Determining the number of dogs in the world can be difficult. There is no worldwide doggy census, and many countries lack animal registration processes. Current estimates suggest anywhere between 700 million to 1 billion dogs worldwide, including pets and free-roaming dogs.
Dog Ownership By Country
Contents
While some choose to go the route of uncommon pets—scroll through TikTok, and you’ll find pet pigs, snakes, chinchillas, and even skunks—the most popular pet is still the dog. It’s hard to beat a pet dubbed “man’s best friend.” Let’s take a look at which countries lead the pack when it comes to dog ownership.
United States
The United States has the highest recorded number of pet dogs, at 90 million. Due to their popularity, cities across the country are taking initiatives to make themselves more pup-friendly. Dog parks have been established in virtually every major city and town, and dog-centric or dog-friendly businesses have also boomed.
There are pup-friendly hotels, restaurants, and bars, as well as mobile vets, dog groomers, and doggy gyms to keep your pup in tip-top condition. You can even book your dog a charter flight for your pooch via the world’s first doggy airline. Subscription box service BarkBox now offers dog-focused, crate-free flights via BARK Air. This long-distance traveling solution ensures you and your pup get the white glove treatment. While it will cost you a pretty penny, it means that your dog won’t be stuck in a cargo hold during your flight.
Are you looking for the most dog-friendly city? According to 2024 data published by Market Watch, Raleigh, NC, wins the title of America’s most dog-friendly city. Forbes chose San Francisco as the best city in 2024 for our furry friends. Other cities that tend to top best-of lists include Austin, TX; Denver, CO; Madison, WI; Portland, OR; and Seattle, WA.
Brazil
Brazil has the second-highest dog pet population at 55 million. Dogs are the most popular pets in Brazilian households, followed by birds and cats. The country’s national dog is the Fila Brasileiro, or Brazilian Mastiff, which makes our lists of scariest dog breeds and best guard dogs for families.
While Brazil has many pet canines, the country also struggles with large numbers of free-roaming dogs. With dog abandonment as the primary factor, Brazil’s street dog population has grown at an astounding rate and has become a serious problem. These dogs have been linked to everything from traffic accidents to farm animal losses. From a public health perspective, free-roaming dogs increase the risk of zoonotic diseases transmitted to humans by dogs.
The good news is that there are many loving pup parents in Brazil. In the most recent survey of dog breed popularity in Brazil, mixed breeds accounted for 23.54 percent of pet dogs. The second most popular canine was the Shih Tzu, followed by the Yorkshire Terrier.
China
Despite the one-dog-per-household rule in Beijing and Shanghai, China takes third place in dog population by country, with approximately 54.29 million dogs. Popular breeds among Chinese citizens include the Siberian Husky, Tugou (Chinese domestic breed), Toy Poodle, and Corgi.
China is known for having strict regulations regarding certain dog breeds. While no breed has been officially banned, larger breeds or breeds deemed “aggressive” are prohibited in cities like Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai.
Several fantastic dog breeds originate from China, including the Lhasa Apso, Pug, Pekingese, and Shih Tzu. Check out our guide on Chinese dog breeds to learn about these and 11 other breeds developed in China.
Japan
Japan’s declining birth rates and growing pet industry reflect a trend of adopting pets in lieu of having children. Thus, the 20 million canines in Japan are highly pampered pups. Many hotels, restaurants, and shops are pet-friendly and even cater to dogs. Savvy Tokyo shares some especially unique services for your pooch, including doggie resorts, taxis, and hot springs.
Japanese citizens tend to opt for smaller dogs suitable for apartment living; a June 2023 survey found Toy Poodles to be the most sought-after breed. Chihuahuas, Shiba Inus, and Miniature Dachshunds are also popular choices.
Don’t have a dog? No worries. You can visit one of Japan’s famous animal cafes or rent a dog for walks and playtime (dogs are also available for adoption).
Russia
With 17.55 million dogs, Russia is among the top five countries in terms of dog population. A survey by the Levada Center in 2023 found that 22% of Russian families live with a dog. Interestingly, this same survey reveals that 43% of families have at least one feline.
Despite their popularity, Russia doesn’t have a dog-centric culture. So, while you may find many canines in this country, dogs aren’t generally treated like family members. Dog owners in Novosibirsk—Russia’s third most populous city as of January 2023—can even be fined if their dog barks during designated quiet hours. In contrast, Forbes Advisor reports that 97% of U.S. dog owners think of their pets as a family member.
As you might assume, dogs native to Russia have adapted to withstand the region’s cold climate. We provide a list of 25 different Russian dog breeds, including the well-known Siberian Husky and Samoyed.
United Kingdom
There are approximately 12 million registered dogs in the U.K., making it the highest-ranking European country in terms of dog population. Popular breeds include the Labrador Retriever, French Bulldog, Border Collie, English Cocker Spaniel, and Dachshund.
The U.K. has the distinction of hosting the world’s oldest dog show. According to Guinness World Records, the Birmingham Dog Show was established in 185 and continues today. The country is also home to the prestigious Crufts dog show, which boasted an astounding 24,000 dogs in 2024. In contrast, America’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show hosted around 2,500 canines in 2024.
In an attempt to prevent the number of dog attacks on humans, the U.K. is one of a number of countries enacting breed-specific bans or restrictions. Current U.K. legislation bans four dog breeds: Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, and Pit Bull Terrier. XL Bully dogs are also banned in England and Wales unless your dog is provided a certificate of exemption. Our article on the U.K.’s “Dangerous Dogs Act” covers this topic in detail.
Germany
Another pet-friendly nation, Germany, is home to around 10.3 million dogs. In German culture, pups are definitely treated as part of the family and often accompany their owners in public places. Canines are typically welcome at hotels, stores, shopping malls, restaurants, and even bars. That being said, Germany is still very much a cat-first nation. A total of 15.7 million cats lived in German households in 2023.
Popular breeds include the German Shepherd, Dachshund, and German Shorthaired Pointer—all German breeds. The country’s national dog is the Great Dane, also called the German Mastiff.
The World Canine Organization recognizes 356 breeds of dog. More than 50 originate from Germany, making it a virtual epicenter of dog fancying. Other German breeds you may recognize include the Doberman Pinscher, Pomeranian, Poodle, Schnauzer, Rottweiler, and Weimaraner. Are you looking for the perfect name for your German pooch? We’ve compiled 150+ German dog names perfect for your new canine companion.
India
Image credit: ELAMARAN ELAA PHOTOGRAPHY, Shutterstock
Coming in at number eight is India, with 10.2 million pet dogs. Unfortunately, the number of stray dogs in India far outnumbers pets, with estimates as high as 70 million in 2023. Along with the risk of attacks from hungry dog packs, the country has a high prevalence of dog-mediated human rabies.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this infectious viral disease is often under-reported, making it difficult to understand the scope of rabies in India fully. WHO does report that approximately 30 to 60% of reported rabies cases in India occur in children under the age of 15.
On the other hand, dogs are worshiped in Hinduism, the most prevalent religion in India. During the Hindu festival Kukur Tahir, all dogs are celebrated to please Yama, the god of death. Pups are decorated with tika (a traditional marking on the forehead) and flower garlands and are treated with special meals. While celebrated mainly in Nepal, the Hindu festival is also celebrated in the Indian states of Assam, Sikkim, and West Bengal.
Argentina
According to a 2023 article published by the Buenos Aires Times, 81% of Argentine families live with a dog—the highest rate of pet ownership per inhabitant worldwide. In total, Argentina has 10 million pet dogs. Visitors and residents report that Buenos Aires is very pet-friendly. There are plenty of green spaces and pet services, including dog walkers and mobile vets.
The Dogo Argentino is a breed native to Argentina. The breed is often mistaken for the American Pitbull Terrier—we cover the differences in our Dogo Argentino vs. American Pitbull Terrier comparison article.
Spain
Rounding out the list at number 10 is Spain, with 9.31 million pet dogs. Spain is considered a moderately dog-friendly country. In general, dogs are not allowed in restaurants and public beaches. While allowed, specific rules and regulations exist for transporting dogs via car, metro, buses, and other public transportation. But there are plenty of pet services, including groomers, pet sitters, and boarding services.
Spain restricts certain dog breeds and breed crosses deemed potentially dangerous. These canines are classified as “peros potencialmente peligroses” (PPP). While these dogs aren’t banned, the government requires owners to have a renewable owner’s license and civil liability insurance for their dogs. Additionally, dogs must also wear a muzzle in public spaces.
Spanish dog breeds include the Bichon Frise, Catalan Sheepdog, Ibizan Hound, Presa Canario, and Spanish Water Dog.
How Many Stray Dogs Are In The World?
The WHO estimates that there are around 200 million stray dogs worldwide.
The Netherlands holds the distinction of being the world’s first country without stray dogs. How did they manage it? The Dutch government launched a nationwide initiative called CNVR (Collect, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Return), which provided government-funded veterinary services to help reduce the number of stray dogs in the future.
Other measures were also implemented, including high taxes on store-bought dogs to encourage citizens to adopt from shelters and severe punishments for animal neglect or cruelty. A special police division was also created to enforce laws preventing animal abandonment and cruelty.
Who Makes Up The Rest Of The Dog Population?
According to the Morris Animal Foundation, around 35 species of wild dogs exist today, including coyotes, foxes, jackals, and wolves. Within the overarching label of “wild dog,” there are also dogs that are not feral but also not quite domesticated.
Dubbed street dogs or village dogs, these free-ranging, breedless dogs are often found in rural, residential areas where they have lived closely but separately from humans.
How Many U.S. Households Have A Dog?
According to the American Pet Produce Association (APPA), 66% of U.S. households, or 86.9 million homes, own at least one pet. And as you might guess, the majority have canine companions. A whopping 65.1 million U.S. households own at least one dog.
In 2023, $147 billion was spent on pets in the United States. This number is estimated to continue growing, reaching $150.6 billion by the end of 2024.
Dog Ownership By State
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) data published on Wisevoter shows that Idaho has the highest rate of dog ownership at 58.3%, followed by Montana (51.9%), Arkansas (51.6%), Mississippi (51%), and West Virginia (49.6%). The states with the lowest rate of dog ownership are Vermont (28.3%), New York (28.3%), Rhode Island (25.8%), Connecticut (24%), and New Hampshire (23.7%).
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some reoccurring questions our readers ask regarding the world dog population—particularly how it relates to the world cat population. Don’t see yours? Ask us in the comments, or check out the Canine Journal Community forum.
Are There More Cats Or Dogs In The World?
According to the World Population Review, the world cat population exceeds 1 billion; thus, cats may slightly outnumber dogs.
Which Countries Prefer Cats Over Dogs?
It’s a great debate: cats vs. dogs. While the U.S. is definitively a pro-dog country, many other countries favor cats. Countries in which cats appear to take the lead include Canada, Germany, China, and Russia.
More Pet Ownership Statistics
Can’t get enough of doggo statistics? We share many more pet ownership statistics, including household pet breakdown, owner demographics, and annual expenses for canine parents.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Tara is part of the Canine Journal team, which has over a decade of experience researching, testing, and writing about anything and everything dog-related. Most of our team members are lifelong dog owners and can provide personal insights on each topic we cover.