Muzzle Puzzle

[Laila63139]

I would really like to see a picture of your pup. Mine is about the same age and I have the same question that you do. As a young pup, he had the real short muzzle, but now it is a little bit longer. I do believe that they will eventually grow into them.

Hi Deuce, I just uploaded a few pictures today to my gallery that still need BW approval, so I'm guessing you can see how beautiful she is in a few days. I think her muzzle was long when I got her, but I didn't actually do enough "homework" when picking her out.

I guess time will tell if she grows into her face... For now I'll focus on enjoying her wiggles and beanies and sloppy kisses! =)

 

[boxer]

I honestly don't think she has either, but I am no expert. If I had to guess I would say overbite. I just put up pictures today, so you can see for yourself if you like.

--Claire

From those photos she appears as though she probably has an overbite, but you'll have to look inside her mouth to be sure An overbite is when the top teeth close over the bottom ones (like your own teeth do ). A scissor bite is essentially even. And of course an underbite is when the bottom teeth close over the top ones. Each type of jaw is correct for certain breeds. In the case of the boxer, it is supposed to be undershot - meaning that it's bottom jaw is longer than it's top one, and hence it has an underbite.

 

[Alisha Mobley]

A scissor bite is essentially even.

It is to my understanding that a scissor bite is when the upper teeth are in front of the lower teeth when the mouth is closed but the back of the upper teeth touch the front of the lower teeth (no space, like a pair of scissors).

There's also a reverse scissor bite...this would be the same as a scissor bite but reversed (lower teeth in front of upper with no space).

Under and over bites have spaces...the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed.

I'm thinking an even bite is referred to as "level".

Again, this is how I've understood the different bites based on what I've read.

 

[boxer]

Technically, yes, a scissor bite is a very close overbite where the lower canines fit equidistant between the last upper incisor and the upper canine teeth. Guess I was trying to explain too simplistically. Obviously, a dog would be unable to close it's mouth if it's bite were exactly even

As for the boxer - my understanding of the ideal amount that the lower teeth should overlap the upper is one pencil-width (ie. you should be able to rest a pencil on the lower teeth, and have it just touching the upper teeth when the jaw is closed). That one is debated, however

 

[PawPrintBoxers]

I looked at her photos. She is adorable of course But yes, she does have a long muzzle. From the looks of it, this is not something that she will "grow into". But as you said, you did not get her to breed or show. So her only true value is in her Boxer spirit. I am sure she is a Champion in that department

 

[Alisha Mobley]

That one is debated, however

Yes it is! Your description is how I was taught (except I was told the pencil should not touch the upper teeth if rested on the lower ones...which it wouldn't if the actual gap is the width of the pencil).

 

[Marley's Mom]

My little Marley is exactly the same (see gallery, he's the fawn), and I can see that day after day (he's 6 months now) he's growing more into his muzzle. My little guy also has HUGE ears though too so it kinda fits! He'll never be a show dog, but of course we love him just as much! Irie, his sister, has the normal, shorter muzzle.

 

[daysha]

Her muzzle does look long to me as well. Of course Im no breeder, but Zoe's was much shorter (pup pics in my gallery) Does she have long hair? or was i just seein things?! Could be its been a long day. Have you checked her teeth yet? Looks like an overbite to me. Shes a very cute puppy! Congrats!

 

[Laila63139]

What a beautiful boy!

My little Marley is exactly the same ... he's growing more into his muzzle. My little guy also has HUGE ears though too so it kinda fits!

Will you tell Marley for me that Laila thinks he's a hunk!

She's 5 months old now and still long-nosed. Her ears are incredibly floppy and her trainer thinks that she may be part hound. She's the first boxer I've ever had and I'm loving every minute of her craziness, she's such a ham. I'm soo happy to have her!

 

[harley03]

her trainer thinks that she may be part hound

That's exactly what ran through my mind when I saw her pics.

She sure is cute lovicon