You finally got your hands on a Labubu. The box is opened, and you're face to face with that iconic mischievous grin. But then, a doubt creeps in. You start counting the teeth. One, two, three... eight, nine, ten? Wait, is that right?
In the world of Labubu collecting, this moment of counting is a rite of passage. And the answer to the question, "if a labubu has 10 teeth is it fake," is a definitive and resounding YES. Let's dive into why those nine little teeth are the single most important feature in the battle against counterfeits, known in the community as "Lafufus."
Understanding Labubu Teeth: The Golden Rule
The teeth are not just a detail; they are Labubu's signature. They are the core of that mischievous, "evil-looking but kind-hearted" expression that artist Kasing Lung created.
How Many Teeth Do Labubus Have?
An authentic Labubu, straight from Pop Mart, has a very specific and consistent dental pattern: nine (9) serrated teeth. The typical configuration is four teeth on the top and five on the bottom, though some collectors have noted variations like five on top and four below. Regardless of the arrangement, the total number is always nine.
This isn't a random design choice. It's a deliberate, consistent feature across virtually all official Labubu releases, from the classic vinyl figures to the wildly popular plush pendants.
Labubu Teeth Count vs. Fake Variants
Why is the labubu teeth count so important? Because counterfeit manufacturers almost always get it wrong.
Authentic Labubu: 9 sharp, well-defined, evenly spaced teeth.
Fake Labubu (Lafufu): The teeth count is a dead giveaway. They may have 10 teeth, fewer than 9, or even just a row of misshapen, blob-like gums. The tenth tooth is the most common error, but any deviation from the number 9 is a major red flag.
As one major news outlet succinctly put it, "Make sure your Labubu has nine teeth." It has become the ultimate authenticity test.
Signs of a Fake Labubu: Beyond the Teeth
While the labubu teeth number is your first and best clue, a thorough authenticity check involves looking at the whole picture. Counterfeiters are getting slightly better, but they still can't replicate the quality and consistency of the real thing.
Common Characteristics of Fake Labubus (Lafufus)
The Teeth (Again!): This is priority number one. If you see 10 teeth, it's an automatic disqualifier. Also, check the shape. Are they sharp points or rounded nubs?
Overall Face and Expression: A real Labubu's face is perfectly balanced, with that signature sly look. A fake often has a "melted" or "squashed" appearance. The eyes might be misaligned, or the entire face might look off-center.
Fur Quality and Texture: Authentic Labubus, especially the plush pendants, use a high-quality, soft, and dense vinyl plush. It feels pleasant to the touch. Fakes often use cheaper, rougher, or thinner material that can feel scratchy or plasticky.
Packaging: The real labubu picture on the box should be crisp, with sharp, vibrant colors and clear text, including the official Pop Mart branding. A fake's box will often have blurry printing, faded colors, and may even misspell words.
The Feet and Details: Look closely at the feet, hands, and any accessories. Real Labubus have clean, well-defined molding. Fakes may have excess plastic ("mold lines"), sloppy paint jobs, or details that are painted on instead of being part of the mold.
Identifying a Fake Green Labubu
The same rules apply to any color, including the popular green variants like Green Grape from the Macaron series. A fake green labubu will still fail the teeth test and will exhibit the same poor quality in fur, packaging, and overall finish as any other counterfeit.
Do All Labubus Have 9 Teeth? The Consistency Question
Do all labubus have 9 teeth? Yes, this is a remarkably consistent rule across the mainline series and plush pendants. From the earliest figures to the latest "Have A Seat" and "Tasty Macaron" charms, the nine-toothed grin is a constant.
However, a savvy collector might ask about special editions, collaborations, or very early, rare prototypes. Could they have a different tooth count? While it's impossible to say "never" in the vast world of collectibles, for 99.9% of Labubus a collector will encounter—including all currently popular blind box series—the rule stands firm: a real Labubu has 9 teeth. Any figure with 10 teeth is overwhelmingly likely to be a counterfeit.
Visual Evidence: Real Labubu Picture Comparisons
If you're ever in doubt, the best thing to do is a visual comparison. Search for official real labubu picture on the Pop Mart website or reputable collector forums. Look closely at:
The Smile: Count the teeth in the official image. You will see nine.
Proportions: Note the size and placement of the eyes and ears.
Finish: See how clean and sharp the details are.
Then, compare your suspect doll side-by-side. The differences, especially in the teeth, usually become glaringly obvious.
Conclusion: Trust the Teeth
So, back to the original question: if a labubu has 10 teeth is it fake? Without a doubt, yes. The labubu teeth count of nine is the single most reliable, easiest-to-check marker of authenticity in the entire collecting world.
When you're out hunting for your next treasure, whether in a store or on the resale market, make the teeth your first checkpoint. It's a simple habit that will save you from the heartbreak (and financial loss) of bringing home a Lafufu. Happy collecting, and may all your Labubus have the perfect nine-toothed grin!
