How Many Dogs Are In The World?

Knowing the exact figure of the number of dogs in the world is, to a great extent, challenging. Many of them are feral – they live by themselves and do not have human companions. This means that it would be impossible to count all the individual canines. However, some 2012 data mentions that globally, there were about 525 million canines. About nine years later, the number has undoubtedly grown. Today, the global estimate is of about at least 900 million dogs.

This article is going to give you the nitty-gritty details of the global dog population. After that, you will be opened up to the biggest dog breeds in the world. In the end, you will be impressively informed.

Details Of The Population Of Dogs Globally

Whenever anyone mentions the name canine, you will likely grow – in your imagination – a cute dog. That is not surprising since dogs are the most popular, famous canine pets, coming before cats and the others. However, did you know that pets – generally speaking – make only a small portion of the world’s total canine population?

As established in the primer, it is hard to get the exact count because many dogs are free-range pups. They roam the village and town streets or choose to live as wild dogs. The smaller population of dogs is either used in human work or living in the pampered, happy human homes. This section will provide you with an extensive overview of the critical numbers for the dogs that live, move, and have their beings on the globe.

The World’s Population Of Feral (Or Free-Range) Dogs

Dogs that lack human companions and are not registered as belonging to anyone are referred to as feral dogs. They form the most considerable portion of all the dog population globally, something between 75% and 85%. Sometimes, the people interested in the count of dogs (such as WHO) give subcategories of free-range dogs. A free-range dog can either be village, city, stray, wild, or feral.

The WHO’s data capture that the number of stray dogs is 200 million. Stray dogs are dogs that had been previously socialized, but they lost touch with their humans. On the other hand, feral dogs do not have any special contact with people, and they don’t desire it.

The World’s Population Of Owned Dogs

Information and stats addressing canine ownership are different depending on the country you look at. Nonetheless, it is easy to calculate the number of canines that are owned by people. You cannot compare that to the uphill task of having to count individual free-ranging dogs.

It is also easy to make the calculations because many countries have made it mandatory for people to register the dogs that they get. Here is the number of dogs per continent:

1. Asia

In Asia, many countries have not made it obligatory for owners to get their pups registered. This means that there is particular unreliability in the continent when it comes to calculating the total canine number. The available data shows that China keeps the most pooches, and the estimated number is 110 million ‘Chinese’ pet pooches.

In India, about 32 million dogs are kept at home. On the flip side, the same country has about 20 million stray dogs. In Japan, you will find about 9.5 million dogs that are owned by people.

2. Europe

In Western Europe, many people keep dogs as pets, and the estimated total is about 43 million. The people of France are the greatest European dog lovers as they have about 8.8 million canines in their household. Italy and Poland follow swiftly – with each country having at least 7 million dogs. In the United Kingdom, a total of about 6.8 million dogs are found in households.

In Eastern Europe, the country with the highest number of dogs is Russia, with the figure reaching 12 million. Ukraine follows swiftly with about 5.1 million canines.

3. South America

Because of little or no canine registration policies, it is almost impossible to know the exact dog number in the vast continent of South America. However, it is believed that the country which tops the table is Brazil, where there are at least 30 million dogs. At number 2 is Argentina, who have about 6.5 million canines. Colombia follows Brazil and Argentina with around 5 million dogs.

4. North America

As compared to other continents and parts of the world, North American canine data is more accurate. In the continent, there are about 73 million dogs. Across the United States, a cool 42.5 million homes have at least one dog. Looking upwards in the Canadian territory, there are about 6 million dogs living there.

5. Africa

In Africa, it is only one country with reliable canine population data, and that is South Africa. The southernmost country has about 9 million dogs.

The WHO’s attempt to deal with rabies epidemics comes with estimating the number of pet dogs, which is set at 78 million. There are many stray dogs on the continent, about 70 million or so.

6. Oceania

In the Australian continent, statisticians have found it hard to give precise figures. The reason behind that is that many of the dogs there are either unregistered or uncounted. However, the rough estimate given for the number of dogs is about 4 million, with the number of stray dogs being about 2 million.

The United States: A Special Canine Focus Area

Throughout the world, Americans are popular because of their passion for pets, particularly dogs. They are always ready to go miles to ensure that their furry friends are pampered to the core. Also, the same country allows canines to perform different tasks. In the country, dogs have a significant impact.

In American shelters, the number of dogs has dropped by 600,000, that is from 3.9 million to 3.3 million – recorded since 2011. Also, euthanasia, which is the necessitated killing of dogs, had decreased (the number is at 670,000). About 1.6 million dogs are rescued and get their second home every passing year in the country. Also, about 620,000 get reunited with their owners after staying in a shelter. About 33% of all household dogs are bought from breeders. Also, about 23% are taken up for adoption from shelters.

Countries With The Highest Number Of Pet Parents (Dog Owners)

1. France

The French – those that live in France – love their pets with an intensity that you only see between one human and another. Notably, France has the highest dog to person ratio, that is, for every 100 people, there are about 17 dogs. This puts the country at the top position. In total, the country has about 7.5 million dogs.

2. The United Kingdom 

In the UK, at least 9 million dogs are part of human households. This is one country (or region) that had a long canine ownership tradition. While the numbers in terms of dog ownership have not been rising, more dogs are kept as pooches. In four households, at least one has a canine.

3. Argentina 

Official data has it that in Argentina, there are about 10 million dogs. The country has been growing economically, and the pet product market has been diversified, meaning that more Argentinians are making plans and getting dogs.

4. Japan

In place of family and children, many people are opting for getting pets. This is the product of the intense work culture resulting in a hectic lifestyle. As mentioned earlier in the read, the number of household canines in Japan is about 9.5 million. This number is growing thanks to the pet product industry, which is seeing a lot of growth.

5. Philippines 

In the Southeast Asian country of the Philippines, there are around 12 million canines. It is essential to mention that this country has been dealing with rabies, which has caused a lot of dog deaths. The Philippine authorities are trying as much as they can to control the stray dog population.

6. Russia

This country – which is the vastest in the world – has a massive dog number, both stray and owned owners. The free-range group of dogs is large, and many people think that its ancestors are Russian packs. Official data has the dog population in Russia as 12 million specimens.

7. India

About 30 million dogs are alive in India – they spend most of their time in villages and towns. As stray dogs, they know how to work their way around the many people in the same country. It is illegal to eliminate stray dogs in India – something which is stipulated by the law. The Indian people have a famous reputation for being friendly and tolerant towards dogs.

The Biggest Dog Breeds Worldwide

Enough with the numbers and the stats. Now is the time to look at the breeds themselves and, to be specific, the biggest dogs globally. A good number of those breeds have been noted in this portion.

While the immense and sheer size of big dogs can make people intimated, most of these big breeds are warm, good-tempered, and loyal to the core. As compared to the small dog breeds, the bigger ones are more relaxed, and they will be calm for the most part. On occasion, they will dart with short energy bursts. Their temperament of calmness should not make it seem that they don’t like exercising – they need to get exercised.

Some dogs are bred and given a utility value as in working and protection, like shepherds and mastiffs. These dogs need socialization and adequate training to ensure that all the instincts are harnessed. 

The factors that you should consider before adding any giant dog breed to your house include extra slobber and waste, and also joint issues. You should even know that more giant dog breeds have short lifespans.

It doesn’t matter if you want to get a large dog or not – admitting these gentle giants is a fantastic thing to do. Now, take a look at the biggest dogs in the world.

1. The French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux)

This is one of the most powerful canines in the dog world, as it can weigh up to 110 pounds. While their huge heads make them a little too intimidating to approach, their furrowed brows and kind eyes melt down the feeling of fright and make them sweetly approachable. While they are a lively and loyal dog, they will need good training to boil down their stubbornness.

2. The Scottish Deerhound

This is a historical figure in the world of dog breeds. It is often called the Royal Dog of Scotland and is one of the world’s tallest dog breeds. While the dog has a very intimidating look, it is sweetly friendly. This is one of the reasons why they are not the best choice for guard dogs. As puppies, Deerhounds are hyper, but that trait dies down when they grow up. If you go for this breed, ensure that you can keep up with daily walks to make certain that they remain healthy.

3. The Irish Wolfhound

After the Great Dane, this should be the tallest dog breed. These wolfhounds make some of the most amiable, sweetest companions you can get. The one thing that you may have never guessed is that these dogs were bred to be dogs of ferocity and fighters in wars. Now, the Irish Wolfhound is gentle with other animals and children. If you get one, ensure that you engage it in regular workouts to keep it in top shape.

4. The Anatolian Shepherd

As an ancient breed of dogs, these shepherds are believed to be noted in the earliest Biblical books. The breed itself is of protective and insane dogs. This implies that they need a pet owner who will be willing and ready to handle a dominatingly strong personality. With a weight of at least 150 pounds, many Anatolian Shepherds are still workers in ranches.

5. The Saint Bernard

If you’re in an imaginative episode and a giant dog breed comes your way, it may be a picture of a Saint Bernard – a shaggy one, of course. Many people who have come across and interacted with this breed say that they are impressively playful and beautifully charming.

Their patience makes them be given the roles of nannies for children. They take those duties well, and they love spending a lot of time with their loved ones. The dog breed was – in the past – used in rescue missions since many travelers were getting lost in the Swiss Alps. It was practical for them to take on those roles, considering their size and strength, which is anywhere between 120 and 180 pounds. The only precaution and measure you need to take with these dogs is to keep them in air-conditioned or cool spaces because of their sensitivity to heat.

6. The Newfoundland

This dog breed is made of powerful and sweet canines. Compared to others, they are among the giant dogs. Their one outstanding characteristic is that they have partially webbed feet that make them excellent swimmers.  They are compassionate and impressively responsive. Also, they are quite famous in households.

7. The English Mastiff

At the shoulder, male Mastiffs stand up to about 30 inches, and they can weigh something equal to a full-grown man. It is super hard to miss them since their coats are either brindle-striped, fawn, or apricot, and their faces are black.

The British Mastiff – which the AKC just calls the Mastiff – is an ancient breed that existed in medieval England and was used for hunting, fighting, and guarding. At the moment, Mastiffs have become more like family dogs but have not stopped being alert and aware of their surroundings.

8. The Kangal Dog

These dogs come from the Turkish region of Sivas and have been bred to care for livestock, specifically from predators like bears and wolves. This implies that although they are exceptionally gentle with children, they may act aggressively when they see predators or even strangers.

9. The Great Dane

When you go to any search engine and look up the world’s largest dog breed, this is one that is likely to come first. The dogs are tall, and they tend to tower over other creatures and humans – they grow to about 32 inches, that is, at the shoulders. Although their coats come in various colors, the most recognizable one is the harlequin or the black-and-white pattern.

10. The Great Pyrenees

This breed consists of healthy dogs that have a waterproof, long double coat. This equips them for the rough conditions that come with being in the Pyrenees Mountains as sheep guardians. The dogs are known as a mellow breed, but they don’t live up to that character when they defend their floor by jumping into action. While weighing up to 100 pounds, the common description used for the Great Pyrenees is ‘majestic.’

11. The Italian Mastiff (Cane Corso)

This giant dog breed can be traced back to the times of Roman antiquity. It is comprised of dogs that are always confident and alert, making them excellent guardians. Also, their loyalty cannot go without being mentioned. Their look is intimidating – they have a lot of muscles and weigh upwards of 100 pounds. This means that intruders will chicken out when they see them.

12. The Bernese Mountain Dog

This dog breed consists of affectionate and sweet pups, and all around the world, they are considered one of the most visually appealing dog breeds. Their coats are silky thick and come in any of the following colors: rust, black, or white. However, these coats are not just for the looks; they help the Mountain Dog be cozy when the cold weather comes. Although these dogs love being outdoors for the sake of getting exercise, they also love spending time with their families.

13. The Black Russian Terrier

The Red Army – or the now Russian military – was responsible for breeding this Terrier. They brought together the Newfoundland, the Giant Schnauzer, and the Airedale Terrier. The dog breed can be as big as 140 pounds and is known for its domineering-ness and smartness. This implies that whoever gets it should have a strong arm. The one downside is that they get messy, so get ready always to clean up whatever mess they will leave.

14. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog

This giant dog breed is among the many which are very striking – they are impressive guardians. This implies that their owner needs to know how to handle the dog’s intensity and stubbornness. These dogs look like bears – just a little bit – and coincidentally, they were bred to take down bears. It is a breed that has been around since the 1400s and can get as big as 200 pounds. The Caucasian Shepherd Dogs need plenty of training and activity since they are hardworking and active.

15. The Komondor

This breed cannot go without notice, seeing that it has – on its coat – white coils that protect them from extreme weather. They have been used as sheep guardians, and they can always pull off surprises on unexpected visitors. Their male can weigh up to 100 pounds, but that does not stop them from moving with purpose and at high speeds. The Komondor is loyal and loving to its family members. Whoever gets this dog should be read to train them firmly and give them independent care.

16. The Great Swiss Mountain Dog

The original breeding for the Swiss-y – as its admirers call it – was meant to create a dog that would serve as a watchdog and herd cattle – jobs they still do. Since they need room and space to explore and wander, it would be best if you didn’t confine them to an apartment space.

If you reside in an apartment building, your neighbors probably won’t love it as it barks deeply. At heart, however, they are loving and gentle. Ensure that you socialize and train them early. The other thing you need to prepare for is caring for them as puppies. The Great Swiss Mountain dogs do not mature quickly.

17. The Akita 

This is probably the smallest of all dog breeds, but that does not mean that they won’t intimidate you. For centuries, the Akita has been held in high esteem by the Japanese. They are adored for their affectionateness and loyalty, and they won’t fail to take notice of strangers. To ensure that their stubbornness is kept in check, its owner should socialize them when it is young.