* Different organizations have different classifications: Some recognize more breeds than others. For example, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes 190 breeds, while the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognizes 359.
* New breeds are constantly being developed: Breeders are always working on creating new variations, which can lead to new breeds being recognized over time.
* Some breeds are controversial: There is ongoing debate about the legitimacy of certain breeds, with some arguing they are simply variations of existing breeds rather than distinct breeds in their own right.
Therefore, the number of dog breeds is a moving target. You can find the number of recognized breeds by looking at the specific organization you're interested in.