Quick answer
About 87.3 million pet dogs live in the US, in roughly 71 million households, or 53% of American homes. Dog owning households grew by about 4 million in 2025 alone.
- The French Bulldog is the most popular breed for the fourth year in a row.
- A medium dog costs about $145 to $505 a month.
- Dogs live 11.2 years on average, but some breeds live far less.
- About 2 million shelter dogs were adopted in 2025.
Dogs are still America’s most common pet, and their numbers keep climbing. We have two of them on our homestead, and they are as much a part of daily life as the chickens. Here are the newest 2026 dog statistics on ownership, costs, health, breeds and shelters, all from primary sources.
Key numbers at a glance
| Statistic | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pet dogs in the US, 2025 | 87.3 million | AVMA sourcebook |
| Households with a dog | 71 million (53%) | APPA |
| Dogs per dog owning household | 1.6 | AVMA sourcebook |
| Most popular breed | French Bulldog | AKC |
| Yearly vet spending per dog owner | $598 | AVMA sourcebook |
| Average dog lifespan | 11.2 years | Live Science |
| Dogs adopted from shelters, 2025 | About 2.0 million | Shelter Animals Count |
| Dog bite insurance payouts, 2025 | $1.86 billion | Insurance Information Institute |
How many dogs are in the US?
About 87.3 million pet dogs lived in US homes in 2025, up from 52.9 million in 1996, according to the AVMA’s 2025 Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook. Dog owning homes have averaged 1.6 dogs since 1987 (Petfood Industry).
Measured by households, 53% of US homes had a dog in 2025, about 71 million, up from 51% in 2024. That is roughly 4 million more dog owning households in one year, and Gen X dog ownership alone rose 12% (APPA).
What are the most popular dog breeds?
The French Bulldog is No. 1 for the fourth straight year, followed by the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Dog and Dachshund, in AKC rankings released in March 2026 (AKC release). See the full top 20, biggest climbers and top breeds by city in our most popular dog breeds guide.
How much does it cost to own a dog?
A medium sized dog costs about $145 to $505 a month, according to Rover’s 2026 cost report, and senior dogs can run $2,475 to $5,200 a year (FOX 5 report). Dog owners spent an average of $598 a year on vet care in 2025 (AVMA sourcebook).
| Dog cost | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost, medium dog | $145 to $505 | Rover via FOX 5 |
| Senior dog costs per year | $2,475 to $5,200 | Rover via FOX 5 |
| Vet spending per dog owner per year | $598 | AVMA sourcebook |
| US spending on all pet food and treats, 2025 | $68.3 billion | APPA industry data |
How long do dogs live?
Dogs live an average of 11.2 years, according to a UK study of more than 30,000 dogs published in Scientific Reports. Crossbreeds averaged 11.8 years. Jack Russell Terriers lived longest at 12.7 years, while French Bulldogs had the shortest average at 4.5 years (Live Science).
Flat faced breeds such as Pugs, English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs had the shortest lives in that study. The data covers UK dogs that died from 2016 to 2020, so US numbers may differ, but the pattern is a useful guide when choosing a breed.
How many dogs are in shelters?
US shelters and rescues took in about 2.8 million dogs in 2025 and adopted out about 2.0 million, a 57% adoption rate, up from 55% in 2024. About 320,000 shelter dogs were euthanized, down nearly 7% from 2024, and 34% of stray dogs were returned to their owners (Shelter Animals Count, ASPCA). See our full animal shelter statistics.
How common are dog bites?
US insurers paid $1.86 billion on 28,450 dog bite and injury claims in 2025, up 18.6% in a year (Insurance Information Institute), and dogs attacked more than 5,200 postal workers (USPS). Our dog bite statistics break it down by state and city.
Can dogs live safely with backyard chickens?
Many do, with training and a secure coop. Guardian breeds like the Great Pyrenees protect flocks, while bird dogs need supervision. Read our guides on how chickens defend themselves and caring for chickens while away, and see our pet ownership statistics for the bigger picture.
How we gathered these numbers
Dog population and vet spending come from the AVMA’s 2025 sourcebook; household counts from APPA’s 2026 report; breed rankings from the AKC’s March 2026 release; costs from Rover’s 2026 report; shelter figures from Shelter Animals Count; and lifespan from a peer reviewed 2022 study. Each figure links to its source.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs are in the United States?
About 87.3 million pet dogs lived in US homes in 2025, according to the AVMA’s 2025 Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook, up from 52.9 million in 1996. Dog owning households average 1.6 dogs each.
What percentage of US households own a dog?
About 53% of US households, roughly 71 million homes, had a dog in 2025, according to the American Pet Products Association. That was up from 51% in 2024, about 4 million more dog owning homes in a year.
How much does a dog cost per month?
A medium sized dog costs about $145 to $505 a month, according to Rover’s 2026 cost report. Dog owners also spend an average of $598 a year on vet care, according to the AVMA, and senior dogs can cost $2,475 to $5,200 a year.
What is the average lifespan of a dog?
About 11.2 years, according to a study of more than 30,000 UK dogs published in Scientific Reports. Jack Russell Terriers lived longest at 12.7 years and French Bulldogs shortest at 4.5 years. Crossbreeds averaged 11.8 years.
How many dogs are adopted from shelters each year?
About 2.0 million dogs were adopted from US shelters and rescues in 2025, out of roughly 2.8 million taken in, according to Shelter Animals Count. That is a 57% adoption rate, up from 55% in 2024.
