Dogs are known for giving us unconditional love and acceptance. However, dog statistics report that pups are also good for our physical and mental health.
The following stats and facts will tell you everything there is to know about man’s best friend and answer some of the most commonly asked questions.
But first, let’s take a look at some of the most interesting stats about dogs.
What are the Top 10 Dog Ownership Statistics?
- It’s estimated that there are more than 900 million dogs around the globe.
- Up to 85% of all the dogs in the world are free-range.
- There are over 150 different dog breeds, statistics say.
- 33% of Americans considered adopting a pet during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- 63.4 million American households own at least one dog.
- 48% of households have a small dog.
- 35.7% of yearly pet spending goes towards veterinary and medical care.
- Only 23% of pet dogs are rescued from a shelter or humane society.
- 95.5% of dog owners consider their pet to be a member of the family.
- 1 in every 5 dog owners buys special treats and presents for their pet.
Keep scrolling to find out more about your favorite animal.
Number of Dogs in the US
If you would like to buy or adopt a dog, this is where you can read the necessary stats you need to know before finding your new family member.
1. It’s estimated that there are more than 900 million dogs around the globe.
(World Atlas)
This is the first animal species that man domesticated, so it’s no wonder they are our best friends. Some ten years ago this number was slightly over 500 million. Statistics show that the number of dogs in the world is on a steady rise.
2. More than 58% of women have at least one pet.
(Joybird)
While gender is undoubtedly a factor in whether one is likely to own a dog, some of the latest data shows that location also plays a part. For example, those who live in the West are more likely to have a dog.
However, men are more likely to spend more money on their pets than women.
3. Up to 85% of all the dogs in the world are free-range.
(World Atlas)
It’s easier to estimate the number of pet dogs than the number of stray dogs in the US. Pet dogs aren’t wandering the streets or neighborhoods like the free-range ones.
According to the statistics, free-range dogs (street dogs, village dogs, federal dogs, wild dogs, or stray dogs) outnumber pet dogs.
4. A person is twice more likely to die from a bee, wasp, or hornet sting than a dog bite.
(Injury Facts)
Additionally, according to dog bite statistics, people have a one in 118,778 chance of dying because of a dog attack.
To put this into perspective, the chance of dying from a heart condition is one in six. Additionally, people are far more likely to die from choking on food. The chances for that are 1 in 2,618.
5. Dogs have three eyelids.
(Petfinder, Whole Dog Journal)
Dogs’ eyes are genuinely incredible. They have an upper, lower, and a third lid called a nictitating membrane or “haw.” The third lid protects the eye and keeps it wet.
Dogs can also see in the dark thanks to a special membrane called tapetum lucidum.
6. There are over 150 different dog breeds, statistics say.
(MSPCA)
These breeds are then divided into the following classes:
- Sporting
- Hound
- Working
- Terrie
- Toy
- Non-sporting
- Herding
- Miscellaneous
But, dog breed stats reveal that the most popular name for a dog is Max across all the breeds. Molly, Sam, Zach, and Maggie are the next most popular.
7. 33% of Americans considered adopting a pet during the Covid-19 pandemic.
(CNBC)
As statistics about dogs reveal, the rate of pet adoption is the highest among Millennials. Right behind are Gen Xers and Baby Boomers.
The main reason for this? 89% of surveyed Americans said that pets help them feel less lonely during the pandemic.
8. Approximately 94% of dog owners do at least a little training at home.
(Visual.ly)
In addition to this, around 90% of dogs know the “sit” command, which makes it the most well-known dog command. The majority of dog owners believe that their animal companion is trained better than a stranger’s dog.
Dog Statistics for the US
You probably have an idea of how much Americans love their dogs. Nevertheless, here are some numbers on dogs in the US.
9. 63.4 million American households own at least one dog.
(HSUS)
The Humane Society of the United States has been following the data on dog ownership for years. Its reports show that there has been an increase in the number of pet dogs. This is mostly caused by the overall rise in the US population.
10. More than 3.3 million dogs in the US are brought into animal shelters yearly.
(ASPCA)
Dog shelter statistics show that this represents a massive decrease in the number of dogs going into shelters. For comparison, in 2011, there were approximately 3.9 million dogs in animal shelters.
Meanwhile, cat statistics show that around 3.2 million go into shelters yearly.
11. Around 48% of households have a small dog.
(HSUS)
As top dog stats show, half of the American households have a dog. What’s more interesting is that most of them have a small dog. Some 33% of households have a medium, and the same percentage has a large dog.
Out of all pet dogs, 56% are “pure breed,” and 78% are spayed or neutered.
12. Approximately 1.5 million dogs are euthanized in animal shelters every year.
(ASPCA)
People who can’t or won’t keep their dogs any longer often leave them at animal shelters, hoping that they’ll be rehomed quickly.
However, the dog euthanasia statistics report that shelters will most likely put them down in a matter of days.
This happens because shelters won’t refuse animals, but they often take in more than they can rehome. Of course, some shelters don’t euthanize animals, but they’re in the minority.
13. In the US, there are over 10,000 licensed and unlicensed puppy mills.
(The Puppy Mill Project)
These mills breed over 2 million puppies every year. This only contributes to dog overpopulation, leading to dog euthanasia in shelters.
As the dog breeding statistics show, these puppies are then shipped to various countries and sold to different pet stores.
14. 35.7% of yearly pet spending goes towards veterinary and medical care.
(Spots, APPA)
Your pet’s health dramatically influences the average cost of dog ownership. Dog owners should understand that preventative check-ups are essential for their pet’s well-being.
APPA’s annual statistics estimate that pet owners have spent $30.2 billion on vet care and product sales in 2020.
15. Only 23% of pet dogs are rescued from a shelter or humane society.
(ASPCA)
The majority, an astounding 34%, are bought from a breeder, and 20% are obtained from a family member or friend.
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About 12% of dogs are obtained from a private party, while only 6% of pet dogs are brought home as strays.
16. Americans collectively spent more than $38.4 billion on pet food and treats in 2020.
(APPA)
Pet ownership statistics from 2020 claim that the majority of this money was spent on dog food.
But, Americans didn’t buy greater amounts of dog food—instead, their choices have changed. They bought premium dog food, thus ensuring that their pets have the best quality meals.
17. More than 78% of dog owners believe their dogs should have at least two walks a day.
(Pet Backer)
The latest dog owner statistics report that 64% of dog owners think that walking their dog reflects their love and affection for their pets.
They even admit that they can see their dog is more energetic, much happier, less stressed, and even relaxed after a nice walk.
18. An astounding 95.5% of dog owners consider their pet to be members of the family.
(Pet Backer)
The research also states that most dog owners also greet their furry companions when they come back home. In fact, the US pet ownership statistics confirm that most of them talk to their pets as regular human beings.
19. 1 in every 5 dog owners buys special treats and presents for their animal companions.
(Pet Backer)
They do this to make their dogs happy or to make up for lost time with their dogs.
The most popular are dog treats, special pampering sessions, quality dog toys, or fun pet sitters. Still, they also give them birthday gifts and Christmas and Valentine’s Day gifts.
Benefits of Owning a Dog: Statistics on Health and Happiness
Not only is playing and cuddling with dogs fun but owning a dog brings actual health benefits. Both physical and mental. Read on to discover how dogs improve our lives!
20. More than 40% of dog owners have better social lives.
(Huf Post)
Many people find it hard to make new friends, but dog owners are not included in that group. Almost half of all the people who have a dog make friends more easily.
One study notes that every 4 in 5 dog owners speak with other people who also have a pet dog during their walks.
21. People who own a dog are 54% more likely to get the recommended amount of exercise, according to the dog stats.
(American Humane)
Dogs love to exercise and play, and they require lots of energy from their owners. By merely following their dogs’ needs, dog owners engage in more physical activity than people without pets.
This boosts their immune system, so dog owners have by far healthier lives than non-owners.
22. Dog owners who live alone with their pets have a 33% less risk of dying prematurely.
(Time)
One study discovered that people who have pet dogs have a greater life expectancy. Dog statistics show that people who live alone are generally more likely to die early, but not dog owners.
Dog owners are more active than non-owners and lead healthier lives, which supports their overall health.
23. Dogs can help decrease anxiety and loneliness by 60%.
(Healthline)
In one study, college students were given therapy dogs for a couple of hours. These students were suffering from depression, loneliness, and anxiety.
After spending some time with the dogs, students reported some relief in their problems. The therapy dog statistics support these claims.
24. Dog owners are 23% less likely to die from heart disease.
(The Guardian)
In addition to this, people with pet dogs are 20% less likely to die from any other cause, as well. This is because dogs help people feel less socially isolated and depressed.
Depression and isolation are proven to contribute to early death and heart disease, and dogs prevent this.
25. Owning a dog lowers high blood pressure levels by 3.34 mmHg.
(Healthy Pets)
Dog owner statistics reveal that owning a dog can help high blood pressure patients in just five months. Dog owners also have lower triglycerides and a healthier heart rate. They are in an overall better health condition than non-owners.
26. Even the dog owners who survived a stroke are 27% less likely to die prematurely.
(ABC News)
Having a pet dog literally prolongs and even saves people’s lives. One study found that dog owners who have survived a heart attack or stroke have, on average, a 30% less chance of premature death.
A Few More Dog Statistics
You can never have enough stats and facts on dogs, so here’s a couple more!
27. Fear of dogs, also known as cynophobia, affects around 3% of the population.
(Healthline)
Phobias are irrational fears that persist and may interfere with people’s everyday lives. They can also cause symptoms like heavy breathing and dizziness.
It’s estimated that one-third of people who look for help with their phobias (7%–9% of the population) suffer from cynophobia.
28. About 40,000 people actively participate in dogfighting.
(Doggie Designer, HSUS)
Dogfighting statistics also reveal that an average dog fight lasts anywhere between one and two hours. Or until one of the dogs dies.
Participating in dogfighting is a felony in all 50 states, and the reward for reporting such an event is $5,000.
29. 65% of all abused animals are dogs.
(Fabiosa, PetHelpful)
It’s been proven that animal abuse and domestic abuse are related closely. Additionally, more than 70% of animal abusers also have a history of other violent crimes.
Nevertheless, the most common form of dog abuse is neglect, as dog abuse statistics report.
30. The cost of starting a dog daycare business is usually between $2,000 and $10,000.
(Brandon Gaille)
Some franchises cost $300,000 to start up, and there are around 4,000 doggie daycares in the United States.
In addition to this, more than 200,000 people are employed in the dog care industry, including daycare and grooming services.
31. The dog training statistics show the cost of dog training varies from $30 to $80 per class.
(Home Guide)
No matter whether a dog is misbehaving or has separation anxiety, it needs to be trained. These classes can be a bit pricey, usually costing around $50 for one hour.
Private dog trainers can positively change a dog’s behavior—and teach them some impressive tricks, as well. The lowest price for a class is $20, and the highest class price is a whopping $120.
32. 91% of Americans believe dog parks are beneficial to the communities.
(The New York Times)
Dog park statistics show that the number of dog parks has increased by 40% over the last ten years. The great majority loves it. 60% believe dog parks are a safe place for their pet to roam freely and get their daily dose of exercise.
On the other hand, 48% of dog owners believe that dog parts are essential for pets’ socialization.
33. Only 35 black dogs were adopted in 2020.
(Towards Data Science)
The black dog syndrome statistics reveal that black dog syndrome isn’t a myth. The term was coined by the ASPCA and described a phenomenon of overlooking dark-colored dogs.
Black (and dark-colored coat) dogs are presented in the media as aggressive and frightening. This is the reason people avoid adopting black dogs.
FAQ
34. How long are dogs pregnant?
Usually, a dog’s pregnancy lasts for 63 days from the time of conception.
However, this can vary by a few days, especially since it’s hard to know the precise moment of conception. On average, it lasts for nine weeks.
35. How much exercise does a dog need every day?
Generally, the majority of dogs require 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity every day. You’ll know your dog has had “enough” activity when you can finally see that it’s tired.
The amount of exercise a dog needs depends on many factors, such as their breed, age, and health.
36. How long do dogs live?
On average, small dogs under 20 lbs have a life expectancy of 11 years. Dogs heavier than 90 pounds have an 8-year life expectancy.
At the same time, those somewhere between these two categories live an average of 11 years.
So this depends on their breed and their overall health.
37. How many teeth do dogs have?
On average, puppies have 28 baby teeth, and adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth.
For comparison, human children have only 20 baby teeth, and adults have 32 permanent teeth.
38. How long does a dog stay in heat?
There are four heat cycle phases (though a dog can only get pregnant during one of them, estrus). Proestrus and estrus last for nine days each, diestrus lasts for 2 to 3 months, and anestrus lasts for 3 to 5 months.
Female dogs can start experiencing heat when they’re as young as six months old, but this can range from 6 to 24 months.
39. How much should I feed my dog?
Small, 3 lb dogs may require a third of a cup of dog food, while 100 lb dogs may need 3.5 cups of dog food.
Once again, the answer to this question depends on the pup’s breed, weight, and health.
The safest way to know the amount of food a dog needs is to consult a veterinarian.
40. How often should you wash your dog?
Long-haired dogs should be bathed more often, as well as dogs who are very active and spend a lot of time in parks. Dogs with various skin conditions and allergies also may need to be washed more often.
The frequency of dog baths depends on all these factors, but dog owners are generally advised to bathe their dogs at least once every three months. It is also crucial to use quality dog shampoos and products that don’t harm their fur or skin.
Bathing them more often can also reduce issues suffered by people with pet allergy problems.
41. How much do dogs sleep?
On average, dogs sleep 12–14 hours a day. Larger breeds sleep more than smaller breeds.
More active, working dogs need less sleep than those who lounge around the house all day long. Some dogs even sleep for up to 20 hours a day.
42. How much does it cost to neuter a dog?
The cost of dog neutering can be anywhere between $50 and $250. The exact price depends on the size and age of the dog.
Usually, neutering a dog is less complicated than spaying one and is therefore cheaper.
Neutering is referred to as removing a male dog’s testicles, while spaying means removing a female dog’s ovaries.
43. How much does it cost to spay a dog?
Spaying dogs can cost as low as $50 to as high as $500. Various factors influence the price. For example, spaying a dog in New York can cost far more than spaying a dog in the Midwest.
The cost also depends on whether the dog is spayed in a shelter, clinic, humane society, etc.
44. How much does it cost to put a dog down?
The cost of this difficult decision ranges from $150 to $300. Depending on the options the dog owners choose, the price can rise quickly.
For example, private cremations can cost quite a bit, while euthanization varies from $85 to $125.
Once the dog has been cremated, there are many ways to keep your beloved pup close to your heart. There are unique urns, jewelry, and you can even turn their ashes into diamonds.
45. How long can a dog go without eating?
A healthy dog can go without food for anywhere between 5 days and 3 weeks. However, this starvation period depends on the time of the dog’s last meal, their age, and any health conditions.
In addition to this, the dog’s physical and mental strength also plays a significant role.
46. How long can a dog go without water?
The maximum amount of time a dog can go without water is 3 days. It depends on the dog, of course, but even this period can be too much.
For example, if the weather is too hot, this amount of time will even be shorter.
47. How much does a dog cost?
The cost of owning a dog can range considerably. The basic cost for the first year of pet ownership can go over $1,000.
For every year that follows, dog owners should expect to cash out at least $326. Naturally, there are also emergency vet costs, grooming costs, training costs, and so on.
48. How fast can a dog run?
It depends on the breed, but dogs can run 15–20 miles per hour on average. Greyhounds are the fastest dogs, and they run 45 mph, similar to a cheetah’s speed.
Of course, small dogs run slower, so pugs run an average of 5 mph, and a Shih Tzu runs 6 mph.
49. How long have dogs been domesticated?
There are paintings, pictures, and poems about popular dog breeds that go back for centuries. However, their history as our companions dates back far, far longer.
According to the research, the domestication of dogs started more than 30,000 ago. Scientists claim that close to 15,000 years ago, dogs were already domesticated. There’s proof that they were being buried next to humans some 14,000 years ago.
50. When is a dog full grown?
The answer to this question depends on the size and breed of the dog.
Generally, small to medium dog breeds finish growing when they reach 12–15 months of age. And they will reach their total weight around the 18-month mark.
Medium to large breeds stop growing when they’re about 18 months old, and by 2 years old, they’ll reach their total weight.
Giant dog breeds stop growing when they’re 18 months old, but they may need up to 3 years to reach their total weight.
51. What percentage of the population has a dog?
An astonishing 50% of American households have at least one dog. This is the largest pet category in the United States (only 34% of households have at least one cat).
This makes the dog the most popular pet in the US. Cats, birds, and freshwater fish are also popular pets, but the dog continues to be man’s best friend.
52. How old is the oldest dog?
The world’s oldest dog was Maggie, an Australian Kelpie living on a dairy farm, who lived for 30 years. She was perfectly healthy for most of her life, but suddenly, she became ill and died in just two days.
53. What percentage of dog owners are female?
Organizations like the AVMA, APPA, and Mintel research pet ownership every couple of years. While the statistics for 2020/2021 still aren’t available, we have the info for the previous years.
Mintel’s research on US pet ownership reveals that some 71% of younger men own a dog, compared to just 60% of women.
54. What state has the most dog owners?
With 51.9% of dog-owning households, Montana takes the cake in dog ownership. On the other hand, the District of Columbia has the lowest dog ownership rates — 22.5%.
The Bottom Line
Having a dog as a companion can be a fantastic experience, full of joy and happiness. Like these dog statistics have shown, being a dog owner is a serious matter.
Nevertheless, if you’re thinking of getting a dog, these stats will surely persuade you to do so. Having a dog can prolong your life, bring you bliss, and give you both physical and mental benefits.
Sources
- ABC News
- AKC
- All Things Dogs
- American Humane
- APPA
- ASPCA
- AVMA
- Brandon Gaille
- Canine Journal
- CNBC
- Doggie Designer
- Dog Time
- Dog Time
- ExQeo
- Fabiosa
- Healthline
- Healthline
- Healthy Pets
- Home Guide
- HSUS
- HSUS
- Injury Facts
- JoyBird
- Pet Backer
- Petfinder
- Petfinder
- Pet Health Network
- PetHelpful
- PetMD
- PetPetBuy
- Pet Place
- Purina
- Spots
- The Dog People
- The Guardian
- The New York Times
- The New York Times
- The Puppy Mill Project
- Time
- Towards Data Science
- Trupanion
- Tuck
- Visual.ly
- Whole Dog Journal
- World Atlas
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