Dog ownership in the USA, a different worldview?

In the USA, almost every second household owns a dog, while in Germany it is every fifth. Anyone walking through an American small town for the first time will still rub their eyes in disbelief: Where are all the dogs? On German pavements, you feel like you meet them around every corner; there, hardly at all.

How many Americans actually have a dog?

The American Pet Products Association counts around 65 million American households with at least one dog for 2023/24. With approximately 132 million households in total, that is almost half. For comparison: In Germany it is 20 percent, in Switzerland 11 percent, and in Austria 17 percent. Incidentally, there is no reliable total number of dogs in the USA available to the public – the circulating figures come from paid industry reports.

This is the actual difference: In the USA, more than twice as many households own a dog as in Germany. Statistically speaking, Americans are therefore the bigger dog fans – you just hardly notice it on the street.

Why do you then see so few dogs in public spaces?

The answer lies in everyday life: Americans cover 76 percent of all daily trips by car. In Germany, it is 57 percent. If you are not walking anywhere, you do not take the dog with you either. Walking the dog often takes place in your own garden or a fenced-in dog park – not on pavements.

Then there is the living situation. 62 percent of Americans live in detached houses with their own plot of land, while in Germany it is 43 percent. A Border Collie in Texas sometimes has half a hectare at its disposal – no city walk is needed anymore.

And then there are the liability laws. In 38 states, “strict liability” applies: dog owners are liable for any damage, regardless of whether they did anything wrong or not. This makes many cautious when it comes to bringing the dog into public.

What role do American leash laws play?

The leash requirement applies in practically every American city and municipality. Exceptions exist only in designated dog parks. If caught, you pay between 50 and 500 dollars – depending on the location. In Germany, it is significantly less uniform, varying from state to state and depending heavily on the situation.

The background for this strictness is provided by the CDC: Every year, 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the USA. The unreported cases are likely higher. In 2022 alone, dog bites caused insurance damages of over one billion dollars.

Are American dogs less socialised?

In my assessment: yes, often so. German dogs experience hustle and bustle every day – strangers, other dogs, street noise, markets, cafés. Many American dogs, on the other hand, mainly know their plot of land and their family. That sounds cosy, but it is problematic for the animal’s development.

Paradoxically, this explains the high bite statistics. A dog that hardly knows anything unfamiliar reacts quickly insecurely or defensively to unknown stimuli. City dogs in Germany are usually calmer due to the daily commotion – because they have no choice but to get used to it.

Interestingly, Americans spend around 1,480 dollars per dog annually, Germans around 1,200 euros. However, the money flows mainly into food, vet costs and equipment – less into training or targeted socialisation.

What does this mean for the dog-human bond?

Americans see their dogs more as full-fledged family members than as companions. 85 percent let their dogs sleep in the house, 45 percent even in their own bed. In Germany, it is 28 and 15 percent respectively.

This close domestic bond possibly compensates for what is lacking in terms of societal integration. The American dog is a partner in private life – not in public life.

From an animal psychology perspective, this is a double-edged sword. Strong emotional closeness does dogs good. Social isolation, on the other hand, does not – it can promote behavioural problems in the long term.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Ownership in the USA

Are dogs allowed in American restaurants?

Only in a few states, and even there mostly only in outdoor areas. The FDA basically bans dogs in areas where food is prepared. An exception applies to recognised service dogs.

How expensive is a vet visit in the USA?

A routine check-up costs between 50 and 200 dollars, while emergencies can quickly cost over 1,000 dollars. Therefore, 67 percent of American dog owners have taken out pet insurance – in Germany it is just 15 percent.

Are there dog schools in the USA like in Germany?

Yes, but the offer looks different: Individual training or private facilities dominate. The model widespread in Germany with comprehensive dog schools and regular group classes does not exist there in that form.

Why do Americans often have multiple dogs?

Larger plots of land simply make owning multiple dogs easier. Furthermore, a second dog is often acquired as company for the first one when the family works during the day – in a sense as a substitute for the human socialisation that would otherwise be missing.