* Breeds vs. Types: There's a distinction between "breeds" and "types." Breeds are officially recognized by kennel clubs, while types are broader classifications.
* Recognized Breeds: The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes 190 dog breeds. Other kennel clubs around the world have slightly different lists.
* Mixed Breeds: The majority of dogs are mixed breed, meaning they have ancestry from multiple breeds. There are virtually infinite combinations possible.
* New Breeds: New breeds are constantly being developed and recognized.
So, the answer depends on what you're asking:
* Recognized breeds: Approximately 190-200 breeds, depending on the kennel club.
* Types: There are many broad types of dogs, like herding dogs, working dogs, terriers, etc.
* All possible combinations: There are literally thousands of potential dog types and combinations.
Ultimately, there's no single, definitive answer to how many "types" of dogs exist.