People often ask how many dog breeds there are. The short answer: different registries count different breeds. A national kennel club like the Kennel Club (UK), AKC (American Kennel Club), or UKC may list one number, while the World Canine Organization (FCI) lists another. That’s because clubs set their own breed standards and rules for an officially recognized breed. Some breeds are still in a miscellaneous or developing class before full recognition. This guide will give you a clear answer, show the reasons behind the numbers, and explain how new breeds are recognised here.
How Many Breeds Do the Major Registries List?
The answer to how many dog breeds are there depends on which registry you look at:
-
The Kennel Club (UK) – 224 breeds . This includes groups such as the Toy Group (e.g., Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, English Toy Terrier), Hound Group (e.g., Afghan Hound, Beagle, Basset Hound), and Terrier Group (e.g., Manchester Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Fox Terrier).
-
World Canine Organization (FCI) – 359 breeds, covering 100 member countries. Its ten groups range from sheepdogs and cattle dogs to sighthounds and pinschers.
-
American Kennel Club (USA) – 202 breeds after adding the Danish‑Swedish Farmdog in 2025. The AKC divides them into seven groups—Sporting Group, Hound Group, Working Group, Terrier Group, Toy Group, Non‑Sporting Group, and Herding Group.
Here are some familiar names from the registries:
-
Working dogs: German Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher, Boxer, Siberian Husky (bred as sled dogs).
-
Herding dogs: Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Bearded Collie.
-
Terriers: Manchester Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Welsh Terrier, Border Terrier.
-
Toy breeds: Toy Poodle, Shih Tzu, Italian Greyhound, Pug, Chihuahua.
-
Non‑Sporting and Hound groups: Bulldog, French Bulldog, Basset Hound, Afghan Hound.
Even within these lists, some registries split a breed into separate breeds—for example, the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel—while others see them as varieties. This can also happen with shepherd dogs, mountain dogs like the Bernese Mountain Dog or Entlebucher Mountain Dog, and retrievers like the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever.
Why the Numbers Don’t Match
Several factors explain why registries report different totals:
-
Different breed standards – Some clubs split a particular type into separate breeds by coat length (e.g., long haired, smooth haired, wire haired) or size (miniature, standard), while others group them together.
-
Recognition rules – The Kennel Club requires a stable breeding population in the UK. The FCI accepts breeds from any member country once standards are set.
-
Selective breeding history – Many dogs were selectively bred for specific tasks such as hunting dogs for small game and game birds (e.g., English Springer Spaniel, German Shorthaired Pointer), herding livestock, flushing birds, or guarding property.
-
Genetic diversity – Large projects like the Dog10K genome project have sequenced thousands of dogs from different breeds, landraces, and wild canids to better understand breed development.
For UK owners, this means that while the German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, or French Bulldog may be recognised everywhere, less common types like some sled dogs or herding breeds might appear on FCI lists but not yet on the UK list.
Are Banned Types Counted?
In Great Britain, not every type of dog can be legally owned, even if it is purebred. Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, certain types are banned: the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and, as of 2024, the XL Bully in England and Wales. These are restricted due to concerns about aggression, although many advocates argue that behavioural traits depend more on training than breed.
These banned dogs are not on The Kennel Club’s list of officially recognized breeds. The law defines them by physical traits, so even mixed breed dogs may be considered banned if they share those features. That’s why checking the rules before buying is important—especially if you’re considering crossbreeds or other dogs with similar appearances.
How a New Breed Gets the Green Light
Adding a breed to The Kennel Club list is not quick. In the UK, a national kennel club only accepts a new breed after it meets strict recognition rules. This includes at least 20 unrelated dogs in the country with three‑generation pedigrees. A breed club is also needed to promote good health, training, and responsible breeding.
The breed starts on the Imported Breed Register, competing in limited classes. If its population grows and dogs match the breed standard, it moves to the main register. Then it can compete for championship titles at shows like Crufts.
For example, the Icelandic Sheepdog joined the Imported Breed Register before becoming fully recognized in 2025. This ensures that new breeds have a stable and healthy gene pool before entering the competitive ring.
FAQs
How many total dog breeds are there?
Globally, the number varies depending on the registry. The World Canine Organization (FCI) recognises 359 breeds, the Kennel Club lists 224, and the American Kennel Club counts 202.
What is the rarest dog breed?
Breeds like the Otterhound, with fewer than 1,000 worldwide, are considered among the rarest. In the UK, some rare hound group and herding breeds may have fewer than 300 registered puppies per year.
How many dog breeds are there in the UK?
As of 2025, The Kennel Club recognises 224 breeds, including the Labrador Retriever, Border Collie and French Bulldog.
What is the #1 dog breed?
The Labrador Retriever often takes the top spot thanks to its friendly nature, adaptability, and suitability as both a family companion and working retriever.
Conclusion
Understanding breed classification helps you choose the right dog, whether it’s a popular Golden Retriever, a clever Border Collie, a loyal German Shepherd, or a playful Shih Tzu. It also ensures you follow the law and pick a dog that matches your lifestyle. At the end of the day, a dog’s worth is not in its registry entry but in the bond it shares with its humans. Whether you own a particular breed or a one‑of‑a‑kind mixed breed, responsible ownership.
