Dog teeth do a lot of work — eating, playing, carrying toys, and grooming. Knowing how many teeth dogs should have at each life stage helps you spot missing, retained, or damaged teeth early.
How many teeth dogs have
A full set of adult dog teeth includes 42 permanent teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars, and 10 molars. The exact count can vary slightly if a tooth never erupted or was removed.
Puppies are born without visible teeth, then develop 28 deciduous (baby) teeth. These are smaller and sharper than adult teeth and are meant to be replaced — not to last a lifetime.
Common reasons
Incisors (12): the small front teeth used for nibbling and grooming.
Canines (4): the long pointed fang teeth used for grasping and tearing.
Premolars (16): side teeth behind the canines that do much of the chewing.
Molars (10 in adults): the large back teeth for grinding — puppies have fewer molars before their permanent set completes.
Puppies may swallow lost baby teeth or you may find them on the floor during teething — both are common.
Normal vs concerning behavior
What owners can do
Lift your dog's lips periodically to look at teeth and gums — start gently when they are young so mouth handling becomes normal.
Offer appropriate chew toys and consider tooth brushing with dog-specific toothpaste if your veterinarian recommends it. Human toothpaste is not safe for dogs.
Schedule regular veterinary exams that include dental checks. Professional cleanings may be needed as your dog ages.
When to call a vet or trainer
Contact your veterinarian if you notice retained baby teeth, broken teeth, bleeding gums, difficulty eating, or sudden bad breath. Dental disease can affect overall health and is easier to manage when caught early.
A trainer is not the first call for dental issues, but can help with cooperative handling if your dog resists mouth checks — after your vet confirms there is no mouth pain.