PUREnvy

We (my step-daughter and I) have never really been overly focused on placing in shows, it was more for the experience and fun of it. All things considered I think we will look into obedience / agility or possibly both. We’ll get more involved with some of the breed clubs before we start and maybe look for another pup for conformation shows at some point. I’d like to experience all aspects of showing, confirmation shows were just where we thought we would start but makes little difference either way. I’m sure my step-daughter will enjoy it all the same. Thanks to everyone for your replies.

It was quite difficult to take the photo... using one hand trying to show her bite as best I could while holding my phone in the other. It doesn’t appear to bother her in any way as yet. Also I’m not sure I would consider this a ‘major’ fault... a fault yes because it is not a scissor bite per the breed standard but is by no means severely undershot (in my opinion).

here is a photo of her bite... i know anything other than correct scissor bite is a fault but this doesn’t seem so bad to me?!! there is no actual gap, i.e. her top teeth touch the bottom... perhaps more of a reverse scissor bite? any thoughts appreciated!

Our vet is involved quite a bit in showing just with a different breed and isn’t overly familiar with Staffords in regards to showing. There is a noticeable gap in the bite, at least a few mm, definitely not a level bite. I was going to try measure today and get some photos. It would be wonderful if it did correct but I’m a little doubtful at this point that it will.

I also wanted to ask... for future reference are their any signs as a very young pup that might indicate malocclusion? if there aren’t already obvious signs. from what I understand their jaw bones change quite a bit until around the 10 month mark??

I understand that malocclusion can be a serious issue but as I said she had been checked regularly by our vet and it had gone unnoticed until this most recent health check. Her teeth were perfect as a young pup and no issues were evident. We do not have any experience in showing and did not receive advice from the breeder in this respect so had very little go on in terms of what to look out for. We relied quite strongly on our vets opinions in respect of her health and well-being. I should clarify that although our girl was purchased with showing in mind, she was intended to be a pet first and foremost. We have only just begun her training this past month and the research I mentioned has been pretty much all my spare time in the past month also. I still have a long way to go. Both my step-daughter and myself have no issues with not placing, we didn’t really have any intention of being competitive showers. It was just for fun and if she places it’s a bonus. I have already spoken with the breeder who doesn’t believe it is an issue, but I would prefer independent adivce. I appreciate your advice and suggestions will ask judges for their views.

Thanks for your reply! I’m not sure the term short nose is accurate but there are definitely some Staffords that appear to have a much longer nose. I’ve tried to contact state club a number of time but haven’t answered as yet, will continue trying was hoping someone on this forum might have some first hand experience. The vet didn’t really say whether it was considered slight or severe, so I don’t have anything to compare it against. Any thoughts on what might still be passable?

I bought her from a very well-known breeder who regularly participates in shows with success. Viewed both sire and dam prior to purchase who both were of exceptional quality and great temperment. Sire had a lot of champions in his lineage and was a champion in his own right, and as best I can recall Dam had success in the show ring also. She was purchased for showing but promised my step-daughter she could do our girl’s first show so waited for her to reach 12 months. Im trying to be impartial when I say that she is of outstanding quality, obviously with the exception of her undershot jaw. I haven’t got any experience with showing but have put a bit of time into researching as it is a strong interest. Without having participated in any shows though I’m unsure of how she would compare to others in her breed given this fault.

I have a 12 month old English Staffordshire Bull Terrier who my step-daughter was super keen on showing. We went for annual health check and vet noticed our girl has an undershot jaw. We’ve had multiple vet appointments and it has never been picked up before. I realise that the jaw won’t correct itself. I spoke with the breeder who told me that it’s common in this breed for bitches / dogs with the better heads (short nose) to have this issue and it shouldn’t really affect showing. I was was hoping to get some advice from people who regularly show Staffords about whether this fault is likely to disqualify her? I’ve read the breed standard which states “should possess a prefect regular and complete scissor bite, set square to the jaws” It also states “many Staffords have undershot jaws and it affects the dogs wellbeing, it’s ability to eat and in some cases the dog is unable to close their mouth. With this in mind the dog should be penalised accordingly” - I’m not sure if this means that she can still be shown but obviously will affect her results if other entrants do not have this particular issue or if this means that this would disqualify her completely?! In all other aspects our girl seems exceptional and it would be very disappointing if this would exclude her completely. Thanks in in advance for any and all advice given.

Hi, I was wondering if anyone can tell me if MDBA pedigree pups can participate in dog shows? I have contacted Dogs Queensland who advised they cannot participate in ANKC dog shows and are not eligible to be reregistered with Dogs Queensland. I’m not against Dogs Queensland registered breeders or anything but I also don’t want to rule out MDBA breeders either. New to the the whole dog show side of things and having a bit of trouble wrapping my mind around it all. Cannot seem to locate any any other dog shows outside of ANKC, if there even are any??