How many teeth do dogs have?
Most dogs have 28 baby teeth as puppies and 42 permanent teeth as adults. Like humans, dogs develop two sets of teeth during their lives: deciduous teeth, which fall out, and permanent teeth, which replace them.
An adult dog’s 42 teeth include 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars, and 10 molars. Puppies have incisors, canines, and premolars, but no baby molars. The additional permanent teeth develop as the puppy grows.
The standard adult dental formula is 2 × (I 3/3, C 1/1, P 4/4, M 2/3) = 42. The numbers represent the upper and lower teeth on one side of the mouth, with the formula doubled to include both sides. The Merck Veterinary Manual confirms the typical counts and developmental stages.
Adult dog teeth chart by type
An adult dog normally has 20 teeth in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower jaw. Each type has a different shape and function, helping dogs pick up food, grip objects, tear meat, and break food into smaller pieces.
| Tooth type | Upper jaw | Lower jaw | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incisors | 6 | 6 | 12 |
| Canines | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Premolars | 8 | 8 | 16 |
| Molars | 4 | 6 | 10 |
| Total | 20 | 22 | 42 |
Incisors: These small teeth sit at the front of the mouth. Dogs use them for nibbling, scraping, and picking up small pieces of food.
Canines: The four long, pointed teeth sit beside the incisors. They help dogs grasp and hold objects and tear food.
Premolars: Located behind the canines, premolars help shear, crush, and break food into manageable pieces.
Molars: These teeth sit at the back of the mouth and help crush and grind food. The lower jaw has six molars, while the upper jaw has four.
These counts describe the standard permanent dentition. A dog’s visible teeth may differ if a tooth is missing, unerupted, damaged, or present in an unusual position.
Puppy teeth: 28 baby teeth
Puppies are born without visible teeth. Their first teeth begin emerging at around three weeks of age, and the baby set is usually in place by approximately six weeks. This timing can vary slightly from one puppy to another.
The 28 deciduous teeth consist of:
| Tooth type | Number in both jaws |
|---|---|
| Incisors | 12 |
| Canines | 4 |
| Premolars | 12 |
| Molars | 0 |
| Total | 28 |
One important difference is that puppies do not have baby molars. They have six premolars on each side of the mouth across the upper and lower jaws, giving them 12 baby premolars altogether.
Baby teeth are typically smaller and sharper than adult teeth. As permanent teeth develop, the roots of the baby teeth are gradually resorbed, allowing the old teeth to loosen and fall out. Puppies may swallow some of these teeth while eating, so you will not necessarily find every tooth they lose.
For more detail about the transition itself, see the veterinary guidance on puppy teething and chewing.
When do adult teeth come in?
Permanent teeth generally begin erupting at around four to five months of age, although some teeth start earlier. Most dogs have their full adult set by about seven months. The following ranges are useful general estimates, not fixed deadlines.
| Permanent tooth type | Typical eruption age |
|---|---|
| Incisors | 3–5 months |
| Canines | 4–6 months |
| Premolars | 4–6 months |
| Molars | 5–7 months |
The incisors usually begin the replacement process, followed by other teeth as the puppy matures. Molars are part of the permanent set, which explains why the adult count is higher than the baby-tooth count.
Individual eruption schedules vary. If your puppy is approaching seven months and still appears to have baby teeth, or a permanent tooth seems not to have emerged, ask your veterinarian to check the mouth. A tooth that is not visible may be unerupted rather than absent.
Do all breeds have 42 teeth?
Forty-two permanent teeth is the standard count for dogs, regardless of breed or adult body size. However, not every dog will have all 42 teeth visible in a routine mouth check.
Short-faced breeds: Brachycephalic dogs, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus, can have relatively crowded teeth because their jaw shape leaves less room for normal tooth alignment. Some teeth may be rotated, displaced, or fail to erupt normally.
Tiny and toy breeds: Small dogs can also have crowded mouths. Retained baby teeth are particularly common in small breeds, allowing a baby tooth and its permanent replacement to occupy the same area. This can trap food and plaque between teeth.
Individual differences: Some dogs naturally lack certain teeth, while others may have extra teeth or teeth that remain below the gumline. A missing tooth can also reflect previous injury or disease. A visual count alone cannot always tell these situations apart.
These variations do not automatically mean something is seriously wrong, but dental checks matter. Your veterinarian can assess tooth position and decide whether dental X-rays are needed. VCA’s guidance on unerupted teeth in dogs explains why a tooth that seems absent can sometimes require further evaluation.
Extra, missing, or retained teeth: when to ask a vet
One common issue during puppyhood is a retained deciduous tooth. This happens when a baby tooth remains in place after the permanent tooth starts coming through. You may notice two teeth side by side in what appears to be the same spot.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice retained baby teeth, unusual crowding, an apparently missing tooth, a broken tooth, or an extra tooth. The veterinarian can determine whether the tooth has failed to develop, is still under the gum, or has another problem. Retained baby teeth sometimes need removal to reduce crowding and the risk of dental complications.
Adult dogs can also lose teeth because of periodontal disease or trauma. Tooth loss should not be dismissed as a normal part of aging. Arrange a veterinary examination if a tooth becomes loose or falls out, particularly if there is bleeding, swelling, bad breath, difficulty eating, or discomfort. The Merck Veterinary Manual’s guide to dental disorders explains how gum disease can damage the tissues supporting a tooth.
For routine prevention, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends regular veterinary dental checks and advises owners to seek an examination when they notice broken or loose teeth, retained baby teeth, abnormal chewing, or other signs of oral discomfort. See its pet dental care guidance for additional information.
Common questions about dog teeth
Do dogs have wisdom teeth?
Not in the same sense that people use the term for a separate set of late-erupting teeth. Dogs have regular adult molars at the back of the mouth, including small third molars in the lower jaw. These are already included in the standard total of 42 teeth.
How many teeth do small dogs have?
Small dogs have the same standard adult count of 42 permanent teeth as larger dogs. However, crowded jaws, retained baby teeth, or teeth that never erupt can affect the number you can see.
Can adult dogs lose teeth?
Yes. Periodontal disease and injuries can cause adult dogs to lose teeth, but tooth loss is not something to assume is normal with age. A veterinarian should check the area to identify the cause and determine whether treatment is needed.
How can I count my dog’s teeth at home?
If your dog is relaxed and comfortable with mouth handling, gently lift the lips to inspect the front and sides of the mouth. Count the visible incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, but do not force the jaws open. Some teeth are difficult to see, and only a veterinary examination can help assess teeth hidden under the gums.
Do dogs get cavities like humans?
Dogs can develop cavities, but tooth decay is uncommon in dogs compared with humans. Gum disease is a more common dental problem. Brushing with dog-safe toothpaste and arranging regular dental checks help support oral health.
Conclusion
The answer to “how many teeth do dogs have?” depends on their stage of development: puppies typically have 28 baby teeth, while adults have 42 permanent teeth. The adult set consists of 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars, and 10 molars. Knowing these numbers can help you understand your dog’s dental development and recognize when a tooth may need attention. Because tooth counts and eruption timing can vary, use the charts as a guide rather than a diagnosis, and ask your veterinarian about anything that looks unusual.
By Jennifer
Jennifer is the founder of CanineCalc, a dog owner and researcher who creates practical, research-informed resources to help dog owners understand canine health and development.
