How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have?
Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth - 20 on top and 22 on the bottom - regardless of breed or size. Puppies have 28 baby (deciduous) teeth, which come in from about 3 to 4 weeks old and are replaced by the adult set between roughly 3 and 7 months. The four tooth types are incisors, canines, premolars and molars, each with a different job in grasping, tearing and grinding food.
Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth - 20 on the upper jaw and 22 on the lower jaw - and that number is the same for every breed, from a Chihuahua to a Great Dane. Puppies start with fewer.
Puppy teeth vs adult teeth
- Puppies: 28 baby teeth. Puppies are born toothless; their “milk” (deciduous) teeth begin coming in at around 3–4 weeks and are all in by about 3–5 months.
- Adults: 42 permanent teeth. The adult set replaces the baby teeth between roughly 3 and 7 months of age. Puppies often swallow the little baby teeth as they fall out, so you may never find them.
The four types of dog teeth
| Type | Job |
|---|---|
| Incisors (the small front teeth) | Grasping food and nibbling; help keep the tongue in |
| Canines (the long “fangs”) | Grasping and holding food and objects |
| Premolars (16 in adults) | Shearing and tearing |
| Molars (the back teeth) | Grinding and crushing food to swallow |
Teething: what to expect
When the adult teeth push through, puppies chew everything to relieve sore gums. Offer safe chew toys, keep valuables out of reach, and watch for retained baby teeth - sometimes a baby tooth doesn’t fall out and sits alongside the adult one (common in small breeds). If you see a double row of teeth after about 6 months, mention it to your vet, as retained teeth can cause crowding and decay.
Keeping those 42 teeth healthy
- Brush regularly with dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste).
- Offer vet-approved dental chews and appropriate chew toys.
- Watch for bad breath, tartar, red gums or a reluctance to eat - signs of dental disease, which is very common in dogs.
- Have your vet check the teeth at routine visits and advise on professional cleanings.
Good dental care matters: untreated dental disease is painful and can affect the whole body.
References
- How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have? - PetMD
- Dog Dental Care: How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have? - American Kennel Club
- Dental Development of Dogs - MSD/Merck Veterinary Manual
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your dog’s dental health and any retained baby teeth.
