Are dogs the new children?

In some countries, dogs have outnumbered children, a shift that has sparked growing discussions about the changing role of pets in society. While the emotional significance of dogs is clearly on the rise worldwide, experts are divided on whether people are choosing dogs over children or if other factors are at play. Professor Enikő Kubinyi, head of the Department of Ethology at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), is among those offering a new theory in a leading psychology journal that sheds light on this phenomenon.

Kubinyi's theory, published in Current Directions in Psychological Science, explores the surprising connection between dog ownership and declining birth rates — but it’s not the link many might expect.

Across the globe, dogs are increasingly seen as family members, with some even placed above human relationships. In fact, a recent Hungarian survey found that 19% of childless individuals and 10% of parents valued their dog more than any human. What’s driving this unexpected affection? Kubinyi suggests a complex interaction of social, emotional, and biological factors.

"Some argue that dogs are the 'new children,' while others, like Pope Francis, have called it selfish for childless people to treat their pets like children," Kubinyi explains. "While some studies suggest that dog ownership might contribute to negative views on motherhood and even strain romantic relationships, that’s only part of the story."

Kubinyi offers an alternative perspective: that dog ownership might actually increase fertility rates. For example, families with children are more likely to own dogs, and some couples even consider their dog a 'practice child,' a preparatory step before starting a family. Additionally, research suggests that women may find men with dogs more attractive, potentially boosting fatherhood prospects. In this view, dogs don’t replace parenting — they complement it or serve as a precursor to it.

But there’s more to the story. Dogs may play a vital role in facilitating human connections. Walking a dog increases opportunities for social interactions, helping to build social networks. However, problems like aggression or excessive barking can complicate these relationships, especially when owners rely on their dogs as their main source of emotional support.

Kubinyi argues that the relationship between dog ownership and declining birth rates is driven by a common trend: the transformation of social networks. In her "companion dog runaway theory," she explains that the popularity of dogs has roots in biological instincts but has escalated due to social changes. The human need for caregiving and social support is hardwired, yet these needs have shifted toward companion animals as human relationships become more fragmented.

In modern societies, many people feel a lack of support when it comes to raising children. Studies show that nearly 90% of Hungarian adults don’t spend even an hour a week caring for young children, even though humans evolved to engage in cooperative breeding, where childcare was shared within communities. This breakdown of support networks leaves many feeling emotionally unsupported, and for some, dogs offer the comfort and unconditional love they need.

"Dogs become the most important companions for many people, stepping in where human relationships have failed," Kubinyi says. "Our current culture encourages the extension of caregiving instincts toward dogs, which is reflected in the booming pet care industry and the growing trend of referring to oneself as a 'dog mom' or 'dog dad.'"

The changing role of dogs in society also influences their evolution. Breeds like small, short-nosed dogs, which resemble human infants, have gained tremendous popularity. These "cute" traits trigger an instinctual caregiving response, but they also come with significant health issues, further intensifying the caregiving dynamic. However, overindulgence can lead to behavioral problems, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to pet ownership.

Kubinyi’s research concludes that people in Western societies are experiencing a significant lack of caregiving and social support, which they try to fill, at least partially, through dogs. However, she stresses that strengthening family-based support systems and reducing social isolation is essential.

"The role of dogs as companions is a positive force when it connects people, but it becomes problematic when it isolates them," Kubinyi concludes.

Hal Herzog, a researcher in human-animal interactions, has praised Kubinyi’s study as an important contribution to understanding the evolving role of dogs in human psychological and social lives. Kubinyi’s groundbreaking theory offers fresh insights into how companion animals are reshaping our emotional landscapes and the connections that define us.

Original study: Kubinyi, E. (2025) The Link Between Companion Dogs, Human Fertility Rates, and Social Networks. Current Directions in Psychological Science https://doi.org/10.1177/09637214251318284