dog overbites and crossbites

Question
Hello,

Thanks for taking time to help me out. I am considering getting a boykin spaniel puppy from a friend who is a breeder. He is between 6 and 11 months. His bite crossed from behind on the left to infront on the right and as a result his right lower canine tooth has not come in or has been broken.  What will this condition mean for him?  Also my sister has a dog with an underbite - what do you know about those>  

Answer
Thanks for your questions.  These are both defects.  To start off with the cross bite that you discribed is a defect that can be passed on the puppies of you are thinking about using him for breeding of any kind.  With a bite that bad the breeder should have the price discounted alot compared to the rest of the dogs or puppies that he is selling.  Make sure that you are not giving to much for a defective dog.  I know that shih tzu tend to have alot of underbites and they discount the price on them if they have a major underbite.  Now as far as that goes underbites are not going to prevent the dog from eating or breathing or anyting like that.  Its just an abnormal bite pattern that alot of dogs have...bulldogs....shih tzus....boston terriers....are just a few of the many.  Its not anything to worry about and can sometimes be kind of cute in a way.  Just make sure with the boykin that it isnt to bad to where it will cause him eating problems later in life.  Hope this helps.  Mail me back if you need anything.

Kati