Dogs Around the World: Celebrating International Dog Day
Dogs all over the globe are man’s best friend, but owning a dog is so much more than companionship. Dogs can help us be more active, improve our mood, and help us feel safer. International Dog Day celebrates the deep connection between canines and humans; here are some fun facts about dogs around the world:
- United States – Labrador Leaders: 70 million dogs live across the United States, with Labrador retrievers as the most popular breed. That’s more than the combined population of 28 states!
- Norway – Greyhound gourmands: Dogs could double as food critics in Norway where citizens spend more on pet food (50% more than 2nd place Sweden) than anywhere else.
- Mexico and Argentina – Canine champions: These Latin American nations are true dog lovers. Two out of every three people live with at least one dog – the highest rate in the world
- India – Proliferating pups: As the Indian middle class grows, so does the pet population. The total number of dogs rose 58% between 2007 and 2012 – the fastest rate of any country
- Kenya – Dog Defenders: Kenya is leading Africa in making sure their dogs are protected. In 2014, the Kenyan government launched the first national strategy for controlling and eliminating rabies in humans through improved animal vaccination.
