Dog Population by Country 2026

Top 10 Countries with the Highest Dog Population

Dogs hold a significant place worldwide, both as pets and cultural symbols. Here’s an overview of dog ownership and cultural significance in various countries:

1. Global Household Ownership: Approximately 30% of households globally have a dog, totaling between 700 million to 1 billion dogs.
2. United States: Leading with 90 million dogs, the U.S. has the highest number of pet dogs. The Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed, with over 98,300 registered in the AKC.
3. Brazil: Dogs are the most popular pets, with the Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff) being the national dog.
4. China: Despite the one-dog-per-household rule in major cities, China is home to over 54.29 million dogs. Popular breeds include the Pekingese, Chow Chow, Shar Pei, and Tibetan Mastiff.
5. Japan: The dog population stands at 20 million. Dogs are highly cherished, often sharing meals with their owners and frequenting pet-friendly cafes.
6. Russia: With 17.55 million dogs, 32% of Russian households own a dog. Breeds are often selected for protection and resilience to cold weather.
7. United Kingdom: There are around 12 million dogs, with an average lifespan of 14 years.
8. Germany: Home to about 10.3 million dogs, Germany is pet-friendly, allowing dogs in many public spaces.
9. India: Dogs play a sacred role in Indian culture. The population is about 10.2 million, with approximately 62 million being strays.
10. Argentina: With around 10 million dogs, the national dog is the Dogo Argentino, known for its strength and protective nature.
11. Spain: Estimated dog population is around 9.31 million, with the Spanish Mastiff being as popular as the Labrador in the U.S.