Are there more breeds of cats than dogs? - briefly
No, there are significantly more recognized breeds of dogs than cats, with over 340 dog breeds compared to around 70 cat breeds globally.
Are there more breeds of cats than dogs? - in detail
The number of recognized cat breeds is significantly lower than that of dog breeds. As of 2025, major cat registries such as The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) recognize approximately 70 to 80 distinct cat breeds. These breeds vary widely in appearance, size, and temperament, from the sleek Siamese to the fluffy Maine Coon. However, the diversity in cat breeds pales in comparison to the extensive variety found in dogs. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the largest international dog registry, recognizes over 360 distinct dog breeds, while other organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) acknowledge around 200 breeds. This disparity arises from the historical roles of dogs and cats in human society. Dogs have been selectively bred for thousands of years to perform specific tasks such as hunting, herding, guarding, and companionship, leading to a vast array of specialized breeds. Cats, on the other hand, were primarily valued for their ability to control pests and were not subjected to the same level of selective breeding until relatively recently. Additionally, the genetic diversity of cats is narrower compared to dogs, further limiting the number of distinct breeds. While both cats and dogs exhibit remarkable variety, the number of recognized dog breeds far exceeds that of cats, reflecting their different evolutionary paths and relationships with humans.