Top dog-populated countries around the world

FILE PHOTO: Garip, a stray dog, who has been taken care by the shopkeepers at a local market, is pictured in Istanbul, Turkey, July 23, 2024. REUTERS/Dilara Senkaya/File Photo

The phrase “A dog is man’s best friend” as made by Frederick II, King of Prussia (1740–1786) can never be overrated. Dogs go beyond providing companionship to providing emotional support and security. It's no surprise then that many people around the world would opt first for a dog as an additional member of a family, a pet or a friend. While these fluffy creatures exist in homes all over the world, some countries have particularly high numbers of them.

For some, it may be a cultural connection, or simply a love for pets, but whichever it is, some countries stand out for having large dog populations.

Here’s a list of countries where dogs are a significant part of daily life and community.

United States – 90 million

Brazil – 55 million

China – 54.3 million

Japan – 20 million

Russia – 17.6 million

United Kingdom – 12 million

Germany – 10.3 million

India – 10.2 million

Argentina – 10 million

Spain – 9.3 million

Wonder Hagan