A study presented at the 2012 British Psychological Society’s annual meeting reveals that the breed of dog a person owns may reflect aspects of their personality. The study involved 1,000 dog owners who completed questionnaires assessing their personality traits and dog breed preferences.
The findings suggest that individuals often choose dog breeds that align with their own characteristics.
Extroverted Owners and Their Energetic Companions
Extroverted individuals, known for being outgoing and sociable, tend to prefer pastoral and utility breeds. Pastoral breeds include collies, sheepdogs, heelers, and corgis, while utility breeds encompass Dalmatians, bulldogs, poodles, schnauzers, and shar peis. These breeds are typically active and enjoy social interaction, mirroring their owners’ extroverted nature.
Notable energetic companions include Adam Sandler and Winston Churchill both chose bulldogs. While Chris Evans owns a German Shepard, and notably the Queen who had Pembroke Welsh corgis throughout her reign.
Agreeable Individuals and Their Friendly Fidos
People who score high in agreeableness—being compassionate and cooperative, they are people who are easy to get along with and can easily sympathize with others. These people often choose gundogs and toy breeds. Gundogs, such as spaniels, retrievers, setters, pointers, and Weimaraners, are known for their friendly disposition. Toy breeds, including Yorkshire terriers, Pomeranians, and Chihuahuas, are affectionate and thrive on companionship, reflecting their owners’ agreeable personalities.
Most famously Gwyneth Paltrow owns a Labrador retriever, while Jennifer Aniston owns a golden retriever. Sir Isaac Newton owned a Pomeranian, and Paris Hilton has owned multiple Chihuahua’s.
Conscientious Owners and Their Disciplined Dogs
Conscientious individuals, characterized by being organized and responsible, and need order and schedules. These people tend towards utility breeds, which can include Dalmatians, bulldogs, poodles, schnauzers, Shar Peis, chow-chows and Boston terriers. These breeds are often well-behaved and respond well to structured environments, aligning with their owners’ preference for order and discipline.
Famous pet owners with well-disciplined dogs include Mariah Carey with a shih tzu, Warren G. Harding, Gerald Ford and Helen Keller owned a Boston Terrier. Then there is Martha Stewart who owns chow-chows.
Emotionally Stable Owners and Their Calm Canines
Owners with high emotional stability, meaning they are calm and resilient, frequently choose hound breeds. Hounds such as Rhodesian ridgebacks, foxhounds, beagles, dachshunds, whippets, and greyhounds are typically even-tempered and adaptable, mirroring their owners’ stable demeanor.
George Washington owned a foxhound, while Lyndon B. Johnson had a beagle. Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas owns dachshunds.
Open-Minded Individuals and Their Adventurous Pups
Those open to new experiences and art often favor toy breeds. These small dogs, including pugs, pekinggese, Chihuahuas and Pomeranians, are curious and lively, reflecting their owners’ adventurous and imaginative nature.
Valentino, a fashion designer, owns a pug, while Natalie Portman, Paris Hilton, Alyson Hanigan and Lindsay Lohan all have Yorkshire terriers.
Your Furry Best Friend
The study suggests that the alignment between dog breeds and owner personalities may stem from individuals subconsciously selecting pets that fit their lifestyle and personal traits. This insight offers a fascinating perspective on the bond between humans and their canine companions.
