Shocking Reality: About 60% Choose Not to Own a Dog. 2026 Popular Breed Rankings and Owners' Unexpected Financial Regrets
A survey by Pet Insurance STATION revealed the Shiba Inu as the top breed, while 60% of people show no interest in owning a dog, primarily due to financial burdens like medical costs.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 31, 2026 at 19:12
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 13:39 (18h 27m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 08:18 (474h 38m after Collected)
Element Inc. (Headquarters: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture; CEO: Tsutomu Kondo) conducted an online survey targeting 500 men and women nationwide aged 23 to 99 regarding popular dog breeds and the realities of pet ownership, published on its pet insurance comparison site, 'Pet Insurance STATION' (https://www.pets-station.info/).
In this survey, while the 'Shiba Inu' was selected as the number one breed people want to own next, about 60% responded that they are 'not interested in owning a pet'. This highlights the realistic distance modern people, who value freedom and time-performance, keep from pet ownership.
This press release uses data to unravel the 'reality of ownership,' such as expenses and lifestyle restrictions hidden behind the idealized rankings.
■ Survey Overview
Survey method: Internet survey
Target audience: 500 men and women nationwide, aged 23-99
Survey date: March 2026
Valid responses: 500
Research agency: Freeasy
■ Survey Results Summary
- #1 most popular is the Shiba Inu. While about 60% are 'not interested in owning', there is also a modern demographic choosing robot dogs.
- For unexpected expenses, 'medical expenses/insurance premiums' was the most common response at approximately 53.2%.
- The top struggles during ownership were 'discipline/training' and 'travel restrictions', tied at about 33%.
Survey Results
■ Intention to Own a Dog and Popular Breeds
Regarding owning a dog, 59.2% of all respondents answered 'not interested', accounting for more than half...
In this survey, while the 'Shiba Inu' was selected as the number one breed people want to own next, about 60% responded that they are 'not interested in owning a pet'. This highlights the realistic distance modern people, who value freedom and time-performance, keep from pet ownership.
This press release uses data to unravel the 'reality of ownership,' such as expenses and lifestyle restrictions hidden behind the idealized rankings.
■ Survey Overview
Survey method: Internet survey
Target audience: 500 men and women nationwide, aged 23-99
Survey date: March 2026
Valid responses: 500
Research agency: Freeasy
■ Survey Results Summary
- #1 most popular is the Shiba Inu. While about 60% are 'not interested in owning', there is also a modern demographic choosing robot dogs.
- For unexpected expenses, 'medical expenses/insurance premiums' was the most common response at approximately 53.2%.
- The top struggles during ownership were 'discipline/training' and 'travel restrictions', tied at about 33%.
Survey Results
■ Intention to Own a Dog and Popular Breeds
Regarding owning a dog, 59.2% of all respondents answered 'not interested', accounting for more than half...