overshot jaw in puppies made in china

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Undershot is a class III malocclusion that is also referred to as mandibular prognathism, maxillary brachygnathism, mandibular mesioclusion, or an underbite. This malocclusion is characterized by a shorter upper jaw and a longer lower jaw, resulting in lower teeth that are in front of the upper teeth. While this condition is normal for some breeds, such as Bulldogs, in many breeds it is unusual. An undershot jaw occurs when the lower jaw grows faster than normal and becomes longer than the upper jaw, and is usually evident around 8 weeks of age in puppies. This misalignment can cause soft tissue trauma, such as to the lips. When the incisors meet instead of fitting next to each other, it is called a level bite. When the malocclusion causes the lower incisors to be placed in front of the upper incisors, it is called a reverse scissors bite.

The cause of overshot and undershot jaws in dogs relate to the increased or decreased rate of growth of the upper and lower jaws in relation to one another. This can occur due to a: Genetic disorder Trauma; Systemic infection ;Nutritional disorder; Endocrine disorder; Abnormal setting of puppy teeth; Early or late loss of puppy teeth.

After a quick physical exam, your vet may have to sedate your dog in order to perform a thorough oral exam. This will assess your dog’s skull type and teeth location in relation to the teeth on the opposite jaw. Often, the placement of the upper and lower incisors in relation to one another can determine what type of malocclusion your dog has. Your vet will note any areas of trauma due to teeth striking those areas, and any cysts, tumors, abscesses, or remaining puppy teeth that may be present. A dental X-ray can also help to assess the health of the jaws and teeth. These diagnostic methods will lead to a diagnosis of an overshot or undershot jaw in your dog.

Treatment of a jaw misalignment will depend on the severity of the condition. If your dog has a misalignment, but can still bite and chew food without problems, no treatment may be needed. If the misalignment is caught early in a puppy’s life, it may only be temporary and may correct itself over time. However, there are times when intervention may be needed. If your puppy’s teeth are stopping the normal growth of his jaws, then surgery to remove those puppy teeth may be performed. This may allow the jaws to continue to grow, but will not make them grow. For older dogs who are experiencing pain and trauma due to misaligned jaws and teeth, oral surgery is generally performed to extract teeth that are causing trauma, to move teeth so that they fit, or to create space for a misaligned tooth to occupy. Other therapies include crown reductions or braces.

If your dog is genetically programmed to have an overshot or undershot jaw, intervention can help, but will not slow or stop the abnormal growth of either jaw. Prevent jaw misalignments in puppies by not breeding dogs who have overshot or undershot jaws.

Here is a visual look into what an “undershot” and “overshot” jaw looks like. In recent years, I’ve noticed more and more dogs with this issue. Can a dog live productive life with a malocclusion: (imperfect positioning of the teeth when a jaws closed) Yes but with some issues along the way.

Let’s begin with a puppy will have 28 “puppy teeth” by the time it reaches six months old (this number can vary from breed to breed) By adulthood, most breeds will have a total of 42 teeth. As defined above a malocclusion or simply a misalignment of a dog’s teeth occurs when their bite does not fit accordingly beginning as puppy’s teeth come in and worsening as their adult teeth follow.

the upper jaw is longer than the lower one, an overshot or overbite. When a dogs mouth is closed, a gap between the upper and lower incisors (teeth) will be present. In most cases, puppies are born with a slight over/under bite and with time the problem can correct itself if the gap is not too large. What should be noted is if a dog’s bite remains over/undershot by 8-10 months old, that’s how it will remain for the remainder of its life. In overbite’s the structure may worsen as the permanent teeth come in as they are larger and can damage the soft parts of the mouth. Teeth extractions are sometimes necessary.

Structural dentition of a puppies jaw should be checked very early on to help eliminate this issue. Unfortunately most dog owners won’t notice until is late in the game. More so is the issues of backyard and/or inexplicable breeders breeding dogs with undershot/overshot jaws and potentially passing along this trait to future generations.

With an overbite, the upper jaw is longer than the lower one. When the mouth is closed, a gap between the upper and lower incisors occurs. Puppies born with an overbite will sometimes have the problem correct itself if the gap is not too large. However, a dog"s bite will usually set at ten months old. At this time improvement will not happen on its own. Your pet"s overbite may worsen as the permanent teeth come in because they are larger and can damage the soft parts of the mouth. Teeth extractions are sometimes necessary.

Problems that can arise from malocclusion are; difficulty chewing, picking up food and other objects, dogs with overshot jaws tend to pick up larger chunks of food since they can"t chew nor pick up smaller morsels which can lead to choking and future intestinal issues. These dogs are also prone to tartar and plaque build up which if left untreated can lead to other significant health issues such as heart problems. Other issues are listed below:

What"s important to note is that most malocclusions do not require treatment, it"s simply how a dog will live its full life as. This is important since most breeders breeding for financial gains don"t think about. What can be done is to brush the teeth regularly to prevent abnormal build-up of tartar and plaque. A veterinarian in cases that can be solved will sometimes recommend a dental specialist if a client want to correct the teeth misalignment. Recently I"ve heard o specialist putting "braces” on puppies to realign the teeth.

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This is a congenital problem that rarely causes any significant problem with the quality of the pet’s health. Some of these pets may have difficulty chewing their food (mastication), but most adapt to it well. Pets with undershot jaws may be predisposed to early dental disease though, therefore any pet with this abnormality should be examined by one of our doctors every 6 months.

This jaw is from a Lhasa apso. It is a young pet with healthy gums and teeth in spite of the anatomical abnormality. Routine exams will identify any dental disease before it becomes a significant problem.

This is the severely undershot jaw of a Persian cat. In addition to the this anatomical problem there is dental disease present, as evidenced by the tartar on the canine tooth and the side teeth. This cat will need routine exams every 6 months to assess the progression of the problem and institute necessary therapy.

Ancient, long-lived and amazingly cat-like, the Chuandong Hound has been called many names through centuries – and has started its journey to the West only a few years ago.

When Alison Darley came across images of the Chuandong Hound online, she was immediately fascinated – and reading up, she soon realised she may be looking at the perfect breed for her.

“I’d had Dogue de Bordeauxs for many years. I love the breed, but their sheer size sometimes caused problems with their care” she said. “They can be clumsy, knocking into people without meaning to, which on occasions caused a problem for my daughter, who has Downs Syndrome. Plus, as with most giant breeds they have rather short life spans – and each time one died, there was so much heartbreak.”

“They are very cat-like: they’re sure-footed, keep themselves immaculately clean, and can move their ears separately. Absolutely unique,” Alison says. “Their lifespan is exceptionally long, too: there are records of some dogs living to be 20 years old.”

Alison, who decided to import her first Chuandong Hounds from China in 2016 – the first of the breed to come to the UK – says that the process was nothing short of a nightmare. After choosing the pups, and after months and months of paperwork, her dogs finally arrived in 2017.

Alison, who has a background in obedience training, says that they are “as clever as a collie, if not a bit more”. They have plenty of energy, but are far from impossible to tire out: they love to play and interact with people. Medium-sized, they are less likely to knock over people by accident than larger dogs.

“Of course, the move from rural China to the UK was a bit of a culture shock for them! My male, Dynasty, took it in all in his stride. But the females remain a bit more aloof with strangers – they make very good house dogs and will alert you if anyone is around,  they are brilliant family dogs. My daughter has been doing some handling with them, and it’s been working out wonderfully. They adore children.”

Despite dating back some 2,000 years – sculptures of similar dogs were found in ancient tombs which dated back to the time of the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), suggesting they were held in high esteem – this breed remained entirely unknown in the West until the Eighties.

For the longest time, there wasn’t even a single breed name: communities in the Chongqing region, in the mountain area of southwest China, each had their own name for these dogs. Chuandong dog, East Sichuan Hunting dog, Bamboo Ratter, Mountain dog, Hechuan dog, Pak Tin Par dog, and Linshui dog were some of the names used to describe these hunting dogs.

It wasn’t until the year 2000 that the name ‘Chongqing dog’ was introduced for the breed, as many of their owners moved from the mountains to Chongqing City, taking their dogs with them. However, the move to the city caused a change in the breed, which had remained essentially unchanged since at least the time of the Han Dynasty.

“As people moved to the city with their dogs, they were crossed with other breeds. The dogs living in Chongqing City began developing different traits from the original breed, such as a shorter muzzle and a stockier build; within a few generations they were very different to the ancient hunting hound.”

In August 2018 the decision was made to split the breed, which had been recognised by the CKU (China Kennel Union) just one year earlier. Mr Franki Leung, head of the CKU Native Breed Conservation Club and members of the breed club, divided it to create two established breeds: the city type, retained the name of ‘Chongqing Dog’, and the traditional hound Alison owns, was named ‘Chuandong Hound’.

Breed standards for both were produced only recently, in January 2019; in July 2018, the CKU had opened up registrations to owners abroad. Alison says that, as far as she is aware, she is currently the only person outside China currently focusing on the Chuandong Hound. There are about 100 such dogs registered in China, plus her own first generation and second generation dogs here in the UK.

“The process of registering them with the CKU was almost as complicated as that of getting the dogs into the UK,” she laughs. “They needed pictures of the dogs, and blood samples to build a database for the breed. They are very careful about these things, and for good reason. There aren’t many of these dogs in China: the breed has been on the brink of extinction before and is still rarer than the giant Panda.

“I am just as careful breeding them, health testing my adults to make sure the puppies are inherently healthy,” she says. “So far, all dogs are well. A couple of pups developed cherry eye and they have a slightly undershot bite, which I will be working on in the coming generations, as I bring in more dogs to enlarge the gene pool – even if I dread the whole process of importing!”

Alison is now aiming to see this ancient and rare breed recognised by our UK Kennel Club. A ’New breed’ application was received on 22nd February 2019. If successful, she will be able to take her dogs to the next ‘Discover Dogs’ London, followed by Crufts 2020 to introduce this still unknown breed to UK dog enthusiast.

“Chuandong Hounds are very affectionate dogs. I have found homes for ten of the puppies I bred so far, and one of the owners told me he’s the son he never had. They’re impossible not to love – and very much part of the family.”

The Chongqing Dog is a medium sized dog with a deep red/mahogany (orange) color and a black muzzle. It has a thin, short, harsh coat that is about 3cm in length. The muscular body has a square build with great strength. Its ears are erect. The jaw should be set square. The teeth should meet in a scissor bite or be slightly undershot. Undershot bites more than 5 mm are undesirable. The teeth should not be visible when the mouth is closed in a natural position. The tongue can be blue, dark blue or with spots (blue points). The muzzle should be as broad and powerful as possible. The dark mask is confined to the muzzle and must be in sharp contrast to the colour of the head. The skull is flat between ears and square on top. There are natural wrinkles on top of the head. The stop is well defined. The forehead forms a distinct stop at the bridge of nose. Slightly loose with fine wrinkles without excess on the skull. The muzzle is strong, square and noticeably shorter than the skull. Broad from root to tip of the nose, not snipy, with moderately obvious folds. The line of the muzzle forms a very obtuse angle upwards. The cheeks are prominent, due to the strong development of the muscle. The length of the skull and the length of the muzzle are approximately 2: 1. The height to the elbow is about half the height at the withers. The female can be slightly longer than the males. Males should be muscular and well defined, whereas females tend to be more streamlined with an air of femininity.

Congenital oronasal fistulas result when the palatine shelves fail to fuse during gestation. This fusion typically occurs at 25–28 days of gestation in dogs and 47 days of gestation in horses. Clefts can be either of the primary palate (involving the lip and incisive bone), cleft lip (harelip); or of the secondary palate (involving the hard and soft palate), cleft palate. The conditions can occur singly or together. In dogs, CT studies have shown an association of cleft palate with other craniofacial abnormalities, including hypoplastic tympanic bullae, hypoplastic nasal turbinates, and maxillary malocclusions, mostly of the incisors. Affected animals should also be examined for neurologic signs because concurrent hydrocephalus has also been described.

Typically, animals are diagnosed with oronasal fistulas at birth or shortly after birth by oral examination, by observation of dysphagia or milk draining from the nares after nursing, and/or by clinical evaluation revealing respiratory compromise and signs of aspiration pneumonia. Many affected neonates are euthanized or die early in life. Although surgical repair has been undertaken in many species, success has varied, and complications such as surgical site dehiscence, continued nasal discharge, chronic ill thrift, and chronic pneumonia have been reported.

Cleft palate and cleft lip have been described in most domesticated animal species, including dogs, cats, ruminants, horses, and camelids. In dogs, brachycephalic breeds are overrepresented; other breeds with higher incidence include Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, Schnauzers, and Shetland Sheepdogs. The most commonly affected cat breed is the Siamese. Etiologies include genetic, teratogenic, and nutritional causes.

Modes of inheritance are monogenic autosomal recessive or incomplete dominant in several breeds. The mode is believed to be autosomal recessive in Brittanys, Pyrenean Shepherds, Beagles, and Boxers; in Bulldogs (French and English) and Shih Tzus, autosomal dominant inheritance with incomplete penetrance is suspected. Autosomal recessive inheritance patterns are evident in Angus cattle with congenital multiple arthrogryposis, in Charolais cattle with cleft palate and arthrogryposis, and in Texel sheep with cleft lip.

Teratogens and nutritional causes of cleft palate and cleft lip include high concentrations of vitamin A in the diet, administration of griseofulvin, folic acid deficiency, and ingestion of toxic plants during pregnancy. In cattle, ingestion of lupines during days 40–100 of gestation results in arthrogryposis and cleft palate due to the effects of anagyrine found in Lupinus sericeus and Lupinus caudatus. Ingestion of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), which contains the toxic alkaloid coniine, produces similar clinical signs in both cattle and goats; ingestion of corn lily (Veratrum californicum) by sheep, goats, or cattle results in cleft lip and/or cleft palate in the fetus.

For puppies and kittens that are not euthanized, medical management is required until surgical options are explored. Patients are fed via orogastric tube until dry food can be tolerated. Water can be offered by overhead dispenser. In experimental settings, a custom-molded palate guard that enables adult dogs to eat and drink normally has been described. Aspiration pneumonia should be quickly identified and treated.

Patients should be at least 12 weeks old at the time of surgical correction, but some studies have shown higher success when surgery is performed at > 20 weeks of age or in adults. Surgical correction has a high failure rate because of the continued growth of puppies or kittens postoperatively, the small size of the patient, and irritation of the surgery site by the tongue and feed material. Surgical techniques depend on the location and size of the cleft defect. For secondary palate defects, sliding mucoperiosteal flaps or overlapping flaps are the most commonly used. Survival rates as high as 67% have been reported for horses undergoing either surgical or medical management of congenital cleft palate; however, there is great variation across case reports, and a wide range of complications may arise, depending on the severity of the defect.

Extensive involvement of the soft palate carries a poor prognosis, even with surgical intervention. Surgical repair should be attempted only after ethical questions have been addressed, and the affected animal should be surgically sterilized or removed from breeding stock to prevent reproduction of the anomaly in future offspring.

faces that are associated with the formation of particular varieties and breeds (e.g., Herre and Röhrs 1990; Van Grouw 2018). Well-known examples include Bulldogs, Pugs, and

1990), the investigation of inheritance patterns (e.g., Stockard 1941), the study of genetic underpinnings (e.g., Fondon and Garner 2004; Bannasch et al. 2010; Bertolini et

(domesticated >500 YBP, see text; tree topology is according to Meredith et al. 2011 and Agnarsson and May-Collado 2008). Gray branches indicate species with at least

above 176°, i.e., they are all non-airorhynchic (according to Nussbaumer 1982 and this study, Fig. 1; for data, see Table S1). As we will point out in more detail later,

bones, parts of the snout (premaxilla) are foreshortened and downward tilted (Fig. 1 and Table 1). In other domestic ruminants, such as cattle, no cases of

breeds to be on the small side of the domestic dog body size spectrum (Marchant et al. 2017; Fig. 1G, regression of body size [neurocranium centroid] as the independent

2006; Noden and Schneider 2006; Lwigale and Schneider 2008; Fish and Schneider 2014a; Schneider 2018b). In particular, the use of a unique avian chimeric

along with a shortening of all limbs, is also known from humans (achondroplasia; Parrot 1878; Horton, Hall and Hecht 2007) and has been compared to “bulldog-type”

truncated faces have been found in brachycephalic cats (Schmidt et al. 2017) and genetically engineered mice (Hajihosseini et al. 2001). Such phenotypes in humans are known as a

conformation typically includes a relatively short snout and a large braincase (Bolk 1926; Dechambre 1949; Wayne 1986; Morey 1992; Coppinger and Schneider 1995). Although “pedomorphic” skull proportions pertain

shapes and are particularly prevalent in ponies and miniature horses (Wiggs and Lobprise 1997; Heck, Sánchez-Villagra and Stange 2019). Similarly, the most common

associated with morbidity, e.g., in cats and dogs (see earlier; e.g., Waters 2017; Bessant et al. 2018). Human intervention and medical care are often required for

be less likely to be bred or they will even be killed (Thomson 1996; Alpak et al. 2004; Fischer and Lilje 2011; Smith et al. 2016). Taken together, these points would point to

Underbites may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to dogs, however, there are several breeds sporting this toothy grin. Find out which dogs have underbites and why dogs have underbites in the first place.

Like humans, an underbite in a dog refers to the lower teeth projecting beyond the upper teeth. Veterinarians will refer to this issue as malocclusion. While an underbite can happen in various breeds, it’s commonly seen in brachycephalic breeds.

Besides short-skull breeds, underbites are also common in small dogs. Dogs that belong to the toy breed classification also typically suffer from other dental issues such as overcrowding or protruding teeth.

Shih Tzus are a beloved companion animal commonly found in homes worldwide. These friendly little creatures have a long history of being lap dogs for noble women in China.

Perhaps the dog most commonly associated with an underbite is the English Bulldog. This breed’s predisposal for malocclusion completes the Bulldog’s look. It’s fair to assume if you are purchasing a bulldog, you will have to deal with an underbite.

This is why it’s important to only purchase your English Bulldog from a responsible, ethical, and reputable breeder. A Bulldog with an excessive underbite will not only require expensive dental visits but may experience discomfort while eating.

These lap dogs were bred as companions to royal figures in the Chinese city of Peking. Today, these toy-sized dogs are loved by many. They are regarded as friendly, intelligent, and full of personality.

Pekingese dogs are distinguished by their “lion mane” coat. It’s also not uncommon for these small dogs to present an underbite. Like other brachycephalic breeds, they are prone to having underbites.

It’s not hard to spot a Pug! Their black masked, squished face and fawn shorthair coat set them apart from other dogs. There’s nothing like those little curled tails wagging to greet you!

Like other dogs on this list, Pugs are considered a short skull or brachycephalic breed. With this comes your typical dental problems, including an underbite.

While they typically come in black and white, Bostons can come in many colors. These include various combinations of brindle, seal, and white. No matter what your Boston Terrier’s coat looks like, there’s a strong likelihood it will have a slight underbite.

While most of the breeds on this list are small dogs, larger breeds such as Boxers also suffer from underbites. Boxers can weigh up to 80 lbs and belong to the working group classification. These dogs are known to be highly intelligent and easily trainable.

According to the AKC breed standard, Boxers have an undershot jaw. The lower jaw should jut forward from the upper and curve upward. These large, athletic, and wrinkly beasts are great companions for individuals and families alike.

These tiny dogs come from Mexico. They are known for having a huge personality trapped in a tiny body! While they may not have a squished face like other breeds on this list, they are a small breed and only reach about 6 lbs on average.

These fluffy little dogs share the homes of millions of people around the world. These dogs originated in Poland and were bred to pull carts, guard livestock, and do other physical jobs. However, they were eventually bred to be smaller to be companion animals.

These long-haired, white, small dogs are very popular. You will typically find Maltese dogs living in urban areas. Their small size has made them ideal city dogs.

However, purebred Maltese often suffer from a variety of dental problems. It’s commonfor a Maltese to display an underbite, ranging from slight to severe.

The first Spaniel to make it on our list, King Charles Spaniels, are a very popular family dog. They rank consistently in the top 20 most popular breeds in the U.S. While most commonly sporting a red and white coat, you can also find King Charles Spaniels to be black and tan and tri-colored.

While known for being friendly and intelligent, King Charles Spaniels are prone to various health issues. The most common health issues are ear infections and dental problems. While these little dogs make fantastic pets, don’t be surprised to find yourself in the veterinarian’s office!

Like the English Bulldog, French Bulldogs are short-skulled dogs with squished faces. What sets them apart from other bulldogs? They have pointed, bat-like ears that stick up.

They are sometimes mistaken for a Boston Terrier. While French Bulldogs have been rising in popularity over the past decade, it’s important to understand these dogs commonly exhibit various health problems.

It’s not uncommon for French Bulldogs to have severe underbites. It’s essential to only purchase puppies from reputable breeders that understand genetics.

Severe underbites can result in tooth wear, jaw pain, difficulty eating, or damage to the gums or palette. If your puppy begins to exhibit signs of an underbite, it’s recommended to take them to a veterinarian to see if treatmentis necessary.

Usually, treatment is not necessary. However, there are treatment options if you suspect your dog is experiencing discomfort or pain related to their underbite. Typically, these include extractions, physical therapies, and root canal treatments.

Your local vet is a good place to start! If your dog’s underbite is severe, they will be able to connect you with specialists in your area. Veterinary dentists are specialists that receive extra training to treat oral and dental issues in your pet.

For most dogs, it is simply the result of genetics. This is especially true if you have a short-skull or small breed. In rarer cases, malocclusion may be the result of trauma. This trauma may have occurred in the womb or early in a dog’s life.

Sometimes, a young dog’s underbite may correct itself. However, it’s most likely that if your puppy is exhibiting an underbite, it will have it throughout its life. This is especially true if you have a brachycephalic or small breed.

If you have a pup with an underbite or are looking at possibly getting one, it’s essential to understand the risk associated with dogs with underbites. While underbites are typically not a problem for most dogs, consult your veterinarian if you’re worried about your dog’s teeth or bite.

Highly recognizable and beloved, brachycephalic breeds make up some of the most popular dogs in the United States, and include charismatic pups like the French Bulldog, Bulldog, and Boxer.

Brachycephalic breeds of dogs can be identified by their shortened snouts or faces that appear flat and, as a result, have narrow nostrils and smaller airways. The term Brachycephalic originates from the Greek words “short” and “head.” The breeds’ wrinkled muzzles and smooshy faces have made them increasingly popular in recent years. But if you’re thinking of adding one to your family, there are certain things you need to take into account.

Because of the unique shape of their faces and airways, brachycephalic dogs sometimes need help with regulating their temperatures during hot and humid weather. Brachycephalic breeds have uniquely structured heads and can struggle to pant enough to cool off, which means they can easily overheat. Access to cool water, fans, and/or air conditioning in hot climates is very important. In addition, some brachycephalic breeds are predisposed to certain skin, eye, or oral health conditions related to the shape of their skull, and the folds or rolls of skin.

Because of these concerns, it is extremely important to seek out a responsible breeder when looking for a flat-faced puppy. Responsible breeders do health testing and breed healthy, happy brachycephalic dogs with little to no issues.

Brachycephalic breeds can be more prone to medical emergencies while flying on planes than other types of dogs. Not only are they more sensitive to humidity and warm temperatures, but they also can struggle to breathe when stressed or during altitude changes. Some airlines have begun putting bans or limits on brachycephalic breeds for their safety and protection. If you are planning to travel with your brachycephalic dog, talk with your veterinarian and your airline in advance of your trip.

There are special considerations to keep in mind when it comes to exercise for brachycephalic breeds. Some flatter-faced dogs do struggle to self-regulate their temperatures during and after exercise. Talk with your dog’s breeder and vet about what activities are a good fit.

You want to be especially cautious to not overexert these dogs, especially in warm or humid weather, but exercise is still important to make sure they remain fit and healthy. Many brachycephalic breeds excel in dog sports and are successful and happy competing in fast-paced activities such as Agility and Fast CAT.

Sometimes called “monkey dogs,” Affenpinschers are confident, curious, and often seem almost humanlike. These small dogs resemble Star Wars Ewoks and Wookies. Affenpinschers have a reputation for being both loyal and entertaining.

Active and loyal, Boxers are naturally protective of their home and families and need positive socialization with lots of people and other animals early in life. Boxers are often known to be a bit silly, but are also alert and energetic.

This is one of the most easily identified breeds. The Bulldog’s rolling gait, wrinkled head, pushed-in nose, flat face, and undershot jaw make them an endearing companion.

Weighing in at 5-15 pounds, the Brussels Griffon is a tiny but fun dog. Known for its big personality that’s also very humanlike, this breed is alert, social, energetic, and very trainable.

One of the largest breeds, the Bullmastiff is a strong guardian that is highly protective of their home and family. Bullmastiffs were developed by crossing Bulldogs and Mastiffs. This intelligent and alert dog is very trainable and loyal.

Assertive and confident are two words often used to describe the Cane Corso. This breed is a natural protector that dates back to the Roman empire. Alert and powerful, Cane Corsos are loyal and extremely trainable. This large guardian breed will naturally be very protective of its home and family, making early training and socialization important.

Originating in ancient China, the Chow Chow is a distinctive breed known for its blue-black tongue and lion-like mane and coat. Chow Chows are clean and fastidious dogs that are aloof with strangers and loyal and devoted to their families.

This giant breed was first developed in France and has the proportionately largest head of all dog breeds. Known as sensitive and yet stubborn, the Dogue de Bordeaux is loyal and protective and excels with training.

In England, the English Toy Spaniel is called the King Charles Spaniel, not to be confused with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a separate breed. English Toy Spaniels have a flatter face than their Cavalier cousins.

One of the most popular breeds, the charismatic French Bulldog has a distinctive appearance. With large, bat-shaped ears and a sweet temperament, the French Bulldog is alert, affectionate, playful, and adaptable. These dogs do well living in cities, which has only increased their popularity.

As the name implies, this breed originated in Japan. With a silky coat and big eyes, the Japanese Chin is known for its perpetual “look of astonishment” and is an affectionate lapdog. This is a dog who loves spending time with their people and is known to be quiet, graceful, and easy to live with.

This breed dates back more than a thousand years to Tibet. The Lhasa Apsos are known for their long floor-length coat and require regular grooming. Originally, they were indoor guardians in the palaces and monasteries. Still maintaining those alert tendencies, this confident and small breed is known to be aloof with strangers but very affectionate with families.

Charming and confident, this is a confident, small dog that bonds closely with family. Originally developed to live in palaces, the Pekingese is a regal dog with a lion-like mane. Pekingese are excellent watchdogs and known for being very opinionated.

A highly recognizable breed, the Pug was originally bred to be a companion to the Chinese emperors. Pugs are extremely expressive and are known to amuse their families with their mischievous antics. These little dogs are very playful and active by nature, and bond closely with their people.

Lively and affectionate, the Shih Tzu was also bred to live within royal palaces. A loyal companion, the breed is ideal for small homes or apartments. Friendly dogs that do well with children, Shih Tzus are ideal lapdogs and known for their loyalty and sweet expressions.

An overbite might not seem like a serious condition for your dog, but severely misaligned teeth can lead to difficulty eating, gum injuries and bruising, bad breath and different types of dental problems, including tooth decay and gingivitis. Fortunately, there are ways to help fix the problem before it becomes irreversible.

An overbite is a genetic, hereditary condition where a dog"s lower jaw is significantly shorter than its upper jaw. This can also be called an overshot jaw, overjet, parrot mouth, class 2 malocclusion or mandibular brachynathism, but the result is the same – the dog"s teeth aren"t aligning properly. In time, the teeth can become improperly locked together as the dog bites, creating even more severe crookedness as the jaw cannot grow appropriately.

This problem is especially common in breeds with narrow, pointed muzzles, such as collies, shelties, dachshunds, German shepherds, Russian wolfhounds and any crossbred dogs that include these ancestries.

Dental examinations for puppies are the first step toward minimizing the discomfort and effects of an overbite. Puppies can begin to show signs of an overbite as early as 8-12 weeks old, and by the time a puppy is 10 months old, its jaw alignment will be permanently set and any overbite treatment will be much more challenging. This is a relatively narrow window to detect and correct overbites, but it is not impossible.

Small overbites often correct themselves as the puppy matures, and brushing the dog"s teeth regularly to prevent buildup can help keep the overbite from becoming more severe. If the dog is showing signs of an overbite, it is best to avoid any tug-of-war games that can put additional strain and stress on the jaw and could exacerbate the deformation.

If an overbite is more severe, dental intervention may be necessary to correct the misalignment. While this is not necessary for cosmetic reasons – a small overbite may look unsightly, but does not affect the dog and invasive corrective procedures would be more stressful than beneficial – in severe cases, a veterinarian may recommend intervention. There are spacers, braces and other orthodontic accessories that can be applied to a dog"s teeth to help correct an overbite. Because dogs" mouths grow more quickly than humans, these accessories may only be needed for a few weeks or months, though in extreme cases they may be necessary for up to two years.

If the dog is young enough, however, tooth extraction is generally preferred to correct an overbite. Puppies have baby teeth, and if those teeth are misaligned, removing them can loosen the jaw and provide space for it to grow properly and realign itself before the adult teeth come in. Proper extraction will not harm those adult teeth, but the puppy"s mouth will be tender after the procedure and because they will have fewer teeth for several weeks or months until their adult teeth have emerged, some dietary changes and softer foods may be necessary.

An overbite might be disconcerting for both you and your dog, but with proper care and treatment, it can be minimized or completely corrected and your dog"s dental health will be preserved.

As a dog that originally lived with Chinese aristocracy and eventually spent their days at the Imperial Palace, the Japanese chin is considered by many to be royalty.

The Japanese chin is a very old toy breed that, despite his name, is thought to have originated in China centuries ago. It is commonly believed that the Chinese so admired these dogs that the Chinese Emperor gave a pair to the Emperor of Japan. Once in Japan, the chin was kept in the hands of nobility and used as gifts to very special people.

In 1853, Commodore Perry made his famous visit to Japan, which opened up the island nation to the world. While he was there, he was presented with several Japanese chins. He subsequently gave the Chins as gifts, with a pair going to Queen Victoria, a pair to Admiral Perry’s daughter, and two to the President, thus allowing the Chin to make it to England and North America.

During World War I, the importation of Japanese chins into America was halted. But, this did not destroy the breed in the United States. American breeders simply maintained and improved the breed with the stock they already had. Over time, the popularity of the chin waned and their numbers diminished. Thankfully, there were breeders throughout the world that kept the breed alive. The dog had been known as the Japanese spaniel. In 1977, the name of the breed was officially changed to the Japanese chin

The Japanese chin is a dainty and aristocratic toy breed with a distinctive oriental expression. They have a large head and a small, undershot jaw. Their eyes are almond shaped and set far apart, giving an expressive appearance. The Japanese chin has ears shaped like an upside down V covered with long, silky hair. The coat is silky, soft and straight. The coat comes in black and white, lemon and white, or red and white. The tail is heavily feathered and carried over the back. This regal little dog stands 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder and the weight is 4 to 11 pounds.

The Japanese chin uses his paws to wash his face very much like a cat, hence the name chin meaning cat-like. The breed is an ideal companion. He has the charm, gracefulness, and intelligence of a fine nobleman.

The Japanese chin is a sensitive, intelligent dog who lives only to please his master. The breed is affectionate and responsive with those they know and love, but are reserved with strangers and new situations. Chins are devoted to their families and have a deep bark for his size, which makes him an acceptable watchdog.

Due to their flat faces, the Japanese chin is prone to breathing difficulties in hot and cold weather. It is important to keep these dogs indoors during excessive temperatures.

Enzo is the Hawthorne Hills Veterinary Hospital Pet of the Month for May. Everyone knows that puppies need vaccines to keep them healthy and protected from diseases. However, it can be easy to underestimate the benefits of thorough and regular examinations when puppies are growing into adulthood. Every breed has special characteristics that make them unique and add to their appeal and sometimes there are physical changes that need to be addressed quickly. For this reason our veterinarians believe in examinations with every vaccine, especially during a puppy’s formative months.

Enzo is a short-haired Havanese and he was born with his lower jaw shorter than the upper jaw. This is called an Overbite, also referred to as an Overshot Jaw, a Parrot Mouth or Mandibular Brachygnathism. This malocclusion is a genetic change and can be seen in a number of breeds, oftentimes collie related breeds and dachshunds. Occasionally this change happens because of differences in the growth of the upper and lower jaws, and in many cases it doesn’t cause any significant problems other than cosmetically.

Dr. Robin Riedinger evaluated Enzo at his first visit when he was just 11 weeks of age and while the lower jaw was too short, there was no evidence of damage and no indication that this was causing a problem for Enzo. When there is abnormal occlusion of the teeth, it is important to monitor closely for trouble caused by the teeth being aligned improperly. Malocclusions can lead to gum injuries, puncturing of the hard palate, abnormal positioning of adjacent teeth, abnormal wear and bruising of the teeth, permanent damage and subsequent death of one or more teeth, and in the long run, premature loss of teeth. Some malocclusions can be severe enough to interfere with normal eating and drinking.

Within three weeks, when Enzo was only 3.5 months old, it was clear that our doctors would need to intervene. The left and right sides of Enzo’s upper jaw (maxilla) were growing at different rates because the lower canine teeth were being trapped by the upper canine teeth. This is called Dental Interlock. Because the teeth are ‘locked’ in place, the lower jaw cannot grow symmetrically and this creates a number of other problems. Early intervention is critical.

The solution for Dental Interlock is to extract the teeth from the shorter jaw; in this case, the lower ‘baby’ canines and thereby allow the lower jaw (mandible) to grow in the best way possible. This procedure is most effective when the Dental Interlock is discovered early and the extractions are performed quickly. In some cases, this can be as early as ten weeks of age. Dr. Riedinger consulted with a local veterinary dental specialist to confirm the treatment plan and to get advice on extracting the deciduous teeth without damaging the developing adult canines. Dental radiographs are essential to proper extraction technique and also to ensure that there are no other abnormalities below the gumline.

You can see how long the roots of the deciduous ‘baby’ teeth are. During normal growth, the body will begin to resorb the roots, making them loose, and allow them to fall out as the adult tooth begins to emerge. When we need to remove the deciduous teeth before they are loose, it can be quite tricky to remove the tooth carefully without breaking it and without injuring the adjacent teeth.

Once extracted, each deciduous canine tooth was about 2 centimeters long; the roots were about 1.5 centimeters. Many people are surprised to learn that the root of a dog’s tooth is so large – 2/3 to 3/4 of the tooth is below the gumline. This is one reason why it is so important to use radiographs to evaluate teeth on a regular basis, not just in a growing puppy. Adult teeth can, and frequently do, have problems that are only visible with a radiograph.

Enzo came through his procedure extremely well. He was given pain medications for comfort and had to eat canned foods and avoid chewing on his toys for the next two weeks to ensure that the gum tissue healed properly. As he continues to grow we will be monitoring how his jaw develops and Dr. Riedinger will also be watching the alignment of his adult canine teeth when they start to emerge around six months of age. Hopefully this early intervention will minimize problems for Enzo in the future.

This story in the UK"s Daily Mail in February of this year saw me returning to the website link time and time again, after being both captivated and astonished with how a two-legged dog (with an undershot jaw) had survived on the streets of China for so many years.

A two-legged stray dog has given birth to a litter of puppies in China - and all of their legs are in full working order. The stray, which was named Si Bao by an owner who later abandoned her, gave birth to four healthy puppies near Kouguan railway station in Datong, Shanxi Province in the north of the country.

Shi Bao was made one of the city"s many strays after her owner moved out of the neighbourhood and decided not to take her with him, but became well known locally when she lost her two rear legs after being hit by a speeding train two years ago. Balancing on just her forelegs, Shi Bao nuzzles her puppies lovingly as she takes them for a walk in the area around the train station.

Apparently run over by a train, Si Bao had not only recovered from her trauma, but had even had multiple pups since, and was raising her latest litter with the help and kindness of the local railway staff of the Kouguan railway station in Datong city, Shanxi Province.

Carrot, our wonderful staff member in Guangzhou, immediately began making enquiries, contacting the staff at the station and gaining their permission for us to adopt Si Bao and her pups. Coincidentally, as we discovered, caring people from across the world were also following up the story and offering these two street dogs a home. In particular, Rebecca from Canada, Sissel from Norway, and Karene from the USA were all working together in a network of help which, in a combined effort of all, saw Si Bao and her sickly pups finally being taken in to the loving care of Dr Xue and his team at the Datong Meilian Zhonghe Veterinary Hospital.

Tragically, after a long, hard life on the streets, three of Si Bao’s pups eventually passed away of distemper, with the fourth pup beating the odds and surviving.......by a whisker. The legacy of the disease has left her with a permanent neurological problem where she "nods" non stop, but is otherwise, thankfully, now fit and well.

During the time they were cared for by Dr Xue and his staff, we all received regular updates of their progress and were thrilled with the news that Si Bao had a beautiful temperament, and welcomed everyone with a friendly wag of her tail.

Finally well enough to leave Dr Xue"s clinic and, as we have a quarantine garden at our bear rescue centre, Sissel, Rebecca and Karene, all happily agreed that both Si Bao and her pup could come to our bear sanctuary in Chengdu.

At that point our brilliant Veterinary Support Manager, Wen Yan, travelled to Datong to fetch Si Bao (whose name means Four Treasures) and her pup Xiao Hua (Little Flower) and they were finally with us on site.

Since then, they"ve had multiple staff and volunteers in our vet department caring for them, as they"ve finished off their quarantine, preventing any disease threat to our bears and other resident dogs and cats. And as you can see from the photo below, taken by Saladin Zhu, there is no shortage of help!

Dogs as well as people here in China can have both a Chinese and Western name. So Si Bao was also given an English name of Lelly by none other than UK actress, Lesley Nicol, who plays cook Mrs Patmore in Downton Abbey. Lesley"s nickname as a child had been Lelly, and she thought that the name would suit Si Bao too.

The little pup, Xiao Hua, was originally given an English nickname of Faith by Sissel from Norway but, in the hope she doesn"t mind, this cutest little girl who has also captured everyone"s hearts is now named Muddie. On the surface, not a particularly beautiful name but, after a brainwave by my sister Anne, it also has some sentiment behind it too.

Vet nurse Vicki and I have long commented that Xiao Hua looks like Muppet, one of the two dogs we share. And, now she"s maturing, she also reminds me of my beautiful dog of 14 years, Eddie, who died earlier this month and was featured on the blog recently too.

As our sanctuary has quite a few resident dogs and cats, Lelly and Muddie"s next adventure will be leaving Chengdu in a few weeks, to live permanently with my other four legged family in Hong Kong............and perhaps fill a little of the gap on the floor that Eddie left behind.

Our Amazing vet team and volunteers who are looking after her on site - nurses, Wendy, Vicki, and Emily, vets Mandala, Eddie and Jen, and volunteers, Lauren, Nat, Emily and Sarah.