Picture this: you walk into a dog shelter, instantly fall for those adorable puppy eyes, and bring home your new best friend. Fast forward six months, and you’re both pulling your hair out over daily walks that feel more like gladiator battles, or dealing with a furry friend who seems to speak an entirely different emotional language than you do.
Honestly, choosing a dog based purely on cuteness is like picking a life partner because they have nice shoes. Sure, it might work out, but wouldn’t you rather stack the deck in your favor? While every dog is an individual with their own quirks, some of a dog’s personality traits are completely individual, but many traits are predictable based on the breed. Knowing the common traits of certain dog breeds is helpful, since it enables you to choose a dog whose personality meshes well with your lifestyle. Yet what if we took it one step further and considered how your astrological personality might clash with certain breed temperaments? Let’s dive into the cosmic canine combinations you might want to think twice about.
Aries (March 21 – April 19): Skip the Stubborn Bulldogs
Aries are known for being competitive, energetic, and impulsive. With Mars as their ruling planet and their stature as a fire sign, they are always ready for action and driven by ambition, which is how they always achieve their dreams. You’re basically the human equivalent of a sports car that idles at 3,000 RPM.
Bulldogs, while absolutely adorable, move at their own leisurely pace. Bulldogs tend to be calm by nature, but they still enjoy getting out for walks. Moderate exercise is important for weight-management given their small but solid stature and the fact that their calm nature can make them come off as lazy. Picture yourself bouncing off the walls, ready for an impromptu hiking adventure, while your Bulldog gives you the canine equivalent of “Maybe later, I’m busy being a couch potato.”
Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Beware of High-Energy Jack Russell Terriers
Taurus are known for being grounded, tenacious, and sensual. They are an earth sign ruled by Venus. This blend gives them a steady beat of the heart but also means that they love beauty, hedonism, luxury, and touch. You appreciate the finer things in life and prefer a predictable, comfortable routine.
If there’s a dog breed that tops the charts for energy levels, it could well be the Jack Russell Terrier. These dogs are bright, clever, athletic and always aware of everything that’s going on in their environment. Jack Russell Terriers are vibrant, play loving and social with other dogs. Imagine trying to enjoy your morning coffee and croissant while your Jack Russell is doing the equivalent of CrossFit in your living room. That harmonious morning routine you cherish? Gone faster than you can say “zoomies.”
Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Avoid Overly Serious German Shepherds
Key Traits: Witty, curious, adaptable. As a Gemini, you’re the social butterfly of the zodiac, constantly seeking mental stimulation and variety in your daily life.
German Shepherds are incredible dogs, but they approach life with military-like seriousness. The German Shepherd is the ultimate family pet. They form gentle relationships with their family members but defend courageously. Highly intelligent herders, the German Shepherd is able to learn skills and commands for a wide variety of purposes, and they carry themselves with confidence and focus. While you’re cracking jokes and changing conversation topics every five minutes, your German Shepherd will be giving you looks that say “Can we please focus on the task at hand?” Talk about missing each other’s wavelengths.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22): Think Twice About Independent Terriers
Water signs are seen as shy, reserved, and sensitive, but also intuitive and in-tune with their feelings. They make natural empaths, with an ability to tap into the emotions of people around them. They’re nurturing towards the ones they love but need to be careful they’re not overly giving with anyone who might take advantage of this quality. As a Cancer, you crave emotional connection and togetherness.
Terriers are happy to do their own thing and, whilst they love to spend time with their families, their independent nature means they can be left alone for longer than other breeds, making them some of the best dogs for people who work during the day. However, this independent nature can make training a little more challenging with Terriers than with other breeds. Your need for constant emotional bonding might leave you feeling rejected when your Terrier politely declines your tenth cuddle attempt of the day.
Leo (July 23 – August 22): Skip the Attention-Stealing Huskies
Fire signs, meanwhile, are known for passion, creativity, competitiveness, and inspiration. As a Leo, you’re used to being the star of the show wherever you go, naturally commanding attention with your magnetic personality.
The Siberian Husky is friendly and gentle, but also alert and outgoing. Here’s the thing about Huskies: they’re basically the canine equivalent of a Hollywood celebrity. Everywhere you go, people will be stopping to admire your gorgeous dog, asking about their striking eyes and beautiful coat. Suddenly, you’re no longer the main character in your own story. Your Husky will be getting all the compliments while you’re relegated to “dog holder” status.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22): Avoid Messy, Drooling Saint Bernards
Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn): These signs are practical and methodical Virgos are the perfectionists of the zodiac, preferring everything in its proper place with minimal chaos.
Saint Bernards are gentle giants, but they come with a few messy habits that might send your organized soul into overdrive. Often referred to as “heavy droolers,” some slobbery dog breeds are known for their drooling potential. Picture this: you’ve just finished deep-cleaning your kitchen, and your Saint Bernard walks by, leaving a trail of drool across your spotless floors. Those perfectly arranged throw pillows? They’re now covered in fur and possibly more drool.
Libra (September 23 – October 22): Beware of Aggressive-Prone Breeds
Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): intellectual, independent, communicative, social As a Libra, you’re all about balance, harmony, and keeping the peace in every situation.
While any dog can be well-socialized, some breeds have tendencies that might disrupt your need for equilibrium. While the tendency to fight has been bred out of many of these dogs, it remains in others – either accidentally or purposefully. Much of their aggression comes from their prey-drive, so it is not driven by emotion. Thus, with tails wagging, fighting dogs appear to enjoy the fight. The last thing your peace-loving soul needs is constantly managing potentially challenging situations at the dog park or feeling anxious about your pet’s interactions with others.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): Skip the Overly Social Golden Retrievers
Water signs are exceptionally emotional and ultra-sensitive. They are highly intuitive and they can be as mysterious as the ocean itself. Water signs love profound conversations and intimacy. As a Scorpio, you value deep, meaningful relationships and prefer quality over quantity in your social connections.
Labradors and Golden Retrievers are typically described as having warm, friendly and outgoing temperaments. They are also known to be wonderful with children, affectionate with their family, great with other dogs and highly trainable. Golden Retrievers are basically the extroverted party hosts of the dog world, wanting to befriend every human and canine they encounter. While you’re trying to have a quiet, contemplative walk, your Golden will be dragging you toward every person for impromptu social sessions.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): Avoid Routine-Loving Breeds
Fire signs tend to be passionate, dynamic, and temperamental. They get angry quickly, but they also forgive easily. They are adventurers with immense energy. They are physically very strong and are a source of inspiration for others. Fire signs are intelligent, self-aware, creative and idealistic people, always ready for action. You’re the ultimate free spirit, constantly seeking new adventures and experiences.
Certain breeds thrive on strict routines and predictable environments. Breeds in this group were bred to herd sheep and cattle. They do this by stalking and staring, barking and/or nipping at their charges. They are bred to be intelligent, athletic and diligent and they are very trainable. Herding breeds like Border Collies need structured mental stimulation and consistent schedules. Your spontaneous weekend camping trips and ever-changing adventure plans might leave a routine-dependent dog feeling stressed and anxious.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): Think Twice About Playful, Goofy Breeds
Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): grounded, practical, stable, down-to-earth As a Capricorn, you approach life with serious determination and prefer purposeful activities over frivolous fun.
A dog with the class clown personality type wants to have fun! A class clown-type enjoys playing, running, and spending time with people or other dogs. They are simply a happy-go-lucky, fun-to-be-around dog with a goofy personality. Breeds like Boxers or French Bulldogs might drive you crazy with their constant need for silly games and attention-seeking antics. While you’re trying to accomplish your daily goals, these comedic canines will be doing everything possible to turn life into a circus.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): Skip Overly Needy Lap Dogs
Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): intellectual, independent, communicative, social You value your independence and need space to think, create, and pursue your unique interests.
With most of the group being bred and used as a companion or “lap dogs”, you can imagine the breeds in this group would have temperaments that complement that role. Straight from the breed standard, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is happy and friendly. The Havanese has a happy nature, loves children, and endlessly play with them. These sweet companion breeds were literally designed to be attached to their humans at all times. When you need alone time to recharge or work on your latest innovative project, having a velcro dog following your every move might feel suffocating rather than endearing.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20): Avoid High-Maintenance Working Breeds
Water signs are exceptionally emotional and ultra-sensitive. They are highly intuitive and they can be as mysterious as the ocean itself. They rarely do anything openly and are always there to support their loved ones. As a Pisces, you’re deeply empathetic and prefer gentle, flowing experiences over intense pressure.
Some dogs thrive when working, especially breeds like Shepherds and Collies. The dedicated worker personality type is a hard-working, obedient dog who knows what to do and when. High-drive working breeds like Belgian Malinois or Australian Cattle Dogs require intense daily mental and physical challenges. Having a tireless attitude, expendable endurance and energy, and a strong work ethic, you can expect intelligent breeds wanting a job in this group. Your gentle, go-with-the-flow nature might leave you feeling overwhelmed by their relentless energy and demands for constant stimulation.
Finding Your Perfect Cosmic Canine Match
Remember, these are just playful guidelines, not cosmic commandments carved in stone! Finding a dog whose personality is compatible with yours and your family’s can be key in forming an incredible bond with your pet that lasts for life. Knowing more about a dog breed’s personality traits can be the first step to a lifetime of companionship. Every dog is an individual, and with proper training, socialization, and understanding, most personality clashes can be worked through.
The key is being honest about your lifestyle, energy levels, and what you realistically want from your furry companion. Breed and age had the strongest associations with dog personality traits. Some environmental factors, especially puppyhood socialization, were also associated with personality. Your star sign might give you some insight into your natural tendencies, but the most important thing is choosing a dog whose needs you can consistently meet.
What do you think about this cosmic approach to dog selection? Have you ever noticed personality clashes between you and your four-legged family members that seem to align with your astrological traits? Tell us in the comments!
