Noticed one of my dogs has broken one of his top front teeth - one of the small ones right next to the canine tooth - probably about half of it is gone.  So just wondering, will this matter if he goes to a show - being at the front it is noticeable, like when the judge checks the bite...

For some it will fro others not, it just might be a deciding factor.  I think a lot would depend on age.  A chipped tooth in a Veteran would not be penalised, but one in a youngster whose teeth would be expected to have not had any ravages of time might be viewed differently.

My Veteran champion bitch had to have that tooth nearest the upper canine removed, and has a letter giving permission to show (as it was an op), so will see this year how it affects her placings.

The dog has just turned 4 - I think he has done it chewing a marrow bone.

I don't show (I don't enjoy it), but surely if it is accidental damage, rather than a fault, how can that be penalised?

It shouldn't be a problem as the judge can see that the tooth is there, just broken. If there was a fault in the dentition (eg teeth missing) then it would be regarded much more seriously. One of the Siberian Husky "Breed Greats" - Ch. Innisfree Sierra Cinnar- had a chunk of his ear missing - the result of a kennel fight. It didn't stop him becoming a multiple champion, going Best In Show at Westminster and achieving 30 other Best In Show wins.

I have just been speaking to my friend about it - her dog at age 3 broke a lower front tooth - and she said judges have picked up on it in the ring, so she just says it is a working injury (though the dog isn't a working dog at all), but she says that way she can get away with it.

> Ch. Innisfree Sierra Cinnar- had a chunk of his ear missing

I think I read somewhere that the Beagle that won this years Westminster (USA) BIS has a bit missing out of it's ear.

I would agree if it is obviously damaged and not missing from birth it shouldn't make difference, though a young dog loosing teeth could be argued as a fault in having weak teeth (not talking chipped/broken but missing).

Until Jozi had to have her cracked tooth removed I have never had a dog loose a tooth even at 13 1/2 the vets commented on my Elka's excellent teeth.

I have a friend whose dog did really well in the show ring until she broke her front tooth whilst playing.  Her daughter who did very well in the ring has done exactly the same recently also

Sadly my dog lost a tooth whilst very young in a tugging contest.My vet was and still is willing to write a letter saying it was lost in an accident.However it has never been an issue luckily and he managed to qualify for crufts,get BOB etc.So luckily it hasn't been an issue.Lesson learnt Tug toys,husband and dog do not  mix.He did crack a tooth when runnining full pelt into our trailer last summer.It was badly discoloured and had a hair line crack.The discolouration was due to a bleed in the tooth.The vet made some enquires and it would have cost £1500 to repair and cap.The insurance was thinking about paying as it was caused by an accident but I worried about GA and treatment.I hate the dentist!However after a few weeks the crack sealed itself the discolouration has gone.

So have you ever been asked by a judge about it, or has it been commented on?

Never ever,even at his breed Champ show where he got best novice and 3rd yearling.The only person who commented on it was the breeder of my other dog and only after I asked for her opinion of showing him as she is a championship judge.She mentioned the going to the vets and getting a letter.But said it would be fine as it wasn't genetic.

Shouldn't be a problem if the remainder of the tooth is still in the right place? One of my (champion) boys had a broken tooth at the front. As the rest of the tooth was in place, and still in line it didn't affect his bite - or his chances. He won several more CCs after breaking the tooth :-)

My girl Kira broke her tooth (pointy canine) when she was 8 months old. She is now 6 years old. Since she was a pup, she won a RCC at nine months old, and has since won 2 x CC's and another RCC. I wouldn't worry about it at all, dogs have got to live normal lives, and will have accidents.

Kay

Thanks everyone for replies - general feeling seems to be that there is no problem, so I won't worry about it now!
  Hilda