According to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), there are approximately 900 million domestic dogs worldwide. This estimate is based on data collected from member organizations in different regions around the world. The WSAVA notes that this number is subject to change and can vary over time.
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the international federation of kennel clubs, estimates that there are over 350 recognized breeds of dogs worldwide. These recognized breeds represent a small portion of the total domestic dog population, as there are many mixed-breed dogs and unrecognized breeds that are not included in this count.
The Humane Society International (HSI) suggests that there may be as many as 1 billion domestic dogs globally. This estimate takes into account both owned dogs and stray or free-roaming dogs, which can make up a significant portion of the total population in certain regions.
It's important to note that these estimates can vary and may change over time due to factors such as population growth, changes in pet ownership trends, and the control and management of stray dog populations. Additionally, the definitions and criteria used to determine what constitutes a domestic dog may differ across different organizations and regions.
Therefore, it is challenging to provide an exact figure for the number of domestic dogs in the world, but the estimates mentioned above offer a general understanding of the magnitude of the global dog population.