International Dog Day, observed on August 26, offers an opportunity to look at the special bond forged in Israel between people and their best friends. A new survey conducted by the Rushinek research institute for Royal Canin Israel, which specializes in precise and science-based health nutrition for dogs and cats, presents an interesting picture of dog owners' habits in Israel and the extent to which pets have become an integral part of family life.
According to the survey, 24% of the Israeli public raise a dog at home, compared to 15% who raise a cat. Among dog owners, the overwhelming majority, 88%, define the dog as a full family member.
However, the family bond does not end with that definition. 94% of dog owners say they talk to their dog regularly or sometimes as if it understands every word. Nearly half, 47%, even report that the dog sleeps with them in the bedroom, and in 17% of cases, it even shares the bed with its owners.
Vacations are also planned around them
It appears that even when it comes time to leave home, the dog continues to be a central part of the decision-making process. 45% of dog owners say they would forgo a planned vacation abroad if they could not find suitable arrangements for the dog. 42% say the decision depends on the situation, and only 13% declare that they would go on vacation regardless.
So who raises a dog in Israel? Women and people aged 50 and over
An analysis of the demographic data shows that the rate of dog ownership is relatively high among women at 26%, compared to 22% among men. A relatively high rate of dog ownership was also recorded among those aged 50 and older, at 28%.
Among families with children, 37% raise a dog, compared to 23% among households without children. A relatively high rate was also found among academics at 26%, average to high income earners at 27%, and residents of the central region at 27%.
Most dogs in Israel are mixed breeds
And what about the dogs themselves? The data indicates a clear preference for mixed-breed dogs: 61% of dogs in Israel are mixed breeds. Among purebred dogs, which account for 35% of the dogs in the survey, the Shih Tzu is the most popular breed at 18%. It is followed by the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier, with 10% each.
In terms of size as well, the Israeli dog tends to be relatively small. 47% of dogs weigh up to 10 kg, 35% weigh between 11 and 25 kg, and 16% weigh 26 kg or more.
Nonprofit organizations, friends – or simply a dog that arrived
How do dogs reach homes in Israel? The most common way is adoption through a nonprofit organization: 39% of dog owners say they adopted their dog from an organization. 25% received the dog through friends, and in 9% of cases, the story was much more spontaneous: The dog was found wandering on the street or simply arrived at their home.
A bond that became family
The data points to a significant shift in how Israelis view their dogs. For the vast majority, it is no longer just a pet living in the house, but an animal integrated into the daily routine, family habits, and even vacation plans.
Dr. Doron Gal, a veterinarian and scientific relations manager at Royal Canin Israel, says that "the survey's findings indicate beyond a shadow of a doubt the strengthening of the emotional bond between Israelis and their dogs." According to him, the fact that 88% of dog owners perceive them as family members reflects a significant conceptual shift. However, he emphasizes that alongside emotional closeness, it is also important to consider the unique needs of each dog according to its age, size, breed, lifestyle, and health status.
The survey was conducted by the Rushinek research institute using a random, representative online sample among adults aged 21 to 70.