The Dog Scanner app makes it possible to determine your dog’s breed based on a photo or video. Broadly speaking, this is done by an artificial intelligence comparing the pictures or videos our users upload with pictures from an extensive database. Our database consists of more than 370 different dog breeds and has been created on the basis of cynological expertise. Cynology means the study of matters related to canines or domestic dogs.
There are numerous cynological institutions, which recognize different breeds and distinguish and categorize them in different ways. With few exceptions, the information provided in our Dog Scanner app is based on the official standard of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
What is the Fédération Cynologique Internationale?
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale exists since 1911 and is the largest cynological organization in the world. It currently unites 99 member and partner countries where breeds can be registered and competent judges can be trained. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale was founded in Europe (jointly by Germany, Austria, Belgium, France and the Netherlands), but now also includes numerous associations on the American continent and in the Caribbean up to associations in Africa, Asia and Oceania.
The FCI currently distinguishes 353 different breeds. In the regularly updated standard, each breed is listed together with its country of origin, which is the country where the breed was first registered. The countries of origin, in cooperation with a commission of the FCI, work out an ideal type for their breeds, including an exact description of the external characteristics. The translation into English, French, German and Spanish, as well as the final publication of new breed standards is done by the FCI.
Besides the FCI, the British Kennel Club (KC), the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) are the largest associations for the determination of dog breeds. These four organisations mutually recognise their registrations and even cooperate with each other to some extent. In addition to the associations mentioned above, there is also the United Kennel Club (UKC), which is mainly active in North America.
Our database is missing your dog’s breed?
The breed standard of the FCI is the basis of our database, but it is not the only reference. We also consider other breeding standards and include breeds that are not recognized by the FCI, such as the American Pit Bull Terrier or the American English Coonhound. An overview of all breeds currently included in our app can be found here.
It is important for us that we do not limit ourselves exclusively to the FCI when it comes to breed determination, but that we also keep our users in mind. Therefore you have the opportunity to suggest other breeds which we should add to our database. In order to be able to continue to carry out the breed recognition on the basis of sound expertise, it is however important that the proposed breed is recognized by at least one official cynological institution. Please also note that the process of adding new breeds is relatively complex and may take some time. Suggestions from our premium users are therefore always given priority.
This way you can submit new suggestions for dog breeds:
