Americans are shrinking – but their dogs are not
Americans may pay more for smaller houses than in the past, but they do not give up their beloved big dogs.
More than 65 million American households currently have at least one dog, making Pooches the most popular pets in the country, according to Forbes.
For home buyers, possessing a large dog such as the eternally popular Golden Retriever can mean considerable costs and heavy considerations.
In the past decade, the typical American house has become smaller and yet more expensive. In July 2016, the median house measured 1,927 square foot at $ 127 per square foot, according to figures from REALTOR.COM®. By July 2025, the median housing size had shrunk to 1,852 square foot at $ 231 per square foot.
“American houses have been smaller in recent years, driven by rising land and construction costs, affordability problems and changes in the composition of households” Hannah Jones.
“As square visual material becomes more expensive, buyers increasingly prioritize the functionality above size, with a preference to open layouts, multifunctional rooms and efficient storage instead of excess space.”
But having to have it with tighter living spaces, Americans did not convince to give up their favorite four -legged friends.
So why is that the case? Experts agree that it largely comes up here: most pets owners just appreciate their hairy companions more than extra space.
“Fifty to 100 square foot more will not bring you the same happiness as if you will be Labrador!” Ali SmithCEO and founder of Dog Training Company Rebuketells RealTor.com. “I think that many dog guards really believe that dog is worth more for their lifestyle than their house.”
When it comes to the most favorite varieties in America, the rankings vary. According to an annual report issued by RoverA company that specializes in Pet Care, the most popular dog breed from 2025 was a mixed breed, followed by Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle and German Shepherd.
Rover’s list differs from the American Kennel Clubs The last ranking, which discovered that the redword French Bulldog managed to keep first place for the third consecutive year. The Labrador Retriever, however, achieved the number 2 on the list of AKC’s 2024, followed by the Golden Retriever, the German Shepherd and the Poodle.
House hunting with a dog
When looking for a house to buy, buyers bring agent lists of must-haves and dog owners often put the comfort of their pets at the top.
“Pets are one of the first questions I ask about discussing a potential house search from a buyer,” says Cara AmeerReal estate agent at Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty in Florida. “How much, what kind and what size they are. I always ask if a garden and its size are also important.”
Ameer says she had several buyers with large dogs during her 23-year career, and in general they give priority to the outdoor space to ensure that their pooch has enough room to run around.
“I would say that the garden size has been the most important engine for home selection for people with pets, especially larger dogs, so if the house has cost more money, they have gone,” says Ameer, “or in some cases a less house chose a better garden because they wanted their dog to be better accommodated.”
Ameer remembered that a few years ago she had a customer who moved from Central Illinois to Florida for a job and wanted to buy a house with a swimming pool and a large back garden for their two dogs – a bigger and a smaller one.
In the end, the customer finally spent $ 50,000 more than originally budgeted to secure a house with a vast backyard, although the building only came up with an above -ground swimming pool, not in the ground that he hoped for in the beginning.
“So there are considerations and sacrifices that people make when buying a house that factors in their beloved pets in the mix factors,” says Ameer.
Tania JhayemA broker and investment specialist at Urban Nest in Las Vegas says that the needs of pets have priority, especially for those customers who have no children, so when shopping for a house, they often take into account the build of their four -legged friends.
For owners of larger varieties, the house search can be limited because many HAAs have strict rules that limit the size and weight of pets, Jhayem notes.
“If their fur baby exceeds the maximum limits, they could not buy a house in that specific community,” says Jhayem.
According to the agent, another important consideration for buyers with large dogs is space.
“They can be looking for a larger house with a larger garden to give their dogs some space to run around and play,” she says. “Because the land space is more valuable in Las Vegas, many buyers ultimately pay more for a larger house and/or garden than originally intended.”
For house hunters with a budget that a house can pay that is large enough for their considerable Pooch, Jhayem says that she would look for a neighborhood with a public park where the dog could get and socialize his exercise.
The agent says she recently had a buyer who had to increase their $ 550,000 budget by $ 75,000 to buy a house with a garden that is large enough for their dog, Wafles.
“In the end, although it was higher in price, they were willing to pay more to ensure that their baby had enough room to run and play, and they still had enough room for their family,” says Jhayem.
Small house? Big dog? No problem!
Having a smaller house does not mean that you cannot take good care of your oversized dogs.
Smith, the professional dog trainer with Rebarkable, lives with her German shepherd in an apartment on the second floor. Although she has no garden, she lets it work thanks to a conveniently located park.
“My dog [is] Absolutely healthier and happier than many dogs who have recruiting, “she says.” It’s all about the dedication of the guardian to the dog and the willingness to meet their needs. “
Dr. Liza Cahnveterinarian at Embrace Pet insuranceExplains that the extent to which a large dog can successfully adapt to life in a small space, largely depends on the breed, with certain hating varieties, such as border collies and Australian cattle dogs, which usually need a considerable outdoor space and hours of intense physical exercise to stay healthy.
But Cahn says that many other larger varieties can thrive in smaller houses, “as long as their owner commit themselves to opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation.”
Dr. Jamie Richardsonhead of veterinary medicine at Small door veterinaryNote that in addition to the breed, factors such as the age of a dog, the energy level and health are much more than square meters.
“A relaxed great Dane can thrive in an apartment, while a young border collie might need more space and exercise,” she says. “Regular walks, playing time and mental stimulation are essential, with or without a backyard.”
Cost of care for a large dog
By one Recent report from RoverThe lifelong costs of possessing a dog range of around $ 16,000 for a small pooch up to more than $ 52,000 for a colossal dogs.
The costs vary greatly based on breed, size and health problems, where larger dogs are usually more expensive over time.
It is worth keeping in mind that the average lifespan of a healthy dog is 10 to 13 years old.
The costs for bringing a puppy house can be as high as $ 4,420 for a larger breed, with an annual costs of $ 5,200. They include money spent on food, treats, equipment, veterinarians, training, dental care, pets insurance and toys.
This means that every month’s owners of large dogs have to set aside an average of around $ 430 for their “fur babies” – on their monthly housing costs.
For context, according to Realtor.com data, from July, the typical monthly payment on the median priced $ 439,450 home at the current 6.5% mortgage interest rate is approximately $ 2,222 (assuming a deposit of 20% and excluded from taxes and insurance).
Richardson says that the permanent affinity of Americans is not going anywhere for larger breeds, regardless of the state of the housing market at any time.
“Many people give priority to their bond with their dog above extra space,” says Richardson. “Large dogs bring company, safety and motivation to stay active. Even in smaller houses, owners can meet the needs of their dog with regular walks, dog park visits and enrichment activities.”
According to the vet, dogs with large races are often associated with loyalty, protection and family life, and although it costs more to feed them well and take care of them, she says that many people consider their dogs to be “and are willing to budget for them.”
“The emotional benefits often outweigh the financial tension,” Richardson notes.
Cahn admits that larger dogs “eat considerably more” than their smaller counterparts and possibly susceptible to expensive medical conditions such as hip dysplasia and bloat, but she emphasizes that there is no such thing as one ideal breed.
“It is more about finding a matchup of temperament and lifestyle,” says Cahn. “The popularity of this [larger] Races probably stem from their playful and affectionate personalities, the history of working together with people, general comfort around children and the ability to participate in an active lifestyle. ”
