Dogs have long been known as “man’s best friend,” but recent research shows that they might be more like us than we think. A study published in the Journal of Research in Personality suggests that dogs and their owners not only share a deep emotional connection but may also develop similar personality traits over time.
In 2020, a survey involving 1,600 dog owners across 50 breeds revealed that dogs’ personalities evolve just like humans. The study showed that dogs’ personalities are influenced by their environment, lifestyle, and experiences. This means the energetic puppy you adopt might become calmer as it ages or change in ways that mirror its owner’s behavior.
The research found intriguing patterns. Active, outgoing people often had dogs with similar energy levels, while owners with more anxious or aggressive dogs exhibited more negative traits themselves. People may choose dogs that match their lifestyle; over time, dog and owner influence each other’s behavior. Interestingly, others, such as friends or relatives, often perceive a dog’s personality similarly to the owner, suggesting that this reflection isn’t simply the owner’s bias.
While the study didn’t find significant links between specific dog breeds and personality traits, it didn’t rule out the possibility of breed influences. Other research has indicated that behavioural traits in dogs are often rooted in genetics. For example, purebred dogs tend to be less aggressive and fearful than mixed breeds, though training and socialisation can also shape these traits.
Training plays a crucial role in shaping a dog’s personality regardless of breed. Dogs exposed to obedience classes were generally less aggressive and more manageable, showing the importance of consistent guidance in their development.
Matching Personalities
The research also uncovered interesting connections between owners’ personality types and the dogs they prefer:
Risk-takers often had whippets.
Positive-minded people leaned toward golden retrievers.
Organized individuals chose miniature schnauzers.
Extroverts favored Pomeranians.
Affectionate and friendly individuals often selected Staffordshire bull terriers or Jack Russell terriers.
What Shapes a Dog’s Personality?
Several factors influence how a dog’s personality develops:
1. Selection Bias: People tend to choose dogs that suit their personality and lifestyle. For example, calm individuals might opt for relaxed breeds, while energetic owners prefer active dogs.
2. Environmental Influence: Dogs learn from their owners, often mirroring their behavior. A calm owner may have a laid-back dog, while an energetic owner might encourage enthusiasm in their pet.
3. Shared Lifestyles: Owners and dogs often engage in the same activities, such as hiking or jogging, shaping the dog’s energy levels and temperament.
4. Emotional Connection: The emotional bond between dogs and owners strengthens these personality similarities. A dog might reflect its owner’s emotional state, making both more aligned over time.
Conclusion
While every dog is unique, this study highlights how much influence owners have on their pets’ personalities. From training and lifestyle to the strong emotional connection shared, it’s clear that dogs and their owners often grow more alike as the years go by.
