Articles Index/Teeth
Posted 12/18/97

CROWDED MOUTHS

 

A correct scissor bite with rather large, close-fitting teeth that last a lifetime is apparently rare in Norfolk Terriers. The breed tends toward crowded mouths, missing dentition and bites that change from scissor at 1 year to undershot by four, with overbites which often come right.

One has to know one's bloodlines and be careful when selecting mates as the width of the lower jaw should always be a consideration to eliminate crooked or crossed teeth and help correct the breed's heritage of wrong mouths.

Remember, unshed puppy teeth can cause bite problems and hard bones at teething age usually help remove these milk teeth naturally. Bones also deter the buildup of tartar which can mean early tooth loss in older dogs.

 

ANTIC, Spring 1984

 

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