Do Shetland Sheepdogs have bad teeth?

Shelties are prone to specific dental problems due to their long, narrow muzzle. The most notable is lingually displaced (base narrow) canine teeth, where the lower canines angle inward and can contact the palate. They also tend toward tooth crowding and early periodontal disease. Regular dental care and early veterinary evaluation are especially important for this breed.

What are base narrow canines in Shelties?

Base narrow (lingually displaced) canines are lower canine teeth that angle inward toward the tongue rather than pointing straight up. In Shelties, the tips of these teeth can contact or pierce the roof of the mouth (palate) when the dog closes its mouth, causing chronic pain and soft tissue injury. This is one of the most common dental findings in Shetland Sheepdogs and requires veterinary dental treatment — either crown reduction, interceptive orthodontics, or extraction.

When should a Sheltie puppy have its first dental evaluation?

Every Sheltie puppy should have a dental evaluation at 4–6 months when permanent teeth are erupting. This timing is critical because interceptive orthodontic options (like ball therapy or inclined planes to redirect tooth eruption) are still available at this stage. Waiting until 12 months means canine teeth may already be fully positioned and harder to treat.

How often should a Sheltie have professional teeth cleaning?

Most Shelties benefit from professional dental cleaning every 6 months due to their small size, narrow jaw, and predisposition to periodontal disease. Professional cleanings should include full-mouth dental X-rays, complete gum pocket probing, scaling and polishing, and evaluation of canine tooth positioning.

Can Sheltie dental problems be prevented?

Periodontal disease in Shelties can be largely prevented with daily brushing and biannual professional cleanings. Malocclusion issues like lingually displaced canines have a genetic component and cannot always be prevented, but early evaluation (4–6 months) means they can be treated before causing significant damage.

Shetland Sheepdog Teeth: Dental Problems, Care & Base Narrow Canines

Shetland Sheepdogs — Shelties — are one of the most elegant, intelligent herding breeds, with their distinctive long narrow muzzle and flowing coat. That elegant narrow muzzle, however, creates one of the most significant dental challenges in the breed: a long jaw with teeth that don’t always have room to grow in the right direction. Shelties rank among the breeds most frequently referred to veterinary dental specialists for complex dental problems, and owners who understand why are far better equipped to prevent them.

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Why Shelties Are Especially Prone to Dental Problems

Shetland Sheepdogs are a small-to-medium breed (15–25 lbs) with a dolichocephalic (long-nosed) skull. Their narrow, elongated muzzle creates a specific set of dental challenges:

Narrow dental arch: The long, narrow jaw means teeth are positioned in a narrower arc than in breeds with wider skulls. Lower canine teeth in particular are often crowded toward the tongue (lingually displaced), potentially contacting the upper palate
Lingually displaced canine teeth (“base narrow canines”): This is one of the most common dental findings in Shelties. The lower canines angle inward toward the tongue rather than pointing straight up, and the tips can contact or penetrate the upper palate. This causes chronic pain, soft tissue injury, and oral infections. It requires veterinary dental intervention — either interceptive orthodontics, crown reduction, or in some cases extraction
Crowding and rotation: Narrow jaw + normal tooth count = frequent tooth crowding and rotation, particularly in the premolar region. Rotated teeth have abnormal wear and create plaque-trapping angles
Scissor bite variability: The breed standard calls for a scissor bite, but Shelties frequently deviate — some develop underbites, overbites, or level bites that cause abnormal tooth contact
Small size: Like other small breeds, Shelties accumulate tartar rapidly in tight interdental spaces

Common Dental Problems in Shetland Sheepdogs

Lingually Displaced (Base Narrow) Canines

The most distinctive dental issue in Shelties. When lower canine teeth angle inward rather than growing vertically, the cusp tips press against or pierce the palatal tissue every time the mouth closes. Signs include:

Palatal dimples or holes directly behind the upper incisors
Redness, swelling, or ulceration of the palate
Reluctance to chew, dropping food, or mouth discomfort
Pain responses when the mouth is opened or examined

Treatment options include interceptive orthodontics (ball therapy or inclined planes in puppies to redirect tooth eruption), crown reduction with vital pulp therapy (shortening the canine so it no longer contacts the palate), or extraction in severe cases. Early intervention in puppies gives the best outcomes — ideally evaluated by a veterinary dentist at 4–6 months before the permanent canines are fully locked in position.

Periodontal Disease

The universal dog dental problem. Shelties’ small size and narrow jaw create tight interdental spaces where plaque accumulates quickly. Without daily brushing and regular professional cleanings, periodontal disease develops early and progresses to significant bone loss by middle age.

Tooth Crowding and Rotation

Narrow jaw + 42 permanent teeth = frequent crowding, particularly of the premolars. Rotated teeth contact opposing teeth at abnormal angles, disrupting normal self-cleaning chewing action and concentrating tartar in unusual positions.

Fractured or Worn Teeth

Shelties are working herding dogs with active chewing habits. Appropriate chew selection matters to avoid tooth fractures.

Signs of Dental Problems in Shelties

Persistent bad breath
Visible tartar on teeth
Reluctance to eat hard food or chew toys; dropping food
Pawing at the mouth or face-rubbing on carpet
Drooling more than usual
Visible holes or redness in the roof of the mouth behind the upper front teeth (lingually displaced canines)
Red or swollen gums
Mouth odor combined with reluctance to have the face touched

How to Care for Sheltie Teeth

Early Veterinary Dental Evaluation — Critical for This Breed

Because of the breed’s predisposition to lingually displaced canines, every Sheltie puppy should have a veterinary dental assessment at 4–6 months when permanent teeth are erupting. This is before the permanent canines have fully erupted and while interceptive options are still available. Don’t wait for the annual exam at 12 months — by then, the canines may be fully in position and harder to redirect.

If your vet is not confident evaluating canine tooth positioning and palatal contact, ask for a referral to a board-certified veterinary dentist.

Daily Brushing

Daily brushing with a small-headed dog toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste is essential. Shelties’ narrow jaws can be challenging to brush thoroughly — work methodically from front to back, paying special attention to the outer surfaces of premolars and molars. Shelties are typically compliant dogs that accept handling well when habituated from puppyhood.

Appropriate Chew Objects

VOHC-approved dental chews in small-to-medium sizes
Bully sticks appropriate to body weight
Rubber chew toys

Avoid hard bones, antlers, and hard nylon chews. Shelties with lingually displaced canines should avoid any chew that puts significant pressure on the lower canine teeth.

Professional Dental Cleaning for Shelties

Biannual professional cleanings (every 6 months) are recommended for most Shelties, consistent with small-breed dental care needs. At each cleaning:

Full-mouth dental X-rays
Complete gum pocket probing
Scaling and polishing
Evaluation of canine tooth positioning and palatal contact
Assessment of any crowded or rotated teeth

Cost of Sheltie Dental Care

Biannual professional cleaning (with X-rays): $350–$700 per cleaning
Veterinary dentist consultation for malocclusion: $150–$350
Crown reduction / vital pulp therapy: $800–$2,000
Interceptive orthodontics (ball therapy, inclined plane): $500–$1,500
Daily preventive supplies: $15–$30/month

Sheltie Dental Care Timeline

8–12 weeks: Daily mouth handling; toothpaste introduction
4–6 months: Critical dental assessment — evaluate lower canine positioning before permanent canines fully erupt. Begin brushing. Interceptive options available if needed
6 months: Retained teeth check; extract any retained deciduous teeth promptly
10–12 months: First professional cleaning
Every 6 months: Professional cleaning throughout life
Daily: Brushing, appropriate chews, water additive

Shelties are highly responsive, trainable dogs that reward the owners who invest in their care. Their dental challenges are real but manageable — with early evaluation for malocclusion, consistent daily brushing, and biannual professional cleanings, Shelties can maintain healthy mouths throughout their typical 12–14 year lifespan.

Related reading: malocclusion and base narrow canines in Shelties

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