How Many Dog Breeds Are There?
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Just like people, dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. But what, exactly, defines a dog breed? And how many dog breeds are there?
From tiny lap dogs to 100-pound working companions, dog breeds have been shaped over the centuries to suit specialized jobs and lifestyles. And understanding what makes a dog a distinct breed can help you find the perfect pup for your lifestyle.
Here’s what to know about different dog breeds.
Key Takeaways
- Dog breeds are defined by shared physical and behavioral traits.
- The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes 202 dog breeds, and more are recognized every year.
- The AKC categorizes dog breeds into different groups, including herding, hound, sporting, non-sporting, terrier, toy, and working dogs.
- Genetics don’t always align with AKC grouping; dogs are often grouped by function rather than genetic relation.
What Is a Dog Breed?
Throughout history, humans have purposely bred dogs to have specific traits or abilities for accomplishing different roles: guarding property or livestock, tracking or retrieving game, herding farm animals, or even just for companionship. As a result, different dog breeds emerged.
“A dog breed is a set of dogs usually sharing a similar size, shape, physical appearance, and behavioral characteristics,” says Adam Boyko, PhD, a canine genetics expert and associate professor at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) identifies, organizes, and registers the growing list of dog breeds recognized in the United States. This organization is the world’s largest purebred dog registry.
“As the governing body of the sport of dogs, the AKC is dedicated to maintaining the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs, and preserving breeding for type and function,” says Brandi Hunter Munden, vice president of public relations and communications for the AKC.
How Many Dog Breeds Are There?
The AKC currently recognizes 202 purebred dog breeds, but that’s not a complete count of every dog breed in existence.
“There are still hundreds of more breeds out there that could potentially be added,” says Dr. Boyko.
Some of those breeds are part of the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service and may eventually qualify for full AKC recognition. Other breeds are not recognized by the AKC but are recognized by other international dog registries, like the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) or the United Kennel Club (UKC).
Types of Dog Breeds
The AKC divides registered breeds into different groups: herding, hound, sporting, non-sporting, terrier, toy, and working.
Dr. Boyko says AKC breed groups are based around purpose, size, or other shared characteristics—not genetics. For example, Boxers are members of the AKC’s working group but are much more closely related to Bulldogs (who are members of the non-sporting group) than to other dogs in the working group, like Akitas or Bernese Mountain Dogs.
However, Boxers’ work ethic and athletic abilities mean these dogs thrive when they have a task to focus on, making the breed an obvious fit for the working group.
Herding Group
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Dog breeds in the herding group have an intense desire and natural ability to move other animals from Point A to Point B. This instinct makes them experts at driving large flocks of sheep or corralling cattle, but they also can be trained for a wide range of other roles that call for an alert, hardworking dog.
Popular herding dog breeds include:
Hound Group
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The hound group includes breeds with an exceptional sense of smell or sight to track down prey. Dogs as small as the 10-pound Portuguese Podengo Pequeno or as large as the 100-pound Irish Wolfhound are included in this group.
Popular hound dog breeds include:
Toy Group
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Dog breeds in the toy group were developed with companionship in mind and are characteristically small—usually under 15 pounds. The lap dogs in this group prefer leisure time over work, but they still need regular physical exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
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This group of small dogs includes:
Non-Sporting Group
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The non-sporting group includes a mix of dog breeds that don’t fit into any of the other AKC breed groups. The non-sporting dogs include large and small breeds with a wide range of personalities and physical characteristics.
Popular breeds in this group include:
Sporting Group
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Looking for an active dog breed that can keep up with your daily jogging routine and weekend adventures? Dogs in the sporting group have the athleticism and stamina to keep up with whatever you have in mind, including hiking, hunting, swimming, playing fetch, and more.
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Instead of working independently, these dogs tend to be very tuned into their humans and are eager to please.
Popular breeds in this group include:
Terrier Group
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Take one look at the terrier group and you’ll see that these dog breeds are tenacious and spirited, and that’s no surprise when you consider their original purpose.
Terriers were bred to hunt small animals and rodents that live underground, and to serve as an alarm for guarding homes. Both of these historical roles called for a dog with a big bark and determination.
Popular terrier dogs include:
Working Group
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Dog breeds in the working group are large and strong. These traits make them well-suited for helping out with demanding jobs like pulling carts or sleds, or looking after livestock.
Popular breeds in this group include:
Miscellaneous Class
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The miscellaneous class is a stepping stone for breeds working toward full AKC recognition.
After becoming established with the Foundation Stock Service and meeting basic requirements, a breed will be eligible for the miscellaneous class, which opens up eligibility to compete in AKC events. When a dog breed within this group receives full AKC recognition, the breed will be reclassified into one of the existing seven AKC breed groups.
Popular breeds in this group include:
Foundation Stock Service (FSS)
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Dog breeds in the Foundation Stock Service (FSS) haven’t yet reached full AKC status. These breeds are typically rare but have an established breed standard and a parent club in the United States.
“The FSS allows breeders to record pedigrees and build stability, serving as the critical first step toward becoming a fully recognized AKC breed eligible for all AKC sports,” Hunter Munden says.
Popular breeds in this group include:
How Is a New Dog Breed Established?
To receive AKC recognition, a breed must meet certain criteria.
“There has to be a strong foundation with a national breed club to develop and maintain standards and a consistent population of dogs spread across the country, among other things,” Hunter Munden says.
The process varies in length, and a small number of breeds typically achieve AKC recognition every year.
The most recent dog breed to receive AKC status is the Danish-Swedish Farmdog, which entered the FSS in 2011 and was eligible for the miscellaneous class in 2021. On January 2, 2025, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog received AKC recognition and joined the working group.
FAQs About Breeds of Dogs
How many total dog breeds are there?
The AKC currently recognizes 202 dog breeds. But when it comes to the number of total dog breeds, Dr. Boyko says that the most common estimate is between 400 and 500 breeds worldwide. The number is tricky to pin down, though, because new breeds are always being developed and others, like the St. John’s Waterdog, go extinct.
What is the rarest dog breed?
The English Foxhound is the least-registered dog, according to AKC records, making it the rarest dog breed in the U.S.
What are the most popular dog breeds?
Based on the number of dogs registered with the AKC last year, the most popular dog breeds in the United States are (in order) French Bulldogs, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Poodles.
What was the first dog breed?
It’s difficult to say with certainty what the very first dog breed was. Dr. Boyko says Husky-like sled dogs are perhaps the earliest specific type of dog present in the fossil record.
Ancient records also give evidence of livestock guarding dogs, giant Molosser-type dogs (from which Mastiffs descended), and sight hounds very similar to the modern Greyhound.
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