Dogs in Modern Society

The interest in dogs and acquiring them has grown in most countries in these last recent years. For example, the canine population in Sweden, which in 1945 was 196 000, has increased to 400 000 in 1970, this is an increase of more than 50% in 25 years (these numbers are based on official statistics of dogs that "pay taxes"). During the Second World War, many people felt obligated to get rid of their dogs due the difficulty in feeding them during times of food shortages. However, as soon as the war was over, the number of dogs started to grow quickly. In Sweden, on average, there was a growth of 15 000 dogs a year during 1946- 1950. Meanwhile from 1951- 1955 it was about 6000 a year. In 1955, the total number of dogs reached in Sweden was 300 000 for the first time, and that number was maintained almost at the same level until 1959. Since then, the number started growing again and during the 60's, the canine population increased to 100 000, until reaching the current number of 400 000. For the moment there are no signals of the pace of growth of the canine population decreasing.

The numbers that we have mentioned have been useful to give us an idea of the pace of growth in one single country, however the tendency has been similar in other countries, especially in Europe and North America.

Different theories have been considered to explain the worldwide popularity of having dogs. There are those that have suggested that the increase of the canine population in urban areas is due to the fact that urban dwellers unconsciously consider the dog as a way of reconnecting themselves with nature. Another factor is the higher standard of living: there are more people that are able to buy and nourish dogs. Another key factor is the increase of leisure time; which means having a dog taking care of it, which does not necessarily have to do with training the dog, amuses not just one member of the family. The preponderance of crime nowadays has increased the number of dog owners as a method of protection against thefts and assaults. The changing social conditions make more and more elderly live on their own and have as their sole and cherished companion a dog – one aspect of dogs that we do not take into account. Doctors and veterinaries confirm that in most cases, a dog may represent a valuable psychological aid for lonely insecure people. Thus, it is this how dogs play many key roles in our society.