I'm judging my first match night in a couple of weeks and are there any breeds were the exhibitors show the dogs teeth themselves rather than the judge looking in the dog's mouth?  I know some rottie exhibitors do this but is a 'done' thing in any other breeds?  I don't want to upset any puppies (or exhibitors!)

Sometimes with a shy puppy the judge will ask an exhibitor to show them the teeth rather than scare the puppy. Is this your first judging? I've done the novelty classes at companion shows but have never done a match night let alone an open show! Good luck!

I actually ask all handlers to show me their dogs teeth from a hygene point of view & I simply prefer not to open dogs mouths

Never had anyone have a problem with it

The pekes of course do not have their mouths opened at all as there is no mention of teeth(as in the bite)in the breed standard
<Mouth Level lips, must not show teeth or tongue. Firm under-jaw essential. >

Think the owner of bull terriers might show the teeth rather than the judge (but not SBTs so as to not confuse) ;)

I normally look in all dogs mouths myself.  With a puppy if they back away slightly I will jst lift the lip and will not consider the bite so not a scare them (go into training mode!) With those breeds of which do not show mouths (pekes, chins) leave be.  I have never had a problem looking in a rotties mouth.  I know some judges do ask each owner if they are OK with having teeth looked at so don't be afarid to do this if you want.  Also bear in mind not every handler is good at showing dogs teeth.  Some have no-idea because they have never needed to, the judge would always look in the mouth! :)  Bear also in mind a good handler who can show teeth perfectly could hide a slight fault ;)

Also don't forget to take the breed standard book with you if you have a copy and if not done so allready ask the organisers which breeds they have so you can read them breed standards before you go! :) 

>Bear also in mind a good handler who can show teeth perfectly could hide a slight fault <

LOL not under a trained GSD judge ;) especially as we count teeth in GSDs & are probably stricter with teeth than most breeds

If you do opt for opening the dogs mouths remember to have anti bacterial wipes to use between each dog

Is that because the judges know that ALL the handlers are good though?  :D

Think watching GSD judging could be an experiance.  I have heard things about thoughourness. 

LOLOL No it's because you are taught to look at all sorts of mouths good & bad as part of the training & also how to spot a handler trying to hide a fault like missing teeth

I had one handler who is also a judge trying to hide no less than 5 missing teeth(not just pre molars) He was very miffed when I noticed. other judges didn't(must admit they were not trained GSD judges)& the dog got made up & two of the judges were all rounders who opened the mouth themselves :O

To be honest at match level I would only ask to see the bite as after all it is really only a practice for "proper"shows for most dogs & there are a lot of puppies usually & one bad experience can spoil a dog. So my aim is to make being handled a pleasant experience for the dogs as well as judging them against the breed standard

Thanks for the replies everyone - I'll let you know how I get on!

Emma