Some characteristics of the owned-dog population in Miacatlan, Morelos, Mexico are reported. Information was gathered on 1026 dogs in 575 households surveyed during 1993. The ratio of persons per dog was 2.63/1. Eighty five percent of the households had at least one dog. Most of these animals were intact (92.22%), adult (38.2%) mongrels (61.85%) kept as guards (65%). Dogs were primarily received as gifts (57.77%). Forty five percent of the dog population was allowed to live part or full time in the streets. Most of the rabies vaccines given to the dogs came from free Government campaigns (94.6%). Dogs were mainly fed leftovers (89.86%). It was concluded that the dog population in Miacatlan is a result of the low cost of having a dog, which is determined by the way they are kept.