Dog Care
How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have? Puppy and Adult Teeth Chart
Adult dogs have 42 teeth. Puppies have 28 baby teeth. Puppy teeth start coming through at around 2 to 3 weeks old and are replaced by permanent teeth from about 3–4 months, with most dogs having their full adult set by around 6 to 8 months.
Dog teeth chart
| Tooth type | Adult dog | Puppy | What they do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incisors | 12 | 12 | Small front teeth for nibbling and grooming |
| Canines | 4 | 4 | Long "fangs" for gripping |
| Premolars | 16 | 12 | Shearing and cutting |
| Molars | 10 | 0 | Grinding at the back of the mouth |
| Total | 42 | 28 |
Counts follow the American Kennel Club. Puppies have no molars; those arrive with the adult set.
Puppy teething timeline
| Age | What's happening |
|---|---|
| 2–4 weeks | Baby teeth start to come through, incisors and canines first |
| 5–6 weeks | Most baby teeth are in; puppies start eating soft food |
| About 3–4 months | Baby incisors fall out; adult incisors come in. Chewing ramps up |
| About 5–6 months | Adult canines and premolars come in |
| About 6–8 months | Molars arrive; the full set of 42 is usually in |
You may never find the lost baby teeth; puppies often swallow them, which is normal.
Retained baby teeth
Sometimes a baby tooth doesn't fall out when the adult tooth arrives, so you see two teeth in one spot. This is most common with canines and in small breeds. Retained baby teeth can trap food and push adult teeth out of line, so ask your vet; they are often removed, sometimes during spay or neuter surgery.
Helping a teething puppy
- Offer safe, puppy-sized chew toys, and rotate them to keep interest.
- Freeze a wet washcloth or a rubber toy for sore gums.
- Redirect chewing from hands and furniture to a toy every time.
- Avoid very hard chews like antlers, hooves and bones, which can break teeth.
Looking after your dog's teeth
- Brush with a dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste, which can contain xylitol) several times a week, ideally daily.
- Start young so brushing becomes routine.
- Check for bad breath, red gums, brown tartar, loose or broken teeth, or dropping food.
- Have teeth checked at every vet visit and ask about professional cleaning.
Frequently asked questions
How many teeth does a dog have?
Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars and 10 molars.
How many teeth do puppies have?
Puppies have 28 baby teeth. They don't have molars.
When do puppies lose their baby teeth?
From about 3 to 4 months old. Most dogs have all their adult teeth by around 6 to 8 months.
Do small dogs have fewer teeth?
No. Small dogs have the same 42 teeth packed into a smaller mouth, which is one reason they are prone to dental problems.
How many teeth do cats have?
Adult cats have 30 teeth and kittens have 26 baby teeth.
Sources
Guidance follows the American Kennel Club. This article is general information, not veterinary advice.
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