When it comes to man’s best friend, some countries simply can’t get enough.
A new study has crowned Lithuania the most dog-loving country in the world, boasting the highest number of dogs per person globally. The United States also makes the top 10, though for slightly different reasons.
Lithuania Leads the Pack
According to research by Pet Insurance Deals, Lithuania tops the list with 30,034 dogs per 100,000 residents. That’s nearly one in three Lithuanians owning a dog, an impressive rate for a country with fewer than one million dogs total.
Hungary follows closely in second with 29,069 dogs per 100,000 people, and Portugal takes third with 26,893. Eastern Europe dominates the rankings overall, claiming five of the top 10 spots.
“These results paint a fascinating picture of global dog ownership patterns,” said Tom Sadler, Managing Director at Pet Insurance Deals. “The strong showing of countries like Lithuania and Hungary suggests deep cultural connections to canine companionship in these regions.”
The U.S. Stands Out in Numbers
The United States ranks seventh, with 20,128 dogs per 100,000 residents. While that puts America behind much of Eastern Europe on a per capita basis, the U.S. easily claims the world record for total dogs, with a staggering 69.9 million pups nationwide. That’s more than seven times any other country in the top 10.
In fact, nearly 46% of U.S. households own a dog, and American owners spend an average of $1,700 per year caring for their four-legged friends. From vet bills to toys, food, and grooming, dogs are considered a very much part of the family. A Pew Research study even found that 53% of dog owners see their pet as equal to a human family member.
What the Experts Say
Jason Wilson, founder of Caninely, notes that while numbers matter, it is the bond that defines a dog-loving nation.
“What stands out is how universal our love for dogs really is. Whether in Lithuania, the U.S., or anywhere else, dogs connect us across cultures because they provide the same joy, loyalty, and companionship no matter where you are.” — Jason Wilson, Caninely.
Top 15 Dog-Loving Countries (By Dogs per Capita)
- Lithuania – 30,034
- Hungary – 29,069
- Portugal – 26,893
- Romania – 22,212
- Poland – 21,237
- Czech Republic – 20,737
- United States – 20,128
- Argentina – 20,065
- Spain – 19,420
- Croatia – 19,113
- United Kingdom – 18,260
- Estonia – 18,114
- Belgium – 17,009
- Slovakia – 16,640
- Italy – 14,878
A Global Trend
Overall, the data highlights a strong regional pattern. Europe, particularly Eastern and Southern Europe, dominates dog ownership on a per capita basis. Still, large nations like the U.S. and Brazil (with 54.2 million dogs, not among the top 15) demonstrate that love for dogs transcends borders.
With 109 million dogs across Europe alone and billions of dollars spent on pet care worldwide, one thing is clear: the global love affair with dogs shows no signs of slowing down.
