The American Beagler Forum

What visual traits/characteristics in a beagle pup would you say would be a keeper? Does a pup with an underbite mean it will be a bad beagle dog when it grows up or is a little off in their head some how?

NO the bite has nothing to do with hunting abilty, it is though a genetic trait that will be passed on (by males and females) and bitches with this trait will have a harder time when welping pups (cutting the pups cords). If you keep a pup out of this litter even with a good bite you must know that it carrys this gene (recessive)and the trait will pop up again.

The bitch chews and crushes the umbilical cord with her molars. I've watched them do it.
The canine teeth hook into their pray and hold it.
Their front teeth(incisors) pull and tear flesh.
Their molars crush and grind.
I really can't see where a moderate under or over bite would effect the performance of the modern hunting dog.

Would I breed it? NO!!! Will it affect its field ability? Not one bit!