Why might the judge ask the handler to show the dog's teeth?

• A. To assess the dog's dental health.
• B. To gauge the dog's breath.
• C. Many judges prefer not to put their hands on a dog's mouth, thus avoiding the transfer of germs to the next dog in line.
• D. To check the dog's vocal cords.

Answer: (C)

Showing a dog’s teeth in this context is about safety and hygiene in a busy show ring. When the judge asks to see the teeth, the handler can open the mouth without the judge touching, which minimizes direct contact between dogs. This helps prevent germs and diseases from spreading from one dog to the next in line, which is especially important with many dogs passing through the ring. The goal isn’t a full dental exam or a breath check; it’s a quick, non-contact way to visually confirm basic health while keeping the event safer for all dogs. The other options don’t fit this practical in-ring purpose: breath isn’t something judges rely on here, a full dental health check would take more time and a different setting, and checking vocal cords isn’t relevant to a mouth inspection.