Chihuahua’s Extreme Underbite Tells a Sad Story—But He’s Still the Happiest Pup You’ll Ever Meet
When you lay your eyes on 6-year-old Box for the first time, you’ll instantly notice his severe underbite — the way his small teeth aren’t aligned, how oddly spaced they are, and how they protrude forward more than usual, making his jaw and smile appear undeniably off.
@pawportunities_rescue I’m so grateful to be in rescue. I fall in love with every dog I meet, and otherwise fear I would have become a hoarder. Meet the newest baby I am struggling to not take home, and make a part of my family. Box is a 6 year old Chihuahua that was surrendered to us by a backyard breeder. He has a severe underbite due to the poor breeding practices from which he came. And while it’s sad that his genetics were affected, it only further contributed to his endearing charm. 🥹 He loves attention, flirts to get it, and will faint like a goat for belly rubs. His tail wags continuously, and he gives the most tender and gentle kisses. Can you help us find this little nugget a forever home to call his own by liking, commenting, and sharing this post? His adoption *may* come with required updates and visits.😆🙏🏼 #pawportunities #rescue #shelter #animal #animalrescue #animalshelter #adoptdontshop #adoptme #adopt #fosteringsaveslives #foster #kansas #missouri #kansascity #midwest #heartland #dog #puppies #Bettertogether #bethedifference #spayandneuter #chihuahua #love ♬ Proof of a dog – Josie Balka
While this underbite is the one thing that sets this lovely Chihuahua apart from the rest of the dogs at Pawportunities Animal Rescue in Blue Springs, Missouri, his real beauty lies in his endearing personality that refuses to be anything but affectionate, playful, and full of hope.
A Victim of Backyard Breeding
The way Box carries himself with positivity will make you conclude he’s grown up knowing love and kindness. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.
Sweet Box was not bred to be healthy or happy; he was just bred for profit. Box’s underbite is a result of backyard breeding, and even though he was brought into this world in a cruel manner, he moves through life with a next-level kind of hope only seen in resilient souls.
Box found himself at the shelter after being surrendered by a backyard breeder. He knows that he can’t undo the past; all he knows is that he is a pup who still sees the good in people, even those who selfishly played with his genetics. Box is ready to give his whole heart to the person who’ll choose him — not out of pity but out of a desire to cherish his physical imperfections. And if we’re being honest, Box’s underbite isn’t a flaw. It’s the one thing that makes him unforgettable. After all, who said physical beauty is all perfection?
But most importantly, Box’s underbite serves as a daily reminder of everything he’s overcome in the past.
Will You Give Box a Chance?
Life at the shelter is confusing for Box. His tiny kennel, the unfamiliar noises, and the endless waiting are making him scared. But even though he isn’t feeling his best at the shelter, he still manages to show off his sweet side to staff and volunteers.
Box never forgets to wag his tail whenever someone comes to check on her, never forgets to give kisses, and never forgets to beg to be petted. We have a feeling that physical touch is Box’s top love language because the way he leans in and melts into any gentle hands that touch his trembling body is just out of this world.
Another amazing thing about Box? He won’t spend a second worrying about why he looks different from the rest. He rocks his one-of-a-kind underbite smile like it’s the rarest thing in existence, and we wish we could borrow even a quarter of his confidence.
Above all, pretty little Box just yearns to leave the shelter for good and land on a welcoming doorstep. If you’d love to offer him the forever home he craves, learn more about his adoption process here.
Dogs With Underbites: Here’s What You Need to Know
Dog underbite — classified as a type of Canine Malocclusion by veterinary dentists — is a condition where a dog’s lower teeth (adult teeth or baby teeth) push forward further than the upper teeth instead of aligning properly, resulting in a misaligned jaw.
Usually, underbites are commonly seen in brachycephalic dog breeds such as Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Boxers, Pugs, and Boston Terriers. These breeds have been selectively bred to have a mild underbite, such that it’s considered a normal part of their signature look. But beyond this, dog underbites can arise due to poor breeding practices. In such cases, the underbite can be quite exaggerated, causing real discomfort to the affected dog.
Oftentimes, the mild cases of dog underbite seen in brachycephalic breeds are nothing more than a quirky physical trait. However, dogs with severe underbites tend to experience struggles like painful tooth-to-soft-tissue contact, painful tooth-to-tooth contact, and eating difficulties.
“Underbites (otherwise known as an undershot jaw or Class III Malocclusion) occur when the lower jaw is relatively long compared to the upper jaw. Underbites are considered “normal” for some breeds, but they can still cause dental problems and pain if the teeth of the upper jaw dig into the lower gums or teeth when the pet closes their mouth,” the veterinarian team at Malvern Veterinary Hospital explains.
Health Struggles of Dog Breeds With Underbites (And Treatment)
Besides experiencing pain or discomfort, dogs with underbites are often prone to dental health problems like gum disease and periodontal disease. So, if your pup has misaligned teeth, you need to be extra keen on dental care to reduce their risk of persistent dental issues.
Not all cases of underbite need treatment, particularly if the condition isn’t causing the dog pain. However, if a dog with underbite is having discomfort or pain, the treatment options may include selective tooth extractions, orthodontic therapy, or oral surgery, depending on how mild or severe the underbite is.
