Dogs have been man’s best for thousands of years from protection, support, company and even showing mental health improvements. Not only are more and more people welcoming dogs into their homes, but they are also not shy about pampering and treating their pooch. Whilst dogs come in all shapes, sizes and colours, we’ve put together our top 25 dog statistics that we think you should know about! From statistics about dog breeds, pet ownership, the behaviours of dog owners and the prevalence of dogs around the world, rest assured we have you covered. So let’s dive into the top 25 dog statistics and great data that you need to know about!
Summary of top dog statistics.
Statistics about the prevalence of dogs.
- 31 per cent of households in the United Kingdom (UK) owned at least one dog. (Statista)
- 3 million dogs enter animal shelters every year in the U.S. (Dogster)
- 6 million dogs are adopted and 670,000 dogs are euthanised each year. (ASPCA)
- 66% of households in the U.S. own at least one pet in 2024. (APPA)
-
The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog since 1991. (AKC)
- 54% of U.S. households have at least one dog. (APPA)
-
The most frequently registered dog breeds in the UK are Labrador Retrievers and French Bulldogs. (Statista)
- 47% of dog owners have a small breed. (AKC)
- More than half of pet owners (51%) consider their pets to be as much a part of their family as a human family member. (Pew Research Centre)
- 78% of pet owners surveyed by Forbes Advisor acquired pets during the pandemic. (Forbes)
- Homeowners are more likely to own pets than renters: 58% of homeowners have a dog and 36% have a cat versus 39% and 29% of renters respectively. (AVMA - Sourcebook)
- Gen Z pet owners (ages 18 to 25) are far more likely than other age groups to have a variety of pets. (Forbes)
- Gen X pet owners (ages 42 to 57) are the least likely to own pets that aren’t cats and dogs, such as hamsters, birds and fish. (Forbes)
- The worldwide dog population is estimated to be 900 million. (World Atlas)
- Millennials make up the largest percentage of current pet owners (33%), followed by Gen X (25%) and baby boomers (24%). (APPA)
- The most popular pets in the U.S. are Dogs being present in 65.1 million households. (Forbes)
- The most frequently registered dog breeds in the UK are Labrador Retrievers and French Bulldogs. (Statista)
- There are an estimated 11.5 million dogs in the UK and more than 340 different recognised breeds worldwide. (RSPCA)
Statistics about the prevalence of dogs.
- 8% of dog owners took their dogs to obedience classes. (AKC)
- 73% of dog owners used some kind of training method. (APPA)
- 25 million dog owners take their pups and doggy adults on vacation. (APPA)
- 8 million dogs go to work with their owners. (APPA)
- The Global Dog Training Services Market is expected to reach $63 Million by 2030, growing by 9.2% from 2022 to 2030. (Gitnux)
- 5% of dogs in the UK showed aggression towards other pets on a weekly basis in 2015. (Gitnux)
- Just 39 per cent of dog owners attend training classes,
yet 93 per cent of dog owners agree dogs should
be trained. (RSPCA)
- The use of reward-based methods is high: praise is 70 per cent, toys
45 percent and food/treats 71 percent but a worrying number report
using aversive training methods such as check chains 13 percent and
shouting 10 percent. (RSPCA)
- More than 40 per cent of owners believe that dogs could experience guilt.
This is a complex emotion and evidence that dogs can feel this is lacking. (RSPCA)
Statistics about the health of dogs.
- More than 90% of dog owners took them to the vet for at least one visit. (AKC)
- 80% of owners have had their dogs spayed or neutered. (AKC)
- 59% of dogs were rated as obese in the U.S. in 2022. (APOP)
- The average pet insurance claim made increased from 679 British pounds in 2014 to 848 British pounds in 2021. (Statista)
- The most common illness in dogs was gum disease. (VetCompass)
- Ear infections are the second most common ailment that dogs experience. (VetCompass)
- 65% of dogs are obese or overweight yet 82% of dog owners state that their dog was the ideal weight. (PDSA)
Statistics about the industry & market of dogs.
- Pet products reached $103.6 billion in sales. (Dogster)
- 43% of dog owners bought premium dog food. (Pet Food Processing)
- 86% of pet owners purchased pet products online. (AKC)
- 79% of dogs received a Christmas present. (APPA)
- The global pet care market was worth $150.67 billion in 2021. (Grand View Research)
- The global pet care market expected to grow at a rate of 5.1% from 2022 to 2030. (Grand View Research)
- Pet food worldwide sales were forecast to reach 133.9 billion U.S. dollars. (Statista)
So let's dive into our top 41 dog statistics!
1. 31 per cent of households in the United Kingdom (UK) owned at least one dog. (Statista)
Almost a third of UK homes own at least 1 day, demonstrating the huge popularity to have a furry friend around the house. Over last 10 years, household dog ownership has grown from 24% to 31% however there has been a dip over the last few years following the pandemic. Dog's are incredibly popular in the United Kingdom and since the Renters with Pets reform bill in 2023 making it more difficult for landlords to decline pets, it's likely that dog ownership will continue to grow.
2. 3 million dogs enter animal shelters every year in the U.S. (Dogster)
Whilst it is a rather sad and harrowing statistic, however 3 million dogs do end up in animal shelters every year in the United States of America. Reasons for this can be hugely varied from bereaved owners, abandonment, strays or owners not able to cope. During the pandemic many people welcomed dogs into their home to then have to give them up when they couldn't cope with the dog anymore when expectations to return to the office occured.
3. 6 million dogs are adopted and 670,000 dogs are euthanised each year. (ASPCA)
Every year, around 920,000 shelter animals are euthanised (390,000 dogs and 530,000 cats). The number of dogs and cats euthanised in U.S. shelters annually has declined from approximately 2.6 million in 2011. This decline can be partially explained by an increase in the percentage of animals adopted and an increase in the number of stray animals successfully returned to their owners. Whilst it's great there is a reduction in euthanizations, still too many!
4. 66% of households in the U.S. own at least one pet in 2024. (APPA)
Pets are incredibly popular, we know that almost a third have a dog in the UK but this goes even further across the pond with 66% of households in the United States having at least one pet in 2024! This staggering percentage equates to over 9 million homes. Fish, dogs and cats are amongst the most common pets in the U.S over other pets such as hamsters and rabbits.
5. The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog since 1991. (AKC)
Labradors are large, friendly and lively dogs. They are known for their non-aggressive temporament and playful traits. There are many factors to consider when choosing a dog and Labrador's seem to tick many boxes. Always look at as much information on dog breeds for your personal circumstance. According to the American Kennel Club, Labrador Retriever's have been the long standing most popular dog. The Labrador was developed in the UK and was imported originally from Newfoundland. The Labrador is friendly and energetic but originally bred for sporting and hunting. Labradors are now widely kept as companion dogs but also are regularly trained guide or assistance dogs too.
6. 54% of U.S. households have at least one dog. (APPA)
So lets dive a little further into that huge statistic regarding the prevalence of pets in the UK. So not only do 66% of households in the USA have a pet but 54% of them have at least one dog! Considerably higher than the UK.
7. The most frequently registered dog breeds in the UK are Labrador Retrievers and French Bulldogs. (Statista)
The UK's favourite dogs follow a similar trend to the American Kennel Club with both the Labrador and French Bulldogs being the UK's favourite dog breeds. French Bulldogs have seen unprecedented growth in popularity with their fun personalities and playful temperament.
8. 47% of dog owners have a small breed. (AKC)
Small dogs sure are popular, they have maybe a little more "cuteness" appeal and don't always need as longer walks. According to the A.K.C. almost half of all dog owners opt for a smaller breed leaving medium and large dogs to make up the rest of the dog ownership population.
9. More than half of pet owners (51%) consider their pets to be as much a part of their family as a human family member. (Pew Research Centre)
As I'm sure you'll agree pets are not just a pet, they truly become a member of the family. From buying pets gifts, treating them as children and being loved family members - more than half of pet owners consider pets as family - as much as human members!
10. 78% of pet owners surveyed by Forbes Advisor acquired pets during the pandemic. (Forbes)
The pandemic led to huge numbers of people welcoming dogs into their homes. People had more time on their hands and typically worked from home, making it easier to accommodate a dog with other responsibilities. The habits of remote working changed to, meaning there was and continues to be less of a requirement to go to the office.
11. Homeowners are more likely to own pets than renters: 58% of homeowners have a dog and 36% have a cat versus 39% and 29% of renters respectively. (AVMA - Sourcebook)
When making the decision to take the plunge and buy or a dog or a pet, it's important to ensure your circumstances are suitable to be the best home for a dog. For example you need to have enough space, suitable places to keep their beds and food but also outdoor space is often very important. Those that own homes are more likely to own pets rather than renters. This is likely down to a number of reasons, from homeowners often having more space or landlords having "no pets" policies to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
12. Gen Z pet owners (ages 18 to 25) are far more likely than other age groups to have a variety of pets. (Forbes)
According to Forbes, those who are ages 18 to 25 are more likely to have a variety of pets. Animals are growing in popularity and continue to be part of mainstream culture which could be the reason that younger generations are more likely to have a variety of pets.
13. Gen X pet owners (ages 42 to 57) are the least likely to own pets that aren’t cats and dogs, such as hamsters, birds and fish. (Forbes)
Forbes also found that those who are ages 42 to 57 are least likely to own dogs that are not cats and dogs. Perhaps because cats and dogs are more traditional pets and better for companionship.
14. The worldwide dog population is estimated to be 900 million. (World Atlas)
Dogs sure do come in their masses with over 900 million of our four legged friends, of course this includes domesticated and stray populations of dogs but they are not a population to be underestimated, that's for sure!
15. Millennials make up the largest percentage of current pet owners (33%), followed by Gen X (25%) and baby boomers (24%). (APPA)
So now let's dive into who actually owns the most dogs in terms of age groups. Millennials are the winners and make up the largest percetnage of pet owners followed by Gex X and baby boomers.
16. The most popular pets in the U.S. are Dogs being present in 65.1 million households. (Forbes)
The United States sure do love their dogs as they are the most popular pet. They are present in over 60 million households and continue to increase.
17. The most frequently registered dog breeds in the UK are Labrador Retrievers and French Bulldogs. (Statista)
So we know that Labradors and French Bulldogs are the most popular dogs in the United Kingdom, but what we also know is that are also the most frequently registered dog breeds. Not only are they the most popular, but owners seem to be very cautious and carefully to ensure they are buying pedigree dogs of this type.
18. There are an estimated 11.5 million dogs in the UK and more than 340 different recognised breeds worldwide. (RSPCA)
We know that there are over 900 million dogs in the world, over 10 million of those are in the United Kingdom. Besides the UK is a nation of dog lovers. What's more, types of dogs has been something that's very important to dog owners for looks and behaviour type. There are more than 340 different recognised breeds in the world.
19. 8% of dog owners took their dogs to obedience classes. (AKC)
Ensuring dogs are well behaved in public, at home and around other dogs is vital for a successful dog to be around humans. Considering this the American Kennel Club reports than only 8% of dog owners took their dogs to obedience classes. Perhaps owners are more prone to training dogs at home?
20. 73% of dog owners used some kind of training method. (APPA)
Following on from the low number of owners taking their dogs to obedience classes, it seems that dog owners do see it important to train their dogs with almost 3 quarters of dogs owners using some kind of training method.
21. 25 million dog owners take their pups on vacation. (APPA)
Dog owners really do see their dogs as a member of their family, and going vacation doesn't prevent the dog love! In the United States, 25 million dog owners take their pups on vacation every year! We are sure your dog would love to attend your events with you!
22. 8 million dogs go to work with their owners. (APPA)
Finding the time to look after a dog can be challenging and something those considering buying or rescuing a dog should consider over buying from a breeder. 8 million dogs in the United States go to work with their owners. This could be outdoor works, or office workers alike! It's always best to ask the questions to your office manager before turning up with your pooch though!
23. The Global Dog Training Services Market is expected to reach $63 Million by 2030, growing by 9.2% from 2022 to 2030. (Gitnux)
Whilst it seems that those using obedience classes isn't huge, the sector is growing. Around the world, the market for dog training is expected to reach over 60 million dollars by 2023 growing 9.2% between 2022 and 2023. So perhaps more people are leaning on professionals to train their pups!
24. 5% of dogs in the UK showed aggression towards other pets on a weekly basis in 2015. (Gitnux)
Aggression in dogs, whilst common, is something that cannot be tolerated for the safety of other animals and humans. In the UK, it has been reportd that 5% of dogs show aggression towards other pets every single week. Whilst it's not the largest stat it's something that should be highly considered by dog owners when training and socialising their dog.
25. Just 39 per cent of dog owners attend training classes, yet 93 per cent of dog owners agree dogs should be trained. (RSPCA)
It seems the UK are a little more keen to take their dogs to training classes when compared to the United States. That said less than half of dog owners attend training classes but almost all dog owners believe that dogs should be trained. Something doesn't quite add up here - or maybe the UK are pretty damn confident in their own training abilities!
26. The use of reward-based methods is high: praise is 70 per cent, toys 45 percent and food/treats 71 percent but a worrying number report using aversive training methods such as check chains 13 percent and shouting 10 percent. (RSPCA)
Training a dog typically will require positive reinforcement, to communicate with a dog that a behaviour was good. Most dog owners use treats or toys, however it has been noted that negative reinforcement is used to prevent future bad behaviours such as check chains and shouting.
27. More than 40 per cent of owners believe that dogs could experience guilt. This is a complex emotion and evidence that dogs can feel this is lacking. (RSPCA)
There is a large movement of dog trainers that believe dogs should be trained using positive reinforcement and not negative reinforcement. Almost half of dog owners believe that dogs experience guilt, so the emotions that dogs feel should be considered.
28. More than 90% of dog owners took them to the vet for at least one visit. (AKC)
Like humans, dogs get unwell and require a trip to the vets every now and then. From medical problems to accidents over the park, you name it your vet has probably seen it. Almost all dogs will visit the vets for health issues at least once every single year some may visit more times than this.
29. 80% of owners have had their dogs spayed or neutered. (AKC)
Having your dog spayed or neutered is a common practice in many countries, including the UK. There are multiple reasons that vets often recommend this when a dog is a puppy including minimising disease risk and preventing unwanted pregnancies when a dog may be around other dogs or over the park.
30. 59% of dogs were rated as obese in the U.S. in 2022. (APOP)
Obesity is not a problem that is not just limited to humans, but also dogs too. It's vital that dogs are not overfed and receive regular exercise to keep them fit and reduce the chances of weight related illness. In the U.S.A over half of dogs are obese which is a very sad fact. Don't overfeed, provide healthy and nutritious food and let your dog run and walk regularly!
31. The average pet insurance claim made increased from 679 British pounds in 2014 to 848 British pounds in 2021. (Statista)
As we know, dogs attend the vets at least once every year for many different reasons. Pet insurance is vital for many pet owners to prevent heavy and unexpected vet bills and give reassurance that your dog can receive vet treatment. In 2021, the average insurance claim increased from £679 to £848 in the United Kingdom. The cost of vet bills and money sure can add up!
32. The most common illness in dogs was gum disease. (VetCompass)
Gum disease is the most common illness in dogs, perhaps because dental hygiene is difficult for dogs and perhaps many dog owners do not brush their dogs teeth. Chews claim to help clean dogs teeth however the statistics & facts don't represent a positive impact here.
33. Ear infections are the second most common ailment that dogs experience. (VetCompass)
Following gum disease is ear infections. Ear infections are the second most common ailment that dogs experience. Dogs love to roll in mud, run through foliage and can be prone to get debris caught in their ears causing infection.
34. 65% of dogs are obese or overweight yet 82% of dog owners state that their dog was the ideal weight. (PDSA)
We discussed earlier the pandemic of obesity in dogs, however the very distressing statistic is that the majority of dog owners do not think that their dog is obese meaning the problem is unlikely to change. Dog owners should seek guidance from their vet on their dogs ideal weight and find a diet that helps a dog maintain it's ideal weight.
35. US Pet products reached over $100 billion in sales. (Dogster)
The pet industry is a big business, we know huge numbers of households have pets so products, supplements and care sales are massive. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), pet food and treats accounted for nearly 45%.
Total US pet industry sales reached $147 billion (€135.6B) in 2023, a 7.4% increase compared to the previous year. A new report released by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) in Global Pet Expo captures spending in four major categories, with pet food and treats accounting for $64.4 billion (€59.4B).
36. 43% of dog owners bought premium dog food. (Pet Food Processing)
Dog owners often are keen to splash out on their pets, choosing the highest quality accessories, beds and more. Almost half of all dog owners purchased premium dog food, likely for it's health benefits or choosing options that are not processed.
37. 86% of pet owners purchased pet products online. (AKC)
Convenience is vital for products such as food, so purchasing online can be a great way especially with bulk buy options or subscription for convenience. Buying pet products online also gives per owners unlimited chose of products they might not be able to find at their local pet shop.
38. 79% of dogs received a Christmas present. (APPA)
Christmas is a time for sharing gifts and being amongst loved ones. Dog's definitely do not miss out on the action with almost 80% of dogs receiving Christmas presents. Think new toys, fresh sets of tennis balls and their favourite treats to unwrap underneath the tree.
39. The global pet care market was worth $150.67 billion in 2021. (Grand View Research)
Caring for dogs is vital for optimal health of your dog. The global pet care market is a huge business worth over $150 billion in 2021. Think supplments, medicines and more.
40. The global pet care market expected to grow at a rate of 5.1% from 2022 to 2030. (Grand View Research)
We've discussed some huge numbers in this article regarding how many people own pets, now this isn't showing signs of slowing down with associated marketing showing promise for continue growth over the next decade.
41. Pet food worldwide sales were forecast to reach 133.9 billion U.S. dollars. (Statista)
Dog's sure do love their food, and dog food brands are growing and appearing all the time. Sales for global pet food are forecasted to continue to increase to billions of dollars.
So that's a wrap, that was our top 41 dog statistics that we thought you should know about! We've covered the prevalence of dogs, the size of the industry and of course some behaviour we see across owners and their pets! The activity, opinions and sources within the pet industry is vast so hopefully this article was a great summary of everything we could find on dogs amongst the pet population. The study of pet ownership is wide and different across many countries so should be considered when reviewing this article.