We are huge dog lovers here at The Chic Nest..we have 3..two miniature schnauzers and a chocolate labrador..so we are super interested in all things dog related. We decided to look further into what your dog breed says about you.
You may have heard that dogs and their owners really do look alike. Now, new research has shown that owners and their dogs often share personality traits, too.
A paper, published in the Journal of Research 2020, says a dog’s personality reflects the personality of its owner. After analysing the data, the researchers found an interesting fact: dog and owner personalities often mirror each other. Active and outgoing people tended to have canine companions that behaved similarly. Dogs that were anxious or aggressive had owners that possessed more negative personality traits.
For example, Jack Russell owners are said to be loyal and faithful (King Charles for example) whilst those with Cocker Spaniels (Prince & Princess of Wales) are most curious, creative and family orientated. Owners who are supposed to be more emotionally stable (Joe Jonas & Sophie Turner), tend to choose labradors and Golden Retrievers. They are also generally friendly and good natured people, like their dogs.
The very popular Staffie (Staffordshire Buil Terrier), whilst feared by those who aren't familiar with the breed, are extremely affectionate dogs and can be really playful and patient with kids. Their owners also tend to be those that are affectionate and trustworthy.
Miniature Schnauzers (our personal favourite breed as we have 2!) are the perfect companion dog and are fiercely loyal, protective and faithful to their family. They tend to have owners that are organised and are sticklers for rules, which definitely fits in with our family profile!
Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck and Cameron Diaz are all said to be fans of the German Shepherd. A breed that was born to help others, and it is said to also be a common trait of their owners. They are also protective and have a great sense of intuition.
The Chihuahua and Dachshund are both known for trustworthiness in the breed and supposedly commonly seen in their owners (Paris Hilton is a fan of the Chihuahua). Whippet owners are said to be risk takers and agreeable extroverts have Pomeranians.
The popular pug is known for its health problems in the breed and their owners are most likely to be caring and have a great sense of humour.
Those with poodles are likely to be elegant, sophisticated and a little bit "bougie".
So why do we end up with our dogs looking and acting more like us as time goes on?
There are a few factors at play here. Firstly selection bias. We are more likely to choose a dog that fits our lifestyle, image, energy level and temperament. Secondly, dogs are influenced by their lifestyle and environment so their personaility and traits will develop and change over time.
The emotional connection we have with our dogs is also a major factor in shaping dog personaility traits. if we are anxious all the time, we are likely to have an anxious dog. If we are laidback and carefree, our dog is likely to be the same.
So while there can be many similarities between dogs and their humans, it is not a universal rule. Dogs are still individuals with their own unique temperaments and behaviours.
But the research does show that many owners have many traits in common with their dogs so no wonder dogs really are our best friends!
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