- by croatiaweek
- March 11, 2026
- in
Dogs remain one of the most popular pets across Europe, with millions of households choosing them as companions.
However, the level of dog ownership varies significantly from country to country.
As Index reports, recent data highlights which nations are the most enthusiastic dog owners, revealing strong trends across Central and Eastern Europe.
Hungary leads Europe when it comes to dog ownership. According to the data, 50% of households in Hungary have at least one dog, meaning every second household keeps a canine companion.
Close behind is Poland, where 49% of households own a dog, confirming the pet’s strong popularity there as well.
Romania ranks third in Europe, with 45% of households reporting at least one dog.
Croatia places roughly in the middle of the European ranking. Around 29% of households in Croatia own a dog, meaning nearly one in three homes includes a canine pet.
Neighbouring countries show comparable figures. In Slovenia, around 39% of households have dogs, while in Serbia and Slovakia the share is around 24%.
Western Europe shows slightly lower numbers
Dog ownership rates are generally somewhat lower in parts of Western Europe.
In France, about 20% of households have a dog, while Germany records around 21%. In the United Kingdom, dogs are found in roughly 31% of households, while Ireland reports around 25%.
At the other end of the scale is Turkey, where dog ownership is far less common. Only 5% of households have a dog, the lowest proportion among the countries shown in the data.
Despite regional differences, the figures underline the enduring popularity of dogs across Europe. In many countries, dogs are not just pets but valued members of the family, reflecting the strong bond between Europeans and their four-legged companions.