Understanding Mouth Certificates
The Rottweiler standard states that the Rottweiler should have strong, complete dentition with 42 teeth. The teeth should be strong and large and the molars are required to be in alignment as correct dentition is considered vital to the breed. Therefore dogs with missing molars and premolars should not be bred with. Dogs with an extra tooth may still be bred with but it is not a desirable trait.
The Rottweiler should also have a scissor bite. Dogs with overshot, undershot or wry mouths should not be bred with, however, dogs with a level bite may still be bred with but this trait is not desirable.
Acceptable Scores:
The NRC(A) requires all breeding dogs to have their mouths checked by a specialist or vet and have a certificate that clears them of any disqualifying faults. The ANKC does not have any requirements for Rottweilers to hold a mouth certificate.
Helpful Tips:
It is recommended that when buying a Rottweiler puppy the parents hold a mouth certificate stating that they have full dentition and scissor bites for the best chances that your puppy will not have any issues with their bites and/or teeth throughout their lives.
Issues resulting from bad bites:
Normally, a puppy will have 28 baby teeth once it is six months old. By the time it reaches adulthood, most dog breeds will have 42 teeth. A misalignment of a dog's teeth, or malocclusion, occurs when their bite does not fit accordingly. This may begin as the puppy's baby teeth come in and usually worsens as their adult teeth follow.
Common problems that can arise from malocclusion:
Mouth injuries
Periodontal disease
Soft-tissue defects from tooth contact in the floor of the mouth and the roof of the mouth (palate)
Wear on the teeth
Fractures
If problems with the palate persist, a fistula may result and become infected. In cases of misaligned teeth (or malocclusion), the dog may have difficulty chewing, picking up food, and may be inclined to eat only larger pieces. They are also prone to tartar and plaque build-up.
(Source: PetMD, Teeth Misalignment in Dogs, http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/mouth/c_dg_Malocclusion_of_Teeth)
Rottweilers should not be bred with if they have the following traits:
Undershot mouth
Overshot mouth
Wry mouth
Missing teeth