Re: overbite, is it normal?

In Reply to: overbite, is it normal?
Posted by:  Jennifer
Posted on:  October 28, 2001 at 07:10:11

: I just purchased a Jack Russell and noticed a noticable overbite. I have no intentions of not keeping her, but I can't help but wonder if it is from poor breeding or if its normal, and her lower jaw will "catch up" to her upper jaw.
: The idea of buying a JR with a flaw doesn't bother me in the least, but if it is a flaw, then should the breeder not be told? and can I show her still? should I have paid full price?

: loving my puppy flaws and all,

: Jennifer

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Hi Jennifer,
This is hard to answer because there are many variables. Here goes MO only and without seeing the bite it is really hard to say. You don't say how old this puppy is and this makes it even harder to answer.


Yes,I have seen overbites correct themselves, but never an undershot mouth. I really depends on how bad it is. I have had two bitches in the past that were both overshot and by the time they were 10 months or so their bites were both a good sissors bite, both bitches have won Working Classes at shows.. I also know of several others breeders who have had bites correct and they have also done well in shows. This isn't the case in every Jack Russell.

As a breeder myself I would want to know if there wasn't a correction in the bite. I would inform the breeder, and let her know that you will keep her up to date on the progress of the bite. So you see, that this can be a genetic problem or it can be one, that the jaw needs to do more growing. Sorry I can't give you a pat answer but there really isn't one. Your breeder should know her lines better than anyone and you really should be asking her/him if this type of thing has happend before or if she/he knows that of this being behind the lines of your Pup.

As to the price question, I don't know the details of your Contract and what was said in that. Also if the bite isn't registerable, then some breeder will refund the difference in the price of Pet and show quality, but this really depends on the Contact you signed. If you don't have a contract, then there is basically nothing you can do. Most reputable breeders do work with contacts and everything is spelled out in black and white for you to read.