Dog Stats For Every Dog Lover

60 Dog Stats For Every Dog Lover

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Dogs have been human friends for centuries. Their unwavering love and loyalty are hard to find in any other pet. They offer comfort to patients as service dogs, conduct search and rescue missions, and also assist in tracking down criminals. They consequently have a significant impact on both our physical and emotional health.  

As a dog lover, you need to be equipped with all relevant information about your furry friend. Therefore, I have compiled a list of up-to-date 60 dog statistics and frequently asked questions that every dog lover should know.

60 Dog Stats You Should Not Miss

Dog Populations World Wide 

1. An estimated 900 million dogs live in the world

(World Atlas)

Due to a large number of unregistered pet dogs in several nations, data on dog populations are patchy. Counting the number of dogs kept as pets is simpler than finding the population of all dogs. A decade ago, the dog population was estimated to be about 500 million. Research shows the number of dogs worldwide is increasing significantly.

2.Around 75%-85% Of The World’s Dog population are free-range dogs.

(World Atlas)

The total number of estimated stray dogs is about 200 million worldwide. Free range dogs are dogs that are not confined and can roam freely.

3.China leads with a pet dog population of 110 million in Asia.

(World Atlas)

Many Asian countries do not register dogs, making it hard to know the dog population. However, China leads with the highest pet dog population, followed by India with 32 million and Japan with 9.5 million.

4.Generally, small dogs live longer than smaller dogs

(Pet MD)

A review of medical records revealed that dogs under 20 pounds survived an average of 11 years. However, dogs over 90 pounds only had 8 years on earth, and medium-sized dogs got about 11 years.

5.Worldwide, there are 35 identified species of wild dogs.

 (Active Wild)

These dogs are known as canines and are members of the Canidae family. The population of free-range dogs includes these species. Some wild dog species are currently in danger of extinction. Today, they can be found everywhere but in Antarctica.

Dog Populations in the United States

6. 69 million households in America own at least one dog.

(APPA)

Research shows that 70% of American households have at least one pet as of 2022. This is equivalent to 90.5 million homes. Dogs are the most common pet choice, with 69 million of those 90.5 million people owning at least one.

7. The most popular dog breed is the Labrador Retriever.

(AKC)

Labrador Retriever Puppy

Since 1991, the Labrador Retriever has held the top rank, making it many people’s favorite. However, other common breeds like German Shepherd, French dog, and Golden retriever, among others.

8.Around 48% of households have a small dog.

(HSUS)

As stated before, 69 million homes in the US own a dog. Small dogs take the biggest percentage, while medium and large dogs share the remaining percentage.

The population of small dogs is rising because they demand less food and care and have minimal vet bills.

9.79% of dogs get Christmas presents

(APPA)

Dogs are counted as family members and are not left out when buying Christmas gifts.

10.Washington DC has only a 22.5% dog ownership rate, the lowest in the United States.

(World Population Review)

Idaho is leading with a 58.3% dog ownership rate, followed by Montana and West Virginia with 51.9% and 51.6 %, respectively.

Vermont is the leading state in cat ownership with a rate of 44.6%

11. The American Kennel Club now recognizes 199 different dog breeds.

(AKC)

The Pointer was the first breed to be recognized by AKC in 1878, and the most recently recognized breed in 2022 are Bracco Italiano, Mudi, and Russian Toy.

12. 43% of dogs sleep on their owners’ beds.

(APPA)

Many dog owners count their dogs as family members, so it won’t be a surprise if you find them sleeping with their dogs. Cuddling with your dog is beneficial to bonding and has health gains too.

13. 47% of dog owners are Small breed dog owners 

(AKC)

In North America, small dogs are the most common breed. It’s partly because they are less expensive to maintain than large dogs in terms of food and some veterinary expenses.

14. Currently, there are about 500,000 service dogs in the US.

(Share America)

Service dogs are granted entry anywhere their owners go. This is made possible by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which is why you might see individuals walking dogs in stores and eateries.  

In addition, 170 nations have enacted civil rights legislation similar to the ADA to permit service dogs to follow their owners at all times.  

15. 8 million dogs accompany their owners to work.

(APPA)

People need an office setting that supports or is fine with employees bringing their pets to work. If not, this number would most likely be far higher.

Dog health statistics

16. Over the past decade, the number of overweight dogs has increased by 158%

(Banfield Pet Hospital)

The number of pets that are obese has gradually increased over the years, with the cats having an increase of 169%.

17. Overweight owners are likely to have overweight dogs.

(Frontiers in Veterinary Science)

 If a dog owner exercises, they are unlikely to exercise their dog. it is very likely that they will feed scraps to their dogs which will lead to more weight gain.

18. 56% of all dogs in the US are overweight or obese 

( APOP)

As mentioned earlier, lack of exercise is a leading cause of dog obesity. As many pet owners and vets agree, the lack of proper nutrition and feeding programs is another factor. Also, 60% of cats in the US are obese.

19. Over 90% of dog owners took their dogs to the vet at least once

(AKC)

Many dog owners are concerned about their dog’s health and take them to a vet to ensure they are good.

20. 80% of dog owners have spayed or neutered their dogs.

(AKC)

This is significant because it contributes to decreasing stray dogs, which lowers the rate of ongoing euthanasia.

21. Dog owners are at a lower risk of dying from heart disease by 23%

 (The Guardian)

Furthermore, people who own pet dogs are 20% less likely to pass away from any other cause. This is because dogs make humans feel less lonely and sad.

Stress and loneliness have been proved to contribute to early deaths, but dogs can help reduce them. 

22. In America, 45% of pet owners spend as much money—if not more—on their animals’ healthcare needs as they do on their own.

(LendEDU)

LendEDU, a financial website, conducted a study of pet owners and discovered that nearly half of Americans spend as much or more on their pets’ healthcare as they do on their own. In addition, 20% of the respondents said they had incurred debt because of their pet care, with an average debt of $1,567.

Dog training statistics

23. 8% of dog owners took their dogs to obedience class.

(AKC)

Only 4% of dog owners took their dogs to obedience classes in prior years, but with the rise in dog ownership brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, training has also increased.  

24. According to dog training Statistics, dog training might cost anywhere from $30 and $80.

 Training is a crucial part of dog parenting if you want a well-behaved dog. Unfortunately, training classes can be somewhat expensive, typically costing $50 an hour.

Private dog trainers can improve dogs’ behavior and teach them spectacular tricks. The cost of a class ranges from $20 for the cheapest to $120 for the most expensive.

25. 5% of dog owners train their pets on their own.

(Vetstreet)

A study with 1,800 dog owners found that 45.5 percent trained their dogs personally, while 46.7 percent enrolled them in training classes.

26. 73% of dog owners utilized a form of training of some type.

(AKC)

In the past 4 years, only 57% of dog owners were training their dogs, which shows an increase of 16%.

Dog Insurance Statistics

27. In 2020 the Average annual insurance premium for accidents and illness was $549 for dogs.

(NAPHIA)

Considering that digestive tract issues, cancer, and infections are very prevalent pet health issues, pet insurance market statistics show that pet owners typically prefer to cover illness-related costs with their premiums.

In 2020, the average monthly dog and cat accident insurance cost was $18.17 and $11.13, respectively.

28. In the US, only 2.1 percent of pets have insurance.

(Forbes)

According to US pet expenditure and ownership figures, only 2.1 percent of all pets in the nation have insurance. Dogs make up 82.9 percent of all of these. On the other hand, the pet insurance market is currently expanding quickly.

Dog Walking Statistics

29. $979.2 million was spent on dog walking services in the United States in 2021.

 (IBIS World)

As more Americans pay for dog walking services to ensure their canine friends’ exercise demands are met, the demand for dog walkers is growing. The nation’s market for dog walkers was estimated to be worth $1.05 billion in 2019.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this amount decreased to $885.9 million in 2020 before increasing 10.5% the following year.

30. Over 78% of dog owners insist that their pets need at least two daily walks.

 (Pet Backer)

According to the most recent data, 64% of dog owners believe that taking their dogs for a walk shows how much they care for and adore them.

They also acknowledge that after a nice walk, their dogs are noticeably happier, less anxious, and even calm.

31. According to 91% of Americans, dog parks greatly value the neighborhoods.

(New York Times)

According to dog park statistics, there are 40% more dog parks than ten years ago. The majority adores it, and 60% think dog parks are a secure environment where their pet can get the daily recommended amount of exercise.

On the other hand, 48% of dog owners agree that dog parks allow the socialization of their pets, which is crucial.

Dog Shelter Statistics

33. Around 23% of pet dogs are adopted from shelters or humane societies.

(ASPCA)

Surprisingly 34% are bought from breeders, and 20% are from family members and friends.

33. Over 10,000 authorized and unauthorized puppy mills are operating in the US.

(The Puppy Mill Project)

Every year, these mills produce almost 2 million puppies. Unfortunately, this results in only the overcrowding of dogs and dog euthanasia in shelters.

These puppies are eventually sent to different nations and sold to various pet retailers, as evidenced by data on dog breeding.

34. Yearly, 1.5 million dogs are euthanized in animal shelters

Dogs are frequently abandoned at animal shelters by owners who can’t or won’t keep them in the hopes that they’ll find new homes quickly.

However, according to data on dog euthanasia, shelters will most certainly put them down within a few days.

This occurs because animal shelters won’t turn away animals yet frequently accept more animals than they can find homes for. Of course, some shelters do not put animals to death, but they are the minority.

These figures dogs are partly a result of the spay/neuter problem, but they are also a result of people not always realizing the expense and responsibility of dog ownership.

35. Each year, more than 3.3 million dogs are taken to animal shelters in the US.

(ASPCA)

According to data from dog shelters, this shows a sharp decline in the number of dogs entering shelters. For example, there were roughly 3.9 million dogs in shelters in 2011.

36. Roughly 35 black dogs were in 2020.

(Towards Data Science)

Black dog syndrome statistics show that the black dog syndrome is true. The ASPCA invented the phrase to explain the tendency to ignore dogs with black coats.

The media portray black and other dark-coated dogs as fearsome and violent. This contributes to people shying away from adopting black dogs.  

General Dog Ownership Statistics

37. Pet dog owners spend an average of $1,480 annually for their basic needs.

Dogs account for the bulk of household pets in US households (76.2%). According to the APPA’s pet spending statistics for dogs, the annual average cost of basic expenses to raise a dog is $1,480. Much of the money is spent on medical bills.

 Average annual costs for cats come to about $902, where the largest amount caters to their food.

38 .Dogs account for 65 % of all abused animals.

(Fabiosa,PetHelpful)

Animal abuse and domestic abuse are closely related, as has been confirmed. Furthermore, more than 70% of those who abuse animals have a history of committing other violent crimes.

39. About 40,000 people actively practice dog fighting.

(Doggie Designer, HSUS) 

According to sports statistics, a dog battle often lasts between one and two hours or until the last dog passes away.

In all 50 states, it is a crime to participate in dogfighting, and there is a $5,000 reward for tipping off the authorities.

40. About 3% of people have cynophobia, which is the fear of dogs.

(Healthline)

Phobias are persistent, unreasonable worries that can interfere with daily life. They may sometimes exhibit signs like difficulty breathing and lightheadedness.

They may sometimes exhibit signs like difficulty breathing and lightheadedness.

A 1/3 of people who seek phobia treatment (7%-9% of the population) are reported to have cynophobia.

41. 54% of dog owners are more likely to get a significant amount of exercise.

 (American Humane)

Dogs love to play and exercise, and they can only do so with the help of their owners. As a result, dog owners are more active than non-dog owners by engaging in their dogs’ physical activities. 

This helps dog owners to lead a healthy lifestyle and improve their immune systems compared to non-owners. 

42. Over 40% of dog owners have a more fulfilling social life.

(Huf Post) 

Making new friends might be difficult for many people, but dog owners are not among them. Nearly half of all dog owners report having an easier time making friends.

A study showed that 4 in 5 dog owners converse with other pet dog owners on their walks.

43. 44% of dog owners buy dry food online

(Statista)        

 Many pet owners prefer to buy dry food online compared to wet food. For example, 43% of cat owners buy dry food online. 

44. You will need between $2,000 and $10,000 to start a dog daycare business

 (Brandon Gaille)

There are about 4,000 doggie daycares in the US, and some franchises require $300,000 to startup.

Furthermore, the dog-care sector, which includes daycare and grooming businesses, employs over 200,000 people.

45. 58% of pets traveling worldwide are dogs

(PBS Pet Travel)

Many dog lovers prefer to travel worth their dogs, including taking them on vacations. However, 22% of pet owners carry their cats, while pet birds take third place.

46. 25 million dog owners take their dogs on vacation

(APPA)

This number can increase if the hotels are more pet friendly. We love our dogs, and q vacation is not complete without them.

47. Dogs can significantly reduce loneliness and anxiety by 60%.

(Healthline)

One study made therapy dogs available to college students for a few hours. These students were experiencing anxiety, loneliness, and sadness.

Students reported feeling comfort from their issues after spending time with the pets.

Frequent Asked Questions

48. How much do dogs sleep?

Dogs normally sleep for 12 to 14 hours every day. Smaller breeds tend to sleep more compared to larger breeds.

Working dogs require less sleep than pet dogs, who spend their days lazing around the home. Some breeds can sleep for more than 20 hours a day.

49. How often should you wash your dog? 

Dogs with long hair and those who are active and spend a lot of time in parks should be bathed more frequently. Dogs with various skin issues and allergies may also require more frequent washing.

Dog owners are highly advised to bathe their dogs at least once every three months, though the frequency of dog baths depends on all these variables. It is also essential to use high-quality dog shampoos and other treatments that won’t damage their fur or skin.

Increasing the frequency of their baths might also lessen problems associated with pet allergies.

50. How Much Exercise Does My Dog Need?

This question cannot have a generalized response. Age, general health, and other factors will determine how much you should exercise your dog. Your veterinarian will help you determine this. 

However, you should generally strive for at least a half-hour physical activity each day. If you have an active dog breed, that figure may significantly increase; conversely, if you have a pet that doesn’t require any exercise, it could significantly decrease.

 51. How many dogs are born each day in the United States?

Every day, more than 70,000 puppies and kittens are born in the United States. Because there are not enough homes for all of them, spaying and neutering are crucial.

Sixteen puppies can be born to breed dogs in a year. If those puppies keep reproducing in two years, there will be 228. That one breeding dog pair and their progeny will have given birth to 67,000 puppies in six years. (Ward 42 Chicago)

52. Are dogs color blind?

The eyes of dogs only have two cones. This implies that in addition to being unable to see the colors red or green, they are also unable to see shades that contain those colors, such as pink, purple, and orange. Dogs cannot distinguish minute variations in the brightness or shade of colors.

53. Is it okay to sleep with your dog?

Despite years of controversy surrounding the matter, numerous studies have found that sleeping with your pet can benefit you. Co-sleeping with a dog may be a safe and comfortable experience because of their warm bodies, steady heartbeats, and protective nature.

54. What does it cost to euthanize a dog?

The price of this challenging decision is between $150 and $300. However, based on the options made by the dog owners, the cost may increase quickly.

Private cremations, for instance, can be fairly expensive, whereas euthanasia costs anywhere between $85 and $125.

There are various methods to keep your cherished pet near your heart after the dog has been cremated. Distinctive urns, jewelry, and even diamonds can be made from their ashes.

55. Are there any countries without any stray dogs?

While some nations have more stray dogs than others, the Netherlands is the first to declare that it is stray dog-free! But it wasn’t always like that. Finally, the citizens understood there was an issue with stray dogs that they wished to address without resorting to mass euthanasia.

Every dog had to be spayed or neutered initially, as required and funded by the government. Then, when required, each dog also received veterinary care. This was successful because a financial burden no longer held back owners.

56. Is There Ever a Time When an Obese Pet Shouldn’t Be Put on a Diet? 

A calorie-restrictive diet should be avoided in some instances. These include pregnant or nursing animals or those with particular conditions, such as cancer, renal disease, or heart malfunction.

Treating these animals’ obesity will probably have to wait until their other problems are handled because they probably need all the nutrition they can obtain.

Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your pet’s health. For example, if a diet is required, a vet can advise you on how to do it.

57. How long have dogs been domesticated?

Popular dog breeds have been the subject of paintings, photographs, and poems for decades. However, they have been our companions for a very long time.

Research reveals that dogs were first domesticated more than 30,000 years ago. Scientists estimate that dogs were domesticated some 15,000 years ago. There is evidence that they were buried with humans around 14,000 years ago.  

58. How much do millennials spend on pets?

Millennials are the most generous pet spenders, according to OppLoans. For pet supplies and care, millennials between the ages of 18 and 24 spend an average of $173.67 a month, while those between the ages of 25 and 34 spend an average of $141.5. Adults in their baby boom years spend the least, on average, at $80.43 a month.

59. Why do dogs lick you?

Dogs naturally and instinctively lick things. It serves as a way to socialize, express themselves, and groom. For example, your dog might lick you to express their affection for you, to seek your attention, to calm down if they’re upset, to demonstrate empathy, or just because they like the way you taste.

60. How much will the pet industry continue to grow?

The industry’s present value is $103.6 billion, but by 2030, it’s projected to nearly triple to $275 billion! This is entirely related to the rise in pet ownership brought on by the pandemic.  

Wrap Up

Dogs will continue being a part of our families, and we can all agree that they color our world. The benefits of having dogs in our lives are endless.     

As the above statistics show, many stray dogs in the world are still being euthanized daily in shelters and Rescue centers. Every dog lover must practice controlled breeding and spaying/neutering their fidos when necessary. 

Sources;

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