And why an underbite is usually just a cosmetic trait
When choosing a puppy, families often hear dental terms that sound worrying — malocclusion, underbite, overbite. These words can feel intimidating, but in reality, many dental variations in dogs are minor, harmless, and purely cosmetic.
Let’s break it down in plain English.
What is a dental malocclusion?
A dental malocclusion simply means that a dog’s teeth don’t line up in the textbook “ideal” way when the mouth is closed.
Just like humans can have crooked teeth, gaps, or a slightly different bite, dogs can too. Malocclusions range from very mild and cosmetic to rare cases that require veterinary attention.
Most dogs with malocclusions live completely normal, happy, pain-free lives.
Types of malocclusions commonly seen in dogs
🦷 Underbite (Class III malocclusion)
An underbite is when the lower jaw sits slightly forward of the upper jaw, causing the lower teeth to show in front.
A mild underbite is a cosmetic variation, not a health defect.
Dogs with underbites:
Eat normally
Play normally
Carry toys, balls, and treats without issue
Do not experience pain or discomfort
Do not require surgery or ongoing treatment
As long as the teeth are not causing trauma to the gums or soft tissues, an underbite is simply part of the dog’s unique appearance — often adding to their charm.
In fact, underbites are common in many breeds and mixes, and most dogs adapt effortlessly.
🦷 Overbite (Class II malocclusion)
An overbite is when the upper jaw extends further than the lower jaw.
Mild overbites are usually cosmetic. More pronounced overbites are monitored to ensure the teeth don’t cause trauma to the gums or palate as the dog grows.
🦷 Base-narrow canines
This occurs when the lower canine teeth sit too close together and angle inward.
In some cases, this can cause rubbing or contact with the upper gums or palate. When identified early, this is something vets can monitor and, if needed, correct with minimal intervention while the puppy is still growing.
How responsible breeders approach dental alignment
Ethical breeders:
Monitor jaw and tooth development as puppies grow
Arrange veterinary checks at key developmental stages
Are transparent with families about any dental observations
Refer to veterinary dentists when functional concerns (not cosmetic ones) are identified
It’s also important to understand that puppy jaws change as they grow, especially between 6 weeks and adulthood. Many minor dental quirks improve naturally with time.
The bottom line
Malocclusion simply means “different alignment” — not “poor health”
Underbites are usually cosmetic and harmless
Only malocclusions that cause pain, trauma, or functional difficulty require intervention
Most dogs with minor dental variations live full, happy, completely normal lives
At the end of the day, what matters most is a puppy’s health, temperament, and ability to live comfortably, not whether their smile is perfectly straight.