In some countries, there are now more pet dogs than children. This trend raises an interesting question: Are people choosing dogs instead of having kids, or is something else causing this change?
Professor Enikő Kubinyi, an expert in animal behaviour at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), says there is a link between dog ownership and lower birth rates, but not in the way we might expect.
Dogs as Family Members
Many people see their dogs as part of the family; some even value them more than human relationships. Surveys in Hungary found that:
– 19% of childless adults cared more about their dog than any person.
– 10% of parents felt the same way.
Why is this happening? Kubinyi’s research, published in Current Directions in Psychological Science, explores this surprising trend.
Research shows that:
– Some dog owners have more negative views about parenthood.
– Mothers with dogs sometimes find parenting more stressful, making them less likely to have more kids.
– In some cases, dogs can even hurt romantic relationships.
But others argue the opposite – that dogs might actually help people start families:
– Couples with dogs may see them as “practice babies” before having children.
– Women often find men with dogs more attractive, increasing chances of starting a family.
– Families with kids are more likely to own dogs.
Dogs as “Social Glue”
Dogs can help people connect. Walking a dog leads to more social interactions. However, if a dog has behaviour problems (like aggression), it can make socializing harder – mainly if the owner depends too much on their pet for emotional support.
The Real Reason Behind the Trend
Experts explain that societal changes cause the rise in dog ownership and falling birth rates.
Companion dog runaway theory suggests:
– Humans naturally want to care for others, but modern life has weakened traditional support systems.
– Many people no longer spend time helping raise children, even though humans evolved to share childcare.
– Without strong human connections, some turn to dogs for love and companionship.
Dogs are perfect for this role because they have evolved to bond with humans. Some breeds even look like human babies, making people want to care for them more.
A Warning About Over-Attachment
While dogs bring joy, relying on them too much can cause problems:
– Some owners treat dogs like children, leading to behavior issues.
– Overbreeding for “cute” traits (like flat faces) can cause health problems.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
Experts says the real issue is a lack of human connection. Instead of blaming dogs, society should:
– Strengthen family and community support.
– Reduce loneliness and isolation.
Dogs are wonderful when they bring people together.