Direct answer: No single culture or ethnicity “eats dogs” as a standing dietary norm. Dog meat consumption exists in some places historically and in certain communities today, but it is not representative of Asians as a whole, and in many Asian countries consumption has declined or is illegal. Context and nuances:
- Scope varies by country and region. In some areas of China, South Korea, Vietnam, and parts of Southeast Asia, dog meat has been eaten historically or in specific contexts, but it is not mainstream and public opinion is shifting against it. In China, for example, dog meat consumption has declined in recent years and several cities have enacted bans or restrictions. In South Korea, dog meat has become much less common, and recent laws have moved toward phasing it out. In Taiwan, dog and cat meat is banned. In many places, urban and younger populations are rejecting dog meat as a practice. These patterns indicate significant regional variation and generational differences.
- Global perspective: A large share of the world’s population does not eat dogs, and many countries actively prohibit or strongly discourage the practice. Animal welfare groups and governments have campaigned against dog meat trade, highlighting concerns about animal welfare, public health, and cultural shift.
- Important caveats about language and stereotypes: Framing a group as collectively eating dogs can reinforce harmful stereotypes and ignores the diversity of cuisines, cultures, and beliefs within any region. Most people in any given country do not eat dog meat, and attitudes are often moving toward banning or condemning the practice.
If you’d like, I can summarize recent legal changes by country (e.g., bans or relaxations), or provide more context on how cultural attitudes toward companion animals intersect with food practices in specific places.
