Asians around the world certainly do keep dogs as pets. In fact, dogs have been an important part of many Asian cultures for thousands of years. While practices and attitudes towards dog ownership vary across different Asian countries and regions, dogs remain a popular companion animal for many Asian families.
Do Chinese people have dogs?
Yes, many Chinese people keep dogs as pets. Dogs have a long history in China going back thousands of years. Some of the earliest archaeological evidence of dog domestication comes from China. Today, China has over 100 million registered dogs as pets. The actual number is likely even higher when accounting for unregistered village and stray dogs.
Some of the most popular dog breeds kept as pets in China include:
- Pugs
- Poodles
- Chow Chows
- Pekingese
- Golden Retrievers
In major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, it’s very common to see people walking dogs in parks and on sidewalks. Pet ownership is rising across China as the middle class grows and has more disposable income. Dogs are seen as companions and status symbols by many urban Chinese families.
Do Indian people have dogs?
Yes, dogs are popular pets among many Indians. India has a long history with dogs dating back thousands of years. Indian pariah dogs and Mongrels are among the most common native dog breeds.
Some other popular dog breeds kept as pets in India include:
- Labrador Retrievers
- German Shepherds
- Doberman Pinschers
- Dalmatians
- Beagles
Stray dogs are also ubiquitous across India. It’s estimated there are over 30 million stray dogs roaming the streets and rural areas. Many Indians feed and look after these strays even if they don’t officially own them as pets.
Do Japanese people have dogs?
Yes, Japanese people are also major dog lovers. Japan has over 12 million registered pet dogs. Some of the most popular dog breeds include:
- Toy Poodles
- Chihuahuas
- Miniature Dachshunds
- Shiba Inus
- Papillons
Many Japanese families treat their dogs like children, dressing them in costumes and pushing them around in strollers. Dogs are seen as loyal companions. Owning dogs is especially popular among elderly Japanese as a source of comfort and security.
Do Vietnamese people have dogs?
Yes, dog ownership is fairly common in Vietnam. Vietnam has a long history of dogs being kept by humans dating back thousands of years. Some of the most popular dog breeds in Vietnam include:
- German Shepherds
- Labradors
- Huskies
- Golden Retrievers
- Poodles
There are also many Vietnamese native dog breeds like the Phu Quoc Ridgeback. Dogs are commonly kept by Vietnamese families as protectors, work animals on farms, and as loving pets. It’s estimated there are over 5 million dogs kept as pets in Vietnam today.
Do Koreans have dogs?
Pet ownership has been growing rapidly in South Korea in recent decades. Today, over 1 in 5 Korean households own either a dog or cat. Some of the most popular dog breeds kept as pets in Korea include:
- Pomeranians
- Maltese
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Miniature Schnauzers
- Pugs
Many young Koreans view dogs as starter children before having kids of their own. Dogs are treated as cherished family members and even given their own rooms in some households. Pet care services like grooming, daycares, and cafes catering to dogs are thriving businesses in Korea.
Do Thais have dogs?
Yes, many Thai people own dogs as pets. Some of the most popular dog breeds in Thailand include:
- Labradors
- Golden Retrievers
- Siberian Huskies
- Poodles
- Shih Tzus
Over 1 million dogs are kept as pets in households across Thailand. Dogs are popular for their companionship, loyalty and ability to guard homes and provide security. However, attitudes towards dog ownership vary between rural and urban regions. Stray dogs are more likely to roam freely in rural villages than in Bangkok where pet dogs are mostly confined indoors.
Do Filipinos have dogs?
Yes, dogs are popular pets among many Filipino families. Some of the most common dog breeds found in Filipino households include:
- Askals (mixed native breeds)
- Labradors
- Golden Retrievers
- Poodles
- Chihuahuas
It’s estimated there are over 7 million pet dogs across the Philippines. Dogs are often treated as extra members of the family. However, there are also over 3 million stray dogs roaming the streets and beaches of the Philippines.
Do Indonesians have dogs?
Yes, dog ownership is fairly common in Indonesia. There are over 7.4 million pet dogs kept by Indonesian households. Some popular dog breeds include:
- Siberian Huskies
- Pomeranians
- Shih Tzus
- Golden Retrievers
- Labradors
Dogs are seen as loyal protectors and companions by many Indonesian families. However, dogs are viewed negatively in some Muslim communities for religious reasons. Overall the popularity of dogs as pets continues to grow across Indonesia.
Do Malaysians have dogs?
Yes, many Malaysians own dogs as pets even though Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country. Some popular dog breeds kept in Malaysia include:
- German Shepherds
- Golden Retrievers
- Siberian Huskies
- Rottweilers
- Labradors
It’s estimated there are over 900,000 pet dogs in Malaysia. Owning dogs is seen as a status symbol among some elite and upper-class Malaysian families. Pet-related services like grooming and training are major businesses in cities like Kuala Lumpur as dog ownership rises.
Do Singaporeans have dogs?
Yes, dogs are popular pets among many Singaporean families. Singapore has over 180,000 pet dogs registered nationwide. Some favorite dog breeds include:
- Golden Retrievers
- Corgis
- Labradors
- Pomeranians
- Chihuahuas
Despite Singapore’s dense urban environment, dog ownership is rising rapidly especially among young professionals. Dogs are seen as stress relievers and providers of companionship. Pet-related businesses are thriving as demand for premium foods, accessories and services grows.
Conclusions
In summary, dogs remain extremely popular pets among households across most Asian countries. From China and India to Indonesia and Singapore, more and more Asian families are embracing dogs as beloved companions. Each country and region has local favorite breeds, but some universal popular dogs include Retrievers, Poodles and Chihuahuas.
Asian attitudes towards dogs vary from pampered pooches to village working dogs and street strays. But the overall trend shows dog ownership rising steadily. Dogs provide loyalty, security, comfort and friendship. As Asia grows wealthier, demand for pet dogs will likely keep increasing in the years ahead.