Got a favourite dog breed? This is what it says about your personality

This may not come as a surprise to you, but your favourite dog actually gives some insight into who you are. Whether you like fluffy dogs or black and white dogs, they all embody us in some way. While no two individual dogs are the same, certain breeds are known to exhibit certain qualities. Various studies have been conducted over the years that have proven the relationship between our dog breed of choice and our personality traits, but we also got some additional input from pet experts based on what they have seen in the field.

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“Exceptionally confident, tough, and looking for loyalty” – those are the words Karin Wagner, who judges German Shepherds in dog shows, uses to describe this breed. Think of a no-nonsense high school teacher who won’t let you get away with goofing off. Other research has found that owners of Rottweilers and German Shepherds are more likely to have hostile or aggressive personalities.

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“These owners are outgoing and open to trying new things,” says Theresa Viestro, American Kennel Club representative for Labrador Retrievers. And if they’re anything like their dogs, these owners are also very popular. The Labrador Retriever was ranked the most popular dog breed of 2019, the last year that statistics are available, by the AKC.

Owners of toy dog breeds, such as Chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers, were more agreeable, conscientious, and open to new experiences, according to a 2012 British survey of 1,000 participants. “Openness to new experiences is sometimes lumped in with intelligence,” says  study author Lance Workman, a psychologist at Bath Spa University. “There’s this view that people who own toy dogs are airheads, so this was quite nice to see.”

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If you like Beagles or other hound dogs, that same survey says you might be more emotionally stable or levelheaded. But that doesn’t mean quiet or shy. Mary Cummings, the AKC rep for beagles, says that this breed is very outgoing and active. Beagles are very family-friendly; they enjoy spending as much time as possible with their owners. “If my beagle were a person, she’d be a kindergarten teacher,” Cummings said.

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We asked Victoria Larson, a French bulldog owner and AKC representative, what she thought the typical bulldog owner was like. She laughed and summed it up in one word: “stubborn.” Dog expert Cesar Milan agrees that bulldogs are “determined, persistent and do not give up easily.”

Bulldogs are also expert nappers just like these other lazy dog breeds.

With a dog as large as a Great Dane, you have to have a sense of humour. Especially with these gentle giants as they are one of the world’s biggest dog breeds. Just the sight of these big guys will put people on alert, but anyone who has one of these quirky dogs probably thinks this is most amusing. “They have a big heart to protect their giant scaredy-dog from inanimate objects and love snuggling with their [68+ kilogram] lap dog,” explains Zach Reed, Founder of GreatDaneCare.com. As a Great Dane owner, you can’t sweat the small stuff as you’re probably covered in drool anyways!”

With a history of great endurance and athleticism, it works well that Husky lovers are known to be incredibly energetic. “As the Husky is boisterous, exuberant and full of energy, it is little wonder that their owner tends to be someone who enjoys keeping active,” says Dr Linda Simons, Consulting Veterinarian. “If you’re a person who likes to go for long hikes and swim outdoors, you may well be a Husky owner.”

Boxers are incredibly entertaining themselves. Just the presence of a boxer makes heads turn. “Boxers are funny and confident, always up for a laugh,” claims Simons. “You may find that their owners are equally entertaining; the life and soul of the party. They also like to be outdoors and on the go; never one to slob out on the sofa.”

According to the AKC, poodles are the true aristocrats among dogdom. Aside from just looking the part, poodles are athletic, strong and intelligent, making them extremely versatile dogs. “Poodle lovers carry an air of elegance and grace around them akin to their favourite breed,” says Leonardo Gomez of Try Runball. “You enjoy the finer things in life. Instead of going to a local pub to hear some rock band, you chose to go to a museum or a ballet show. But that doesn’t mean you are superficial. You are extremely intelligent and a quick learner.”

Poodles are also fiercely independent and one of the few dogs that can be left alone.