I am about to purchase a Rhodesian Ridgeback. He is the runt of the litter. The breeder says he has a slight overbite (his lower jaw totally lined up with the upper jaw.) What are the cons of getting a runt? And is an overbite a big deal?
2006-11-11 15:09:13 · 15 answers · asked by Recreantess 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Just make sure you have a health guarantee and have your vet check the puppy after you get it. The overbite is no big deal and if it is healthy otherwise, there shouldn't be a problem. My daughter bought my grandson a golden retriever puppy a few years ago. She was the runt of the litter, but that is the one he wanted. She has been a wonderful dog and pet.
2006-11-11 15:16:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as the dog is eating well, being a runt doesn't matter much- he simply had the lowest birth-weight out of his litter. Make sure the dog is 8-10 weeks old, and that he has been seen by a vet and received all his puppy shots, deworming, physical, etc. If the breeder has done all that, don't be worried over his runt-status.
As for the overbite, that's mostly superficial. Again, if the dog can eat okay (if you're worried, ask to watch him eat or give him a dog treat or something) then it's not a big deal. He just won't have a perfect smile. Some breeds, like Pugs and Bulldogs, are more often seen with an over or underbite than without one! It normally doesn't affect their life at all.
If I were you, I would just enjoy your wonderful new friend! :-)
2006-11-11 15:13:30 · answer #2 · answered by Dreamer 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Runts are usually the youngest pup of the litter, sometimes they can be a little smaller than the others when they are growing up but will usually end up just as large as the others once they are done growing. An overbite is usually when the top jaw passes the bottom jaw - so the top row of teeth would extend further than the bottom set. An overbite isn't a big deal as long as it doesn't interfere with the pups eating, if his teeth are lined up it doesn't sound like he has an overbite though.
2006-11-11 15:17:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The runt of the litter is usually the last one born and quite often the smallest. Also if they are pedigree, the runt is the one with the most faults.
The overbite is nothing to be concerned about, just don't breed with him.
Ask if he is clear of any other inherited faults. Not that you will breed with him, just so that you are aware of any possible problems.
As said before, runts quite often grow to the same size as litter mates once it doesnt have to compete with the others.
Love him and enjoy him. Ridgebacks are wonderful dogs.
2006-11-11 15:33:00 · answer #4 · answered by Feline Female 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he is healthy in all other ways, the overbite in not a problem. make sure he can eat OK and that he has had is shots etc and go for it. The runts usually turn out to be great dogs.
2006-11-11 15:34:43 · answer #5 · answered by MANDYLBH 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The overbite is only a slight problem. The runt is also the littlest at birth, but should grow up healthy with good care.
2006-11-11 15:17:51 · answer #6 · answered by Mariposa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't have a pure breed dog, but when we got our dog he was the runt of the litterand no longer then a dollar bill and weighed less than a pound, there is usually nothing wrong with them. If you are planning to show or breed him then that may or may not be a problem. Our dog is the smallest of all of our dogs, but he is also the "alpha dog" he thinks he rules the roost. Hope this helps and CONGRATULATIONS on your new puppy. He is actually and Dauchshund/Shih-tzu mix and he is a normal size Dauchshund.Here is a picture of my "runt dog" he is right behind the big dog on Santa's lap.
2006-11-11 15:26:31 · answer #7 · answered by orca7979 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
alot of times, the runt of the litter comes out to be just as healthy as the first born. it just depends on how well it is taken care of. the overbite shouldn't be a problem. it will make him look really cute, and intimidate the other dogs in the neighborhood.
2006-11-11 15:22:25 · answer #8 · answered by froggyfrogplay 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I bought a german shepard runt and their is no con with having her at all. She also has an overbite (maybe it runs in runts?) and she has ajusted to that, looks like you have no problem.
2006-11-11 15:17:37 · answer #9 · answered by Jota 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The strangest thing about runts is that they almost always end up being just as big as they should be, so if your hoping it will stay smaller than normal don't count on it. an overbite in no big deal :-)
2006-11-11 15:13:55 · answer #10 · answered by me 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋