MORE THAN ONE:
The People who have Plenty of Dogs

Here a doggy, there a doggy, everywhere doggy doggies.

Conservative estimates indicate that about 40% of all American households have a dog. And in nearly half of these homes, will be found two or more dogs. Ever wonder what kind of person would choose to live with not one, not two, but three or more dogs?

A casual survey, conducted by the author, of multiple dog owners (households with three or more dogs) revealed the following statistics.

Although the average amount of dogs owned is five, a few individuals have as many as 16 dogs. People who own the most dogs are typically responsible breeders who compete their dogs in conformation shows.

Most multi-dog households have two different types of purebred breeds, but pet dog homes (those who are not involved in any type of conformation showing or breeding programs) usually have more mixed breeds.

Over three-quarters of owners questioned, grew up with a dog as a child and have owned three or more dogs for at least 12 years.

The multi-dog owner comes in all ages ranging anywhere between 27- and 77- years-of-age. Slightly more than half have children at home, but the remainder have dogs instead of children. Most, 86%, are married and have at least two to three people living in their home, with a minimum of two members of the household assisting with the dogs' care.

Over half of multiple dog owners have one family member that stays at or works in the home. Only 10% have a paying job that is dog related, but 48% have a hobby (e.g., trainer or dog-club officer) that directly pertains to dogs.

Nearly 80% participate in organized dog events, such as obedience, agility, therapy visits, tracking, herding or sledding. A slight majority of owners have at least one dog with an obedience or Canine Good Citizen title.

About 90% of the dogs in these homes are compatible enough to live together, without a need to be separated. Breeders keep intact males and females separated during breeding seasons, but most of their dogs also live together at other times.

Nearly all multi-dog owners feel they currently have as many dogs as they can responsibly care for, but almost half expressed a desire to be able to have even more dogs in their homes.

Notably, having dogs was a major part of nearly every owner's life. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the highest priority, owners said that having several dogs ranked at least eight or nine in adding to the quality of, and overall importance in their lives.

Does this sound like someone you know? Maybe you?