Top 10 Countries with the Largest Dog Populations Worldwide in 2025
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In a decisive move, the Supreme Court of India has directed authorities to remove millions of stray dogs from the streets of Delhi and the National Capital Region. The order, led by Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, mandates sterilisation, vaccination, and relocation of these animals to shelters - with a strict ban on returning them to public spaces.
This decision comes amid an alarming surge in dog-bite cases, averaging nearly 2,000 incidents daily, and growing concerns over rabies. Authorities have been given just six to eight weeks to complete the operation, with legal action threatened for non-compliance. However, the move has sparked debates over animal rights, with critics pointing to the shortage of shelters in the region.
Why Global Dog Populations Matter
As India navigates its stray dog crisis, it’s worth looking at how other nations balance their love for dogs with public safety. Dog populations - both pets and strays - reflect cultural attitudes, urban planning, and animal welfare policies . Countries with robust shelter systems and strong pet ownership regulations often face fewer public safety concerns.
Top 10 Countries by Dog Population
Lessons for India
Countries like Germany and the UK have kept stray numbers low through strong licensing laws, mandatory microchipping, and widespread shelter networks. For India, addressing the stray dog issue will require not just large-scale operations but also sustainable measures - including public education, responsible pet ownership, and better animal care facilities.
This decision comes amid an alarming surge in dog-bite cases, averaging nearly 2,000 incidents daily, and growing concerns over rabies. Authorities have been given just six to eight weeks to complete the operation, with legal action threatened for non-compliance. However, the move has sparked debates over animal rights, with critics pointing to the shortage of shelters in the region.
Why Global Dog Populations Matter
As India navigates its stray dog crisis, it’s worth looking at how other nations balance their love for dogs with public safety. Dog populations - both pets and strays - reflect cultural attitudes, urban planning, and animal welfare policies . Countries with robust shelter systems and strong pet ownership regulations often face fewer public safety concerns.Top 10 Countries by Dog Population
- United States – Around 90 million pet dogs, with an estimated 70 million stray dogs and cats.
- Brazil – Approximately 59.7 million pet dogs, including 2.9 million vulnerable strays.
- China – Nearly 54.3 million pets and 40 million strays.
- India – About 36.85 million pet dogs, with 52.5 million total including strays.
- Russia – Roughly 23 million dogs, with a comparatively small stray population.
- Mexico – 23 million dogs, of which 16 million are strays.
- United Kingdom – Between 12–13.5 million dogs, with only a few thousand strays.
- Germany – Around 10.3–10.6 million dogs, minimal strays due to strict regulations.
- Argentina – Estimated 10 million dogs.
- Spain – About 9.3 million dogs.
Lessons for India
Countries like Germany and the UK have kept stray numbers low through strong licensing laws, mandatory microchipping, and widespread shelter networks. For India, addressing the stray dog issue will require not just large-scale operations but also sustainable measures - including public education, responsible pet ownership, and better animal care facilities. Next Story