Dog expert shares what pooches really say about their owner’s personality

What does your furry friend say about you as a person?

New research has shown that the kind of dog we choose to bring into our home can be linked to the owner’s personality. From your lifestyle and values or even where you live, these can all lead new pet owners to lean more towards a certain type of pooch.

While some people may choose to pass off similarities they share with their canine companion as a coincidence, those who swear their dog is a four-legged version of themselves may be closer than they think.

In a recent study conducted by Pets4Homes, which included over 3,000 puppy purchases, a whopping 72 per cent of owners said that their dog’s personality was either ‘somewhat’ or ‘very similar’ to their own.

And it’s not just our everyday traits that are reflected in our furry pals, research has also found that the dogs we choose can also reflect who we want to be, reports the Express.

Dog expert Axel Lagercrantz, who is also the CEO of Pets4Homes, explained: “Our latest survey of more than 3,000 recent puppy purchases shows something every dog lover has always suspected: our dogs really do reflect who we are.

“In fact, 72% of owners told us their dog’s personality is ‘somewhat or very similar’ to their own, and when you look closer, it’s fascinating how true that is.”

For example, Lagercrantz explains that owners of Border Collies are almost twice as likely to describe themselves as adventurous (34 per cent) compared to the average Joe (13 per cent).

He added: “That perfectly mirrors the breed’s reputation as energetic and outdoorsy – these are people who clearly choose dogs that match their own lifestyle.”

For those who regularly find themselves glued to their phones and other tech devices, Miniature Dachshunds appear to be the most popular breed of choice.

This is reflected through 56 per cent of owners of the breed posting about their pets on TikTok, which equates to more than double the average of all the other dog breeds.

Lagercrantz went on to say: “It confirms their status as the social media star breed, appealing to younger, digitally savvy owners who love to share their lives online.”

These personality comparisons have also been able to confront negative stereotypes that surround certain breeds of dog. For example, while some people still have cynical views with regards to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, 56 per cent of owners for the breed described themselves as “easy-going”.

In fact, the study found Staffordshire Bull Terriers were collated as the most relaxed group out of the different types of dog. The dog expert confessed he was pleased with these results, as he said it is “a heartening reflection of the joy and calm these dogs can bring into people’s lives.”

The research also found that geography can play a large part in how owners choose which dog breed best matches them.

Lagercrantz explained: “Geography also plays a big role. Cockapoo and Shih-Tzu owners over-index in coastal communities (51–53 per cent live by the sea vs 10 per cent overall), pointing to a clear ‘seaside doodle’ micro-trend, where small, low-shedding breeds thrive in salt-air towns.

“At the other end of the spectrum, city-living ‘micro-flat’ owners lean heavily towards Mini Dachshunds, Cavapoos and Chihuahuas, who over-index by up to 67 per cent in urban homes – proof that size and trainability drive choices in tighter spaces.”

For those looking for a family-friendly pet, Cavapoos came out at the top of the list with around 41 per cent of Cavapoo households including children. This is a stark jump compared to the other breeds, which sat at just 28 per cent.

Alternatively, for those residing in the countryside, you will be more likely to see Border Collies, Jack Russells and Labradors in your area as the study found that owners were 31 to 38 per cent more likely to live in rural places.

Lagercrantz finished off by saying: “This survey data is a fascinating insight into how people are not just choosing a dog they like the look of, but they’re also choosing a dog that reflects who they are, where they live and how they want to live their lives.”

Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!