Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny Dachshund to the towering Doberman. But exactly how many shapes and sizes is up for debate, and the actual number of dog breeds in the world depends on who you ask.
According to the American Kennel Club for example, there are over 340 dog breeds worldwide—though it has only officially recognized 202. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes 359, while the UK’s Kennel Club counts 224.
Why the confusion? “Breeds” are a human-made classification system—not a biological one. The criteria for what counts as a breed vary, and different kennel clubs will disagree about whether there’s enough documentation of lineage and population.
Read on to learn more about how kennel clubs determine what counts as a “breed,” how breeds get recognized, and where different types of dogs come from.
How Many Official Dog Breeds Are There?
Though there are likely over 400 dog breeds worldwide, the number of officially recognized breeds varies by country. This difference stems from regional breed popularity and differing national breed standards.
Discover how breeds are recognized in various countries below.
| Organization | Number of breeds | Purebred Only? | Criteria |
| American Kennel Club (USA) | 202 | Yes (though AKC holds a program called Canine Partners, welcoming mixed breeds to participate in their events) |
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| The Kennel Club (UK) | 224 | Yes |
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| Australian National Kennel Council (Australia) | 219 | Yes |
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| German Kennel Club (Germany) | 343 | Yes |
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What about mixed breeds?
“Mixed-breed” dogs or “mutts” are a blend of three or more breeds, usually with ancestry unknown. They typically aren’t recognized by official breed registries, and there’s no exact count of mixed-breed types.
A crossbreed dog, by contrast, is the offspring of two different purebred dogs. Though crossbreeds like Goldendoodles and Maltipoos are wildly popular, they’re not yet recognized by most kennel clubs, who require consistent “true breeding” to a standard over many generations. There’s still a lot of variation in these designer pups.
Where Did All These Breeds Come From?
Man’s best friend has come a long way over the centuries. Today, there are hundreds of dog breeds, but this diversity didn’t always exist.
Historically, dogs were bred for specific purposes such as hunting, herding, and other man-made roles. Domestication and selective breeding for certain traits have caused new breeds to emerge over the years.
Through genetic testing and archaeological studies, researchers have found that some of the oldest dog breeds in the world include the Greenland Sled Dog, the Pug, and the Canaan Dog, whose modern-day counterparts closely resemble their centuries-old ancestors.
Other ancient breeds include the Basenji and the Saluki, descending from Africa, as well as the Chow Chow, hailing from Asia.
Modern breeds include the newest canine to be recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog, whose lineage is similar to farm dogs found amongst Vikings.
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Danish-Swedish Farm Dog. Jdandanell via iStock
How Do Dog Breeds Get Recognized?
Landing a spot on an official breed registry can be a rigorous process. The American Kennel Club holds the largest registry of pedigree dogs in the world, recognizing over 200 different types of dogs.
To start the road to becoming an officially recognized breed in the U.S., a breed must have enough interest among dog owners. Breeds not recognized by the AKC typically have a low population within the country or little owner interest in getting the breed registered.
Popularity is determined by a National Breed Club of at least 100 active members and proof of at least 300 three-generation pedigree dogs across at least 20 states. National Breed Clubs can also join the AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS), a temporary registry for breeds not yet officially recognized. This process requires a written request, photographs, and a summary of the breed and its history.
AKC registry acceptance can take around one to three years, but once a new breed application is approved, dogs such as the Danish-Swedish Farmdog (2025) and the Lancashire Heeler (2024) officially make the list! Some kennel club organizations have a simpler process that involves a review of breed health, temperament, and lineage (also completed by the AKC).
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Ihar Halavach via iStock
What Are the Different Types of Dog Breeds?
While each breed is unique, organizations like the AKC divide dogs into various groups based on their traits, features, and origin. The breeds within these groups share a common skillset, stemming from the task humans bred them for years ago.
- Working dogs. Intelligent and strong working dogs excel in sledding, police and military work, service animal roles, and more. These breeds range from the German Shepherd to the Siberian Husky.
- Livestock guardian dogs. Canines bred to help protect livestock are called livestock guardian dogs. On farms, these dogs blend in with the herd, acting as a stealthy defense from predators. LGD breeds include the Great Pyrenees, the Komondor, and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.
- Herding dogs. Though herding dogs were also bred for farm life, their instincts and personality help them excel in herding livestock. Border Collies and Australian Cattle Dogs are prominent examples of herding dog breeds.
- Sporting dogs. Once bred to help humans hunt and retrieve game, these dogs have an excellent sense of smell! Cocker Spaniels, English Setters, German Shorthaired Pointers, and Golden Retrievers fall into this group.
- Toy dogs. These pint-sized companions are known for being affectionate, social, and adaptable to many lifestyles. Toy dogs range from the Chihuahua to the Maltese.
- Hound dogs. Like their sporting dog counterparts, these canines were bred to sniff out and hunt game. Examples of hound dog breeds include the Basset Hound, the Beagle, and the Bloodhound.
- Terrier dogs. Historically bred to help kill vermin, terriers are stubborn and highly energetic. These furry companions include the Irish Terrier, the Miniature Schnauzer, the Parson Russell Terrier, and the Scottish Terrier.
- Non-sporting dogs. This group of dogs is comprised of many different breeds, commonly used as housedogs or watchdogs. The Chow Chow, the Bulldog, and the Dalmatian are considered non-sporting dogs.
With so many dog breeds around the world, choosing the right one to fit your lifestyle is no small decision. Whether purebred or mixed breed, every dog deserves to find their forever home.
Considering adding a dog to your household? Explore Rover’s informational breed guides, or check out the most popular dog breeds in the US.
