Why Do Some Nations Have More Dogs?

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There’s no doubt that dogs are popular the world over. Here are the top five countries with the most dogs, according to WorldAtlas:

USA – 75.8 million.
Brazil – 35.7 million
China – 27.4 million
Russia – 15 million
Japan – 12 million

These numbers are staggering, but the reasons why certain nations are home to more dogs than others are even more fascinating. It turns out there are several factors:

Economics. When a nation prospers economically, dog ownership often rises. This happened in Brazil, where 50 percent of homes have a dog. A growing middle class there is one reason why dog ownership has risen. This makes sense because, frankly, having a pet costs money. In the U.S., you can expect to spend between $380 to $1,170 annually per dog. That doesn’t count the one-time costs of adoption, spaying/neutering, supplies, etc. If your dog has a medical issue, veterinarian bills can climb into the thousands of dollars. And if you want to buy a fancy dog breed, be prepared to reach for your wallet.
Law. Certain countries have laws and policies that influence dog ownership. In the U.S., there are laws against animal cruelty. There is a wide network of government and non-profit organizations that gather strays and try to find them homes. Today, dog parks are common in most bigger cities, and there is an array of pet-related businesses that cater to dog owners. Many local jurisdictions also require a license to own a dog. In some places, laws have been passed restricting certain dog breeds like pitbulls.
Politics. In communist China, it hasn’t always been legal to own a dog. It was once considered too akin to a “Western lifestyle”. But things have changed. Today China has the third largest pet market in the world and its pet population is growing faster than the human population! (Fun fact: the Siberian Husky is the most popular breed in China, according to Statista.)
Pets Instead of Kids. A nation’s birthrate and family formation can affect the dog population. In Japan, a slow-growing island nation, the pet population outnumbers the number of children. Like most in families in the U.S., pets are considered part of the family and get the royal treatment. The Japanese pet industry is $10 billion a year! (Fun fact: The Akita is the breed often associated with Japan and has come to symbolize loyalty.)

There are other factors that influence the number of dogs in a particular country, including cultural history and policies toward stray populations. It just goes to show you it’s not just those cute puppy dog eyes that make people decide to become a dog parent!

Until next time,

Hugs and Pug Kisses,

Candy

Countries With The Most Dogs Worldwide – WorldAtlas

The Annual Cost Of Pet Ownership: Can You Afford A Pet? (moneyunder30.com)

• China: most popular dog breeds 2021 | Statista

Japanese Dogs: Which are the Most Popular Breeds & What they Cost (voyapon.com)

Photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash