The Best Dog Breed for Your Personality

Every dog breed is different, and you should have a basic understanding of their varying personalities before you decide to bring a pup home. Of course, this means you must first consider your own personality; what kind of individual are you? Choosing a dog is not quite as complicated as choosing a human partner, but it sure is close! In both cases, you must consider chemistry and commitment. But with a dog, there’s the added benefit of a wagging tail every time you walk in the door.

America Ferrera and her Golden, Buddy

Just as important as identifying your own personality is a proper understanding of your lifestyle.  How much time do you have for a dog?  Do you have kids? How would a pooch fit into your daily schedule? When will you be able to walk, feed, and play with her? We covered these lifestyle issues extensively in another article, so be sure to read it before deciding on the pup of your dreams.

Like Owner, Like Dog?

Some believe dogs match their owners in look and personality. Is this true, or do opposites attract?  Around here, we don’t subscribe so much to the “opposites attract” theory (not for dogs anyway), but feel that owners and dogs actually have a lot in common, physically and emotionally. For example, a stubborn owner works best with the stubborn pooch, and a caring parent loves to spend time with the gentler breeds.

How to Discover Your Personality

There are many ways to determine your personality type. For an accurate personality profile, you would actually need to visit a psychologist and subject yourself to an extensive battery of tests.  But if you already have a sense of what type of person you are (or you really want a dog and just don’t have the time or patience right now), then this guide is for you! So, join us as we provide a fun way to discover your doggy soul mate.

The following personality types are actually derived from the Myers-Briggs assessment and the Keirsey model of four temperate types. Myers-Briggs is a test often used to gauge your interests and abilities. Read each type carefully, and decide which one describes you best.  We had a wonderful time debating which dog breeds match which personalities, but remember, these are just our opinions—not hard fact—and should be viewed as a basic guide for fun.

1. Idealist
2. Rational
3. Artisan
4. Guardian

1. Idealist (“Fancy Talker”)

Idealists are visionaries.  Your lofty talk and captivating writing style inspires the rest of us to do our best.  You are compassionate and have a keen talent for understanding what others are feeling. You want to make this world a better place, and this mission will drive you until the final breath.  At home, you are encouraging parents and will do anything for loved ones. You’re often called imaginative, caring, passionate, values-oriented and creative. Your favorite activities include spending time with the family, volunteering, talking with friends, solving problems, and writing.

Oprah and her Spaniel, Sophie

Typical Careers for Idealists
Community Organizer, Psychologist, Social Worker, Writer, Nurse, Motivational Speaker

Famous Idealists
Martin Luther King Jr., Princess Diana, Oprah Winfrey, President Obama

The Idealist Paw-sonality
You’ll be a loving and caring dog owner. However, you probably won’t discipline your pooch very harshly, so it’s best if you stay clear of the more stubborn breeds. Actually, your focus should be on the caring and easy going pups. You are an ideal candidate for adopting a dog from the local shelter, and your compassionate nature dictates that you need a dog who can tag along to volunteering, grocery shopping, or the hospital therapy group that you assist.

Breeds You Should Consider

• Animal Shelter Dogs (Humane Society, ASPCA, Breed Rescue Groups)
• Golden Retriever
• Great Dane
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Bichon Frise
• Greyhound
• Pug
• Cocker Spaniel

2. Rational (“Smarty-Pants”)

Rationals are constantly searching for mental stimulation. You are an excellent problem solver and attack challenges in a very deliberate manner. You thrive on creating inventive solutions to complex problems. Technology is in your blood, and you love working in the theoretical abstract.  You’re described by others as intellectual, inventive, and driven. People are drawn to your presence since leadership comes naturally to you. This is probably because you possess the ability to take control of situations. And even though people who don’t know you very well may think you’re arrogant, that’s really just your self confidence shining from within. You enjoy debates with friends, solving puzzles, writing, and learning new languages. Oh, and you certainly don’t make major life decisions (like getting a dog) on a whim without proper planning.

Jake and his German Shepherd, Atticus

Typical Careers for Rationals
Professor, Entrepreneur, IT Analyst, Accountant, Lawyer, Doctor

Famous Rationals
Al Gore, Thomas Edison, Jake Gyllenhaal, Colin Powell, Katie Couric

The Rational Paw-sonality
If you can actually make time for a dog in your life, then you’ll be a great owner. But you’ll have to commit to it because you have a busy life full of side projects and half-written American novels to complete.  When you do ultimately decide to get a dog, it will only be after you’ve thoroughly researched the topic, breeder, or adoption facility very carefully. You are a free thinker, and you want your dog to be the same.  You’ll both have a blast playing mental games. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll be able to  maintain leadership with the stubborn breeds due to your natural self-confidence and “alpha” energy. Now, even though your mind is racing 24/7, your body may not be doing the same. So depending upon your level of activity, select a breed from either the “Sporty” or “Non-Sporty” category below.

Sporty Rationals: In addition to your intellectual pursuits, you enjoy running, biking, and spending time at the park.  With this lifestyle, your hard-working dog will get plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation.

• Border Collie
• Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Australian Cattle dogs
• Poodle
• German Shepherd
• Boxer

Non-Sporty Rationals: You love nothing more than hanging out in the library, coffee shop or at the nearest Whole Foods cafe.  So you should look into a lower energy doggy genius. But remember, your pup still needs daily walks and mental stimulation. Be sure to play IQ games with your dog to drain her energy. Your canine Einstein might actually enjoy her mental exercises more than the walks!

• Pug
• Toy or Miniature Poodle
• Bichon Frise
• Shetland Sheepdog

Matthew and Ms. Hud

3. Artisan (“Center of Attention”)

Artisans live for excitement and sensation.  You’re very artistic and crave the spot light of a stage and the lens of a camera.  Oftentimes, you’re also athletic and love the attention of a cheering sports crowd.  You seize every moment and wear emotions on your sleeve like a badge of honor. Even in the presence of strangers, you don’t hesitate to dive into conversation, always meeting and greeting new people.  Your free spirit leads you to new experiences.

Your days revolve around social events.  You rarely miss an opportunity for a thrill, and your friends don’t remember the last time you said “no”.  Loved ones describe you as energetic, free-spirited, exciting, fun-loving, and spontaneous. Your favorite activities include acting, dancing, playing sports, telling jokes.

Typical Careers for Artisans
Athlete, Artist, Actor, Entertainer, Politician, Salesperson, Construction Worker

Famous Artisans
Bill Clinton, Paris Hilton, Ronald Reagan, Katharine Hepburn, Matthew McConaughey, Serena Williams

The Artisan Paw-sonality
You need a dog with a personality just as big as yours. And that pooch had better carry her own weight by directing gobs of attention towards you! Also, be sure to get a pup that is relatively self-sufficient who won’t require excessive training.  More than any other personality type, your dog must be ready to travel at the drop of the hat (small is better for that), so avoid the herding breeds who often display a chasing reflex for passing cars while riding shotgun. As with the Rationals (see above), Artisans are split into “Sporty” and “Non-Sporty” categories.

Rhianna and DJ

Sporty Artisans: Your dog is thrilled to accompany you on a hike, mountain bike ride, or to the lake with friends.  And when back in the city, your pooch turns just as many heads as you do.

• Jack Russell Terrier
• Beagle
• Weimaraner
• German Short-haired Pointer
• Australian Cattle Dog

Non-Sporty Artisans: These lap pups have doggy dreams of new hair styles, adorable clothes, collars, and jewelry. When you grab the car keys, these dogs leap into your luxurious handbag in anticipation of the upcoming adventure. In short, just like you, they loved to be spoiled.

• Pomeranian
• Maltese
• Bichon Frise
• Poodle
• Yorkshire Terrier

4. Guardian (“Hero”)

Guardians are the people we all want as parents; you’re stable, loyal and dependable. Aside from immaculate organizational habits, you are a realist who spends time focusing intently on the task at hand. When leading, you ensure everyone involved is respected, listened to, and properly cared for. When loved ones are in need, yours is the first call they receive with plenty of reassuring words. Friends describe you as nurturing, kind, patient, selfless, responsible, and loyal.

Victoria Stilwell and her Golden

Typical Careers for Guardians
Fireman, Teacher, Police Officer, Animal Trainer, Manager, Administrator, Accountant

Famous Guardians
Warren Buffet, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Jimmy Stewart

The Guardian Paw-sonality
Let’s face it…you’d be an excellent owner for any type of dog. Easy-going “family” breeds seem like the obvious choice here, but your nurturing spirit attracts you to troubled pups from the local animal shelter. With their fate in question, you feel compelled to save a distressed life by rescuing one of those adorable faces staring back at you through the cage.

But remember, your positive outlook on life constantly draws others toward you, so be sure to select a dog that loves being around other people.

Breeds You Should Consider

• Animal Shelter Dogs (Humane Society, ASPCA, Breed Rescue Groups)
• Labrador Retriever
• German Shepherd
• Golden Retriever
• Bulldog
• Dachshund
• Collie
• Dalmatian
• Australian Shepherd