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How Many Dog Breeds Are There in the World?
If you’re a dog lover, you probably think you know quite a bit about all things related to canines.
But how much do you really know?
Read on to learn more about man’s best friend, as well as to learn how many dog breeds there are on the planet.
What Makes A Dog Breed?
There are a variety of factors that go into making a dog breed. This includes things like appearance, temperament, history, and more.
When it comes to appearance, many different features can make up a breed. This includes things like coat type, color, and pattern. Some breeds also have unique physical features, like being small or large in size.
Temperament is another important aspect of a breed. This refers to the overall personality and behavior of the dog. Some breeds are known for being friendly and laid back, while others may be more active and energetic.
History also plays a role in defining a breed. This includes where the breed came from, as well as how it was developed over time. Certain breeds have been around for centuries, while others are relatively new to the scene.
The Strict Kennel Clubs Of The World
With an estimated canine population of over 900 million, it’s no surprise that many dog breeds exist worldwide. But just how many different types of dogs are there? The answer may surprise you.
The truth is, nobody really knows for sure. Different organizations keep track of different numbers, and there is no official registry for all dog breeds. However, the most commonly cited estimate comes from the World Canine Organization (WCO), which recognizes 390-400 different dog breeds.
The American Kennel Club follows stricter guidelines and only recognizes 200 dog breeds.
Interestingly, the World Canine Organization only recognizes purebred dogs; mixed-breed dogs are not included in their count. So, if you include mixed breeds, the true number of different types of dogs in the world is likely even higher.
There are also a handful of so-called “rare” dog breeds that are exceptionally difficult to find. These rare breeds often come with hefty price tags and can be difficult to find reputable breeders for.
Examples of rare breeds include the Sloughi, an ancient hunting hound from North Africa, and the Norwegian Lundehund, a spitz-type breed used for hunting puffins on remote Arctic islands.
New Breeds Are Made All The Time Due To Cross-Breeding
New breeds are made all the time due to cross-breeding. This is when two different breeds of dogs are bred together to create a new breed by dog breeders. This is done to create a dog with the best traits of both breeds.
A new breed must have around 400 dogs, and there must be a national kennel club devoted to the specific breed with 100 members minimum. There must be a set of standards that are written for the breed, and after this, the National Kennel Club can petition the AKC for breed recognition.
The AKC will then decide whether to grant official breed status or not.
For example, a breeder may want to create a new breed that is more trainable than one breed and less aggressive than another breed. Examples of cross-breeds include:
Goldendoodle (bred from a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle)
Bassador (bred from a Basset Hound and a Labrador Retriever)
Huskamute (bred from a Siberian Husky and an Alaskan Malamute)
Puggle (bred from a Beagle and a Pug)
Experimental Breeds
There are a number of experimental dog breeds that have been created in recent years. These breeds are not yet recognized by the major kennel clubs, but they may become more popular in the future.
Some of the most well-known experimental dog breeds include the Labradoodle, Goldendoodle (not an officially recognized breed), and Cavapoo. These breeds are all mixes of two or more existing breeds of dogs. They are often bred for specific purposes, such as being hypoallergenic or having low-shedding coats.
Experimental dog breeds are not without their challenges, however. Because the major kennel clubs don’t yet recognize them, they may be less predictable regarding temperament and appearance.
Talk to breeders and owners of these dogs to get a better idea of what to expect. And remember, even though these dogs are considered experimental, they still need the same love and care as any other dog!
The Current Total Of Dog Breeds
As of 2021, there are a total of 340 dog breeds recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). The FCI is the world’s leading kennel club and recognizes more breeds than any other organization. However, there are many more breeds that are not recognized by the FCI, which brings the total number of dog breeds in the world to well over 400.
So how did we get to this point? It all started with wolves. Humans have been domesticating dogs for thousands of years, and during that time, they have selectively bred them for various purposes.
For example, some dogs were bred for hunting, while others were bred for herding or guarding. Over time, these different purposes led to the development of distinct breed types, each with its own unique physical and behavioral traits.
Today, there is a dog breed for just about every imaginable purpose, from working dogs to companion animals. And with new breeds being developed all the time, it’s safe to say that the current total of dog breeds is always on the rise.
Popular Dog Breeds
There are a variety of popular dog breeds that people tend to choose from when they are looking for a new furry friend. Some of the most common include:
Labrador Retrievers
Golden Retriever
German Shepherds
Beagles
Bulldogs
Poodles
Boxers
Cocker Spaniels
Great Danes
Siberian Huskies
Pomeranians
Rottweilers
Pointers
Dachshunds
Australian Shepherds
Cane Corso
Brittanys
Vizslas
Border Collies
Australian Cattle Dogs
Whippets
Bull Terriers
Yorkshire Terriers.
The Seven Primary Groups Of Dogs
Although there are hundreds of breeds, there are just seven primary groups of dogs:
Companion Dogs
Herding Dogs
Hound Dogs
Non-Sporting Dogs
Sporting Dogs
Terrier Dogs
Toy Dogs
Companion Dogs:
These dogs make great companions and are typically small to medium in size. They include breeds like the Affenpinscher, American Eskimo Dog, Australian Terrier, Basset Hound, Beagle, and Bichon Frise.
Herding Dogs:
These dogs were bred to herd livestock and are typically medium to large. Well-known breeds of this type include the Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, Bearded Collie, Border Collie, Briard, and Canaan Dog.
Hound Dogs:
These dogs were bred to hunt game and tend to have medium to large frames. The Afghan Hound, American Foxhound, Basset Hound, Bloodhound, English Foxhound, and Greyhound are all part of this group.
Non-Sporting Dogs:
These dogs don’t fit into any of the other groups and are typically medium to large in size. They include breeds like the American Eskimo Dog, Chow Chow, Dalmatian, Lhasa Apso, Poodle (Standard), and Tibetan Spaniel.
Sporting Dogs/Sporting Group:
These dogs were bred for hunting meaning they are usually larger in size. Sporting dogs include the American Water Spaniel, Brittany Spaniel, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and Curly-Coated Retriever.
Terrier Dogs/Terrier Group:
Terrier dogs are a type of sporting dog bred for hunting small prey such as rodents and rabbits. This means they’re usually small in size, with short legs and muscular bodies. The most popular terrier dog breeds include the Jack Russell Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, and West Highland White Terrier.
Toy Dogs:
Toy dogs are a type of dog bred for companionship rather than hunting or working. Unsurprisingly, they tend to have a diminutive stature and have long coats that require regular grooming. The most popular toy dog breeds include the Toy Poodle, Maltese, and Chihuahua.
FAQs
What is the rarest dog breed?
The Norwegian Lundehund, The Logotto Romagnolo, the Azawakh, Otterhound, and the Mudi are some of the rarest dog breeds that exist.
What are the top 3 dogs?
The top 3 dog breeds are Retrievers, French Bulldogs, and German Shepherd dogs.
What is the best dog as a pet?
Good dogs to have as a pet are family dogs which include: Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, and Irish Setters.
How many dog breeds are there in the world?
There are roughly 400 officially recognized breeds, but that number is constantly growing.
Conclusion On: How Many Dog Breeds Are There In The World?
After doing some research, we’ve concluded that there are approximately 400-500 different dog breeds worldwide. Depending on who you ask, this number may vary slightly, but it’s a good estimate.
So, if you’re ever curious about how many different types of dogs there are in the world, now you know!