This image, published by the Instagram account The World in Maps, shows the percentage of households with at least one four-legged companion, according to data from the European Federation of Companion Animal Food (FEDIAF).
In countries like Romania (45%), Poland (43%), and the Czech Republic (42%), almost half of households have at least one dog. At the opposite extreme is Turkey, where only 5% of households have a dog as a pet. Next come Switzerland and Greece, with 12% and 14%, respectively.
In the case of Portugal, the country ranks 4th, with 39% of households having at least one dog, reflecting the strong bond between the Portuguese and their pets.
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How many of these poor animals spend their entire lives chained up outside?
By SS from Algarve on 09 Sep 2025, 08:20
It shows exactly the opposite! Hardly any bond, as most dogs are left chained up or in tiny cages together with many other poor souls all their lives!! The way the Portuguese treat their dogs is the worst thing about living here!
By Marianne from Lisbon on 09 Sep 2025, 10:28
How many of these dogs spend their lives barking incessantly off the balconies disturbing residents because they're neglected and rarely walked?
By Judith SUSAN Berns from Porto on 09 Sep 2025, 10:32
I have seen wonderful Portuguese dog owners, but there are way too many who have a dog living on a chain its whole life, and not spaying or neutering their dogs, which is why we have so many full kennels and shelters. It's sad to me that I see some people walking around with an expensive French Bulldog (which can't breathe), while the native Pendengo sits in a kennel, or worse, is killed when they're hunting use is over. So, this article seems to promote a false idea. To have a dog is not the same as loving a dog and giving it a good life, and too many dogs here are suffereing in chains or cages.
By Natalie Gray from Other on 09 Sep 2025, 10:55
Shame it's not the same level for animal welfare/ neglect and abandonment of animals
By David Clark from Algarve on 09 Sep 2025, 11:24
Like the previous poster alludes to, we need a map showing the percentage of dogs that are permanently chained up. It'd be a totally different map.
By Billy Bissett from Porto on 09 Sep 2025, 11:33
I think this is very misleading, I`m from Denmark where many have dogs, they are living with the owners inside their houses, or apartments. Here in Portugal most dogs are living outside all the year, not allowed to enter the house (unless it`s a "posh" tiny dog breed) I find that most dogs in Portugal, at least outside the big cities are living a very bad life, in Northern Europe, these people would be fined and some in jail, here you brag about Portugal are listed as 4th for dog ownership, I would say dog cruelty. My dog is my family, you let your family sleep outside all year?
By Chris Greve from Lisbon on 09 Sep 2025, 11:57
Portuguese own a lot of dogs? Multiple dogs means hunting dogs kept chained or caged when not hunting... A horrible life! Next numerous category is guard dogs, also kept chained or caged (so all they can do is bark, no real guarding)... There are well-tended pet dogs in Portugal, but few and far between. EU regulations are disrespected and the
authorities tolerate this intollerable situation. Portugal should be ashamed of how its dogs are treated-- as worthless, replaceable, not worthy of respect. It's a blight on this beautiful country, and Christian values. Such a needless shame!
By Sieben from USA on 09 Sep 2025, 12:27
Exactly SS, I would estimate that 75% of these dogs are not 'pets' but live outside as guard dogs who see their owners twice a day for food, if they are lucky
By David Lonsdale from Porto on 09 Sep 2025, 14:16
I don’t understand why there are still dogs who live their entire lives on chains here. From my apartment I overlook 2 such dogs. It’s very sad.
By L from Lisbon on 09 Sep 2025, 22:47
I'm amazed to see such huge differences between countries just within Europe. Can anyone account for this?
Also, has similar research been done into ownership of cats or other pets?
By Mark from Porto on 10 Sep 2025, 13:40
What a pity the statistics on ownership do not reflect the very poor living conditions inflicted on SOME dogs by uncaring or ignorant owners (in any country of course)
By Chris Bird from Algarve on 10 Sep 2025, 14:35
With so many expats speaking out, I hope Portuguese readers take it upon themselves to reprimand their compatriates guilty of neglect and other cruelties to dogs. I hope they also tell their democratically elected representatives to start INSISTING that EU regulation on animal welfare be respected in this otherwise beautiful country. Portuguese People, it's time to end this situation!
By Sieben from USA on 11 Sep 2025, 05:55