How many teeth do dogs have? Puppy and adult counts

By the Plentum team Oct 23, 2026 4 min read

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A Boston Terrier puppy chews a blue rubber toy on a carpet.

If you've spotted a gap or wondered whether a tooth belongs there, start with your dog's age. Adult dogs have 42 teeth, and puppies have 28.

Those totals describe a complete adult or baby set. Your puppy's mouth can look different while the teeth are changing, so use the chart below.

How many teeth does an adult dog have?

A complete adult set includes incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. The dog teeth chart below splits each group between the upper and lower jaws. You don't need to memorize a dog dental formula to use it.

Adult dog teeth by type
Tooth type	Upper jaw	Lower jaw	Total
Incisors	6	6	12
Canines	2	2	4
Premolars	8	8	16
Molars	4	6	10

Counts come from the AKC and the Merck Veterinary Manual.

How many teeth do puppies have?

Puppies have incisors, canines, and premolars, but no baby molars. Use the adult chart for the permanent set rather than expecting your young puppy's mouth to match every row.

When do puppies lose their baby teeth?

These milestones describe teeth arriving as well as leaving, so read them as stages rather than a deadline for every tooth.

At 3 to 5 weeks, baby teeth begin coming through the gums.
At about 3 to 4 months, baby teeth begin falling out.
At around 4 to 5 months, permanent teeth usually begin appearing.
By 6 months, baby teeth should have fallen out.
By 7 months, the permanent set is present.

The AKC describes chewing and nipping as normal during teething. Rubber teething toys that you can put in the freezer are a good option.

A Boston Terrier puppy chews a brown toy with its small front teeth visible.

What each type of tooth does

The AKC explains how your dog uses each tooth type.

Incisors are the small front teeth used to tear meat from a bone and for self-grooming.
Canines are the pointy teeth used to puncture and hold on to something.
Premolars sit behind the canines and are used for shearing.
Molars are the flat, heavy-duty back teeth used for grinding and chewing.

How to check your dog's teeth at home

Choose a quiet moment when your dog is comfortable with you nearby. Keep this a gentle look, and stop if your dog pulls away or resists. For a routine beyond this quick look, read our guide to daily dental care for dogs.

Lift the lip gently while keeping your fingers away from the biting surfaces.
Count the visible front teeth before looking farther along the side, leaving any area you can't see comfortably for a professional exam.
Look for a tooth that seems broken or has changed color without poking it or testing whether it's loose.
Look at the gum color and note any change from your dog's usual appearance without pressing on an area that looks sore.
Notice your dog's breath without putting your face close to their mouth.

When to see your vet

See your vet if you notice any signs below, and arrange the visit promptly for a baby tooth still beside its adult replacement. Dropping food, drooling, and pawing at the mouth are also useful details to report.

A baby tooth remains in place next to the adult tooth.
A tooth looks broken or discolored.
An adult tooth seems to be missing.
You notice swelling or bleeding gums.
Your dog has trouble chewing or isn't eating.

Questions owners ask

When will my puppy's first teeth appear?

The AKC notes that puppy teeth can appear as early as 2 weeks. The usual start is 3 to 5 weeks, as the timeline above shows.

My puppy needs a baby tooth removed. What should I ask?

Ask which tooth is involved and where its permanent replacement is coming through. You can also ask what the planned procedure involves and what care your puppy will need afterward.

Do cats have as many teeth as dogs?

No, cats have fewer teeth than dogs. The Merck Veterinary Manual gives the usual count as 30 adult teeth and 26 baby teeth for kittens.

How can I handle those sharp puppy bites?

During play, offer a toy when your puppy mouths your fingers. Keep it within reach so you can redirect without searching for it. If nipping continues, end the play session calmly.

How often should I brush my dog's teeth?

The Veterinary Oral Health Council says your dog's teeth should be brushed daily. The AVDC home-care guidance identifies brushing as the most effective home care between professional dental exams.

Sources

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