Germany’s hit paw-rade

5. Nemo

Fish swim elegantly in at number five in our hit paw-rade. All kinds of ornamental fish - from armoured catfish and koi carp to tilapia - are kept in around 2.1 million aquariums and a million garden ponds in Germany. There’s also roughly a million terrariums, housing animals such as snakes and tortoises. Many species of ornamental fish and terrarium animals require very specialist care and need to have plenty of space in which to move around.

4. Tweety

From dwellers of the aquatic world to our feathered friends: Birds perch comfortably in the number four spot. Three percent of German households keep some 3.3 million birds in cages at home, including parakeets, canaries and small parrots. Many species of bird are highly sociable animals and should never be kept in captivity on their own. They also need enough space to move around, and regular opportunities to fly freely. 

3. Bugs Bunny

Furry friends with cute faces: small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and gerbils scurry their way into the number three spot of Germany’s hit paw-rade. Five percent of German households are home to around 4.4 million of these ‘pocket pets’. Children in particular love having these balls of fluff around. Many parents hope that caring for the animals will teach their kids to take responsibility for another living creature.

2. Lassie

Man’s best friend: around one in five German households is home to a dog. In total, roughly ten million dogs live side by side with their human owners. Crossbreeds are the most common type. The Labrador retriever has been the undisputed number one pedigree dog for many years. From Labradors and poodles to German shepherd dogs - every breed has its own particular characteristics. For many people, dogs are truly part of the family. 

1. Garfield

Germany’s favourite pet is an entirely different beast, however. Cats have topped the leader board for years. Around one in four households in Germany are home to at least one feline friend. One reason is that cats are considered relatively independent and are well suited to living indoors - a big advantage, especially in cities.

For most people, their pets are most definitely part of the family. In surveys, nearly 90 percent describe their pet as a fully fledged member of the family. Incidentally, less conventional pets can also be found in German homes. Home farming is popular these days, especially in rural areas. Around 1.5 percent of households keep hens or quails.