Types of Dog Teeth

Dogs' teeth are specialized for hunting, fighting and eating.

Dogs, like humans, have two sets of teeth during their lifetimes: a deciduous set of 28 teeth and a permanent set of 42 teeth. The deciduous set of teeth---also known as baby teeth, puppy teeth, or milk teeth---are replaced by the permanent set at about seven months of age for most dogs. Dogs have four types of teeth: incisors, canines, premolars and molars. Only the permanent set of teeth includes molars. (See Reference 2)

Incisors

Incisors are the small, spade-shaped front teeth in the front of the upper and lower jaws. Both the deciduous and permanent teeth include a total of 12 incisors, six per jaw. (See Reference 1) Dogs use their incisors for nibbling and pulling. (See Reference 3)

Canines

Perhaps the most recognizable type of dog's teeth are the appropriately-named canines. Canines are the long, pointed fangs on the outsides of the incisors. Both the deciduous and permanent teeth include a total of four canines, two per jaw. (See Reference 1) Dogs use their canines for puncturing, clamping and ripping. (See Reference 3)

Premolars

Premolars are slightly flattened, pointed teeth behind the canines. The tops of premolars have two or three points. The deciduous teeth include a total of 12 premolars, six per jaw. The permanent teeth include a total of 16 premolars, eight per jaw. (See Reference 1) Dogs use their premolars for tearing and shearing. (See Reference 3)

Molars

Molars are larger, thicker versions of premolars with slightly crowned tops. There are no deciduous molars. There are 10 permanent molars, four in the upper jaw and six in the lower jaw. (See Reference 1) Dogs use their molars for crushing and cracking bones. (See Reference 3)

References

• Colorado State University: Dental Anatomy of Dogs
• Dog-health-guide.org: Canine Teeth
• Canismajor.com: Dog Owner's Guide Canine Teeth