Dog Dentition: Dental Formula and Bite Types Explained
Dog dentition: dental formula and bite forms explained
What is dentition in dogs?
A dog’s dentition includes all of the teeth and their occlusal relationship — in other words, the way the upper and lower jaw teeth meet. An adult dog has 42 permanent teeth; a puppy has 28 deciduous teeth.
In cynology, the term dentition refers both to the number of teeth and the dental formula, as well as to the bite form (occlusion type): scissor bite, level bite, overshot bite, or undershot bite. These characteristics are defined in breed standards and are assessed in breeding and shows.
Background + scientific classification
Evans and de Lahunta (2013, Miller's Anatomy of the Dog, 4th ed.) describe the dental formula of the dog: The adult dentition consists of incisors (Incisivi I), canine teeth (Canini C), premolars (Praemolares P), and molars (Molares M). Total dental formula: I 3/3 · C 1/1 · P 4/4 · M 2/3 = 42 teeth. Deciduous dentition: I 3/3 · C 1/1 · P 0/0 · M 3/3 = 28 deciduous teeth (no premolars in the deciduous dentition). Function by tooth type: incisors for biting off pieces, canine teeth for gripping and holding, premolars for shearing and tearing, molars for chewing and crushing.
Gorrel (2008, Veterinary Dentistry for the General Practitioner) describes occlusion classification in dogs: scissor bite: normal bite — the labial surface of the lower incisors touches the palatal surface of the upper incisors; the canine teeth interlock in opposite directions. level bite/pincer bite: the incisal edges of the upper and lower jaws meet — increased abrasive wear. prognathism (undershot bite/underbite): the lower jaw sits in front of the upper jaw (mandibular prognathism) — normal in brachycephalic breeds (Boxer, English Bulldog). brachygnathism (overshot bite/overbite): the upper jaw sits in front of the lower jaw. crossbite: individual teeth are laterally malpositioned.
Wiggs and Lobprise (1997, Veterinary Dentistry: Principles and Practice) describe the clinical significance of dental anomalies: malocclusions increase the risk of periodontitis, dental trauma (teeth contacting soft tissue), and chewing problems. The carnassial tooth (upper premolar 4 / lower molar 1 — the fourth premolar of the upper jaw and the first molar of the lower jaw) is the largest and functionally most important tooth in the dog — it forms the shearing mechanism for cutting meat.
Vitomalia position
A dog’s dentition is a key organ for nutrition, behavior, and well-being. Dental anomalies can cause pain and problems with food intake — and in breeding animals, they are relevant to breed standards. Regular dental care and control of the dentition are part of basic care, regardless of breed or bite type.
When does the dentition become relevant?
- Breed assessment and breeding: bite type as an FCI standard characteristic
- Dental care assessment: number and position of the teeth
- Puppy development: tooth change 3–7 months, persistent deciduous teeth
- Jaw anomalies: pain while Eat, one-sided chewing, salivation
- Veterinary dentistry: diagnosis of malocclusion before orthodontic assessment
Practical application
Adult dog dental formula:
| Tooth type | Symbol | Upper | Lower | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incisors | I | 3 (per side) | 3 (per side) | 12 |
| Canines | C | 1 (per side) | 1 (per side) | 4 |
| Premolars | P | 4 (per side) | 4 (per side) | 16 |
| Molars | M | 2 (per side) | 3 (per side) | 10 |
| Total | 18 | 24 | 42 |
Overview of bite types: - Scissor bite: Normal dentition, best function, standard in most breeds - Level bite: Permitted in a few breeds with tongue contact, increased abrasion - Undershot bite (underbite/prognathism): Normal dentition in Boxers, Bulldogs, Pugs — malocclusion in other breeds - Overbite (overshot bite/brachygnathism): Almost always a malocclusion — soft tissue trauma is possible - Crossbite: A single tooth or several teeth are mispositioned
Common mistakes & myths
- “A dog with an undershot bite has bad teeth.” In brachycephalic breeds such as Boxers and Bulldogs, an undershot bite is part of the breed standard and normal — in other breeds, it is a malocclusion. Context-specific assessment is necessary.
- “Every dog must have 42 teeth." Too few teeth (oligodontia) is common in some breeds — especially missing premolars. In breeding evaluations, missing teeth are often an exclusion criterion, but in everyday life they are not necessarily a reason for treatment.
- “Dental conformation only matters for show dogs." Malocclusions can lead to dental trauma, periodontitis, and pain. A veterinary assessment is advisable for any pronounced malocclusion, regardless of breeding interest.
State of the Science 2026
Veterinary dentistry is an established specialty. Dental anomalies in dogs are systematically classified (AVDC — American Veterinary Dental College nomenclature). Current research focuses on the genetic basis of jaw occlusion anomalies in predisposed breeds. Orthodontic interventions in dogs are limited to clearly indicated cases (soft tissue trauma, impaired food intake).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teeth does a dog have?
Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth (18 upper, 24 lower). Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth, which are replaced by the permanent dentition between the 3rd and 7th month of life.
What is a scissor bite in dogs?
The scissor bite is the normal bite in dogs: the labial surfaces of the lower incisors lightly touch the palatal surface of the upper incisors. It provides the best function and the least wear.
Does a dog with an undershot bite need treatment?
That depends on the breed and the extent of the condition. In brachycephalic breeds (Boxer, Bulldog), an undershot bite is normal. In other breeds, or if there is soft tissue trauma (teeth injuring the palate tissue), a veterinary dental assessment is necessary.
Related Terms
Sources & Further Reading
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Evans, H. E., & de Lahunta, A. (2013). Miller's Anatomy of the Dog (4th ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 9781437702460.
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Gorrel, C. (2008). Veterinary Dentistry for the General Practitioner. Saunders. ISBN 9780702028779.
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Wiggs, R. B., & Lobprise, H. B. (1997). Veterinary Dentistry: Principles and Practice. Lippincott-Raven. ISBN 9780397512607.