Dogs With Terrible Teeth 2026: These are the 13 breeds of adorable dog most at risk of dental problems - including the loving Pug 🐶

If you have one of these breeds its best to keep a close eye on their teeth to avoid future visits to the vet.

If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.

Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).

So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.

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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.

Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.

Another thing to take into consideration is that some breeds are prone to developing dental issues.

This can be for a number of reasons, including some breeds having overcrowded mouths, and the problems can be mitigated by cleaning your pet’s teeth regularly, avoiding sugary foods and regular vet check-ups.

Here are the 13 breeds of dog that are most predisposed to developing dental problems.

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1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is another breed that is known to easily develop tartar buildup. It's important not to let the issue go untreated as it can ultimately lead not just to tooth loss, but also heart, liver and kidney disease. | Canva/Getty Images

2. Great Dane

Great Danes are one of a number of dog breeds that tend to develop overgrown or thickened gums due to a condition called gingival hyperplasia. Other dogs affected include Boxers, Mastiffs, Bulldogs and Collies. | AFP via Getty Images

3. Pug

Pugs, along with other short-snouted dog breeds like Bulldogs and Boston Terriers, regularly develop dental issues due to their tiny mouths being overcrowded with teeth. This means it's easy for plaque to build up causing gingivitis, gum disease and tooth loss. Just like with humans, the key is to keep their teeth clean. | AFP via Getty Images

4. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs commonly have crowded, rotated, or unusually positioned teeth because of their shortened skulls. These abnormalities create hard-to-clean spaces where plaque accumulates, increasing their periodontal disease risk. | Canva/Getty Images