surgery. I don't remember exactly what it was, but he had surgery for cherry eye and came through just fine. I wouldn't worry about it. I think its a bigger problem if you're planning to show the dog.



I think his underbite gives him a better smile.

[chid]

We have a bichon shih tzu we got one without an underbite, but I agree the breed is really great, minimal shedding, good-natured.
The few people I know with dogs that have the underbite IIRC have never had troubles with them

[chid]

ew.. dingle berries.
My mom used to chase my dog around with a paper towel trying to grab those.. sick.

[Ice]

My groomer keeps both of my dogs dingleberry free by cutting tush hair very, very short.

One thing about Shih Tzu's is you need to brush them a lot. At least every other day, to keep their undercoats from becoming matted. If you do find them matted, don't torture them with detangling, just have your groomer give them a shave.

[stang]

We used to have a small dog with an underbite... kinda cute actually... can see some teeth sticking out..

Died of old age.. Nothing to do with the teeth.

[FanIn80]

Very intelligent breed. Very trainable and very well behaved, as well.