1. Deciduous Teeth (Birth to 3-4 Months):
- German Shepherd puppies are born without teeth.
- Deciduous teeth start erupting around 2-3 weeks of age, beginning with the incisors (front teeth) and continuing to the molars (back teeth).
- By the age of 3-4 months, puppies should have a complete set of 28 deciduous teeth.
2. Transition Phase (3-6 Months):
- During this phase, deciduous teeth begin to fall out and adult teeth emerge.
- The incisors are usually the first deciduous teeth to be replaced by adult teeth, starting around 3-4 months of age.
- Canine teeth (fang-like teeth) often follow, and molars replace the remaining deciduous teeth.
3. Completion of Adult Dentition (6-9 Months):
- By around 6-9 months of age, German Shepherd puppies should have lost all of their deciduous teeth, and their permanent dentition should be complete.
- Adult dogs have a total of 42 teeth, including 12 incisors, 4 canine teeth, 16 premolars, and 10 molars.
It's important to note that the timing of teeth eruption and replacement can vary slightly between individual German Shepherds. Some puppies may experience slight discomfort during the teething phase due to swollen gums, but this usually passes after a few days. Keeping chew toys handy can help puppies with the discomfort and encourage them to develop proper chewing habits. If you have concerns about your German Shepherd puppy's dental development or they experience persistent discomfort, consult with a veterinarian for guidance.