This document summarizes the key findings from interviews and observations of 12 dog owners and their canine companions. It finds that people often choose dog breeds that reflect aspects of their own personalities, and that the behaviors of many dogs closely mirror personality traits of their owners. Case studies are presented of owners like Brycia and her Schnauzer Nikki, who both value quiet time, and Jenny and her energetic Mini Aussie Dixie. The document concludes that while generalizations have merit, each dog also has an individual personality.

1. says
uoY

2. a study
by Emily Kunz
- Tom Hayden
“They motivate us to play, be affectionate,
seek adventure and be loyal.”

3. During a press conference near the start of his first term in office,
The President of the United States, Barack Obama, mentioned
adopting a dog. “We have two criteria that have to be reconciled,”
he said. “One is that Malia [his daughter] is allergic, so it has to be
hypoallergenic. [O]ur preference would be to get a shelter dog, but,
obviously, a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me. So whether we’re
going to be able to balance those two things, I think, is a pressing
issue on the Obama household.” The Nation went crazy with their
predictions and suggestions about what type of dog should join the
First Family. According to an American Kennel Club survey, most
Americans hoped the Obamas would select a Poodle. With every
citizen in the US carefully considering the new president, it was
imperative that he make a wise canine selection. Why? Because our
dogs communicate a lot about the kind of people we are!
Sure, Scooby Doo can clearly articulate this thoughts, but most dogs
just don’t have that luxury (no matter how loud they may bark).
However, our voiceless furry friends are still doing a lot of talking,
and what they are saying is a direct reflection of us. When President
Obama and Bo, a purebred Portuguese Water Dog, are romping on
the White House lawn, he’s telling the world that Barack Obama is
intelligent, active, and outgoing.
So, when you and Fido are sauntering around the block, what is she
divulging to the world about your interests, personality, and even
your socioeconomic status? The mere fact that you have a dog speaks
volumes, but Fido is spilling all your secrets and you may not even
know it.
Introduction
©HuffingtonPost.com
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4. To understand our modern canine friends, we must first understand
their history as a species. While the modern dog is by no means
a mystery to the humans who love it, its historical origins are.
Genetic evidence suggests that dogs as a domesticated animal could
be as much as 16,000 years old. In this narrative, the modern dog
is a descendant of the early wolf – a wild, ravenous animal driven
by hunger, instinct, and a pack relationship. This wolf learned
the value of working alongside and as a shadow to man, hunting
game and enjoying the portions unused by humans. It was not a
difficult evolutionary leap for this wolf to quickly learn that physical
necessities were easier to come by when working with humans.
But there is clearly a double-layer to this history. Fossil records
indicate that the early man also found it advantageous to work with
canines. When the hunting groups went out, the value of having
an animal to sniff out, chase, and distract game was no doubt
enormous. In this sense, the early canine served both a cooperative
and coexistent role with humans – both species benefiting from the
existence of one another while maintaining their distinct goals.
As mankind itself became more domesticated, the dog naturally found
its role being adapted. When humans began relying upon agriculture
for their food and clothing, the dogs purpose became one of
protection. Moreover, scientists have suggested that early herding and
working dogs adapted to a lifestyle of serving humans in exchange for
food and health. The wild instinct to hunt was redirected to the ends
most suited to humans, with dogs’ sharing in the production.
History of Dogs
Civilizations shifting to urban and complex societies brought still
more changes to the dog’s environment and at this point in history,
we see a foreshadowing of the modern dog. Dogs were brought
indoors, trained to perform varying tasks, and allowed to spend
significantly more time with their human counterparts. Moreover, the
same standards humans had been applying to livestock were employed
with dogs; dogs were selectively bred for particular traits, sizes,
dimensions, or levels of intelligence.
Although the modern dog is likely far removed from its primeval
ancestor in both appearance and temperament, the same basic factor
exists today: to know the dog, is to know the human.
©LOC.gov
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5. History tells us that dogs have evolved from their utilitarian roots
to fill more of an emotional need. Because of their capability
to change, it’s easy to see that dogs have responded to those
emotions and absorbed behaviors like those of their owners.
Dr. Lance Workman, a professor of animal behavior at Bath Spa
University in Bath, England explained that when we look for a
dog to join our family, we look for something that is like us. Much
like dating, we subconsciously match ourselves with animals that
share a commonality.
Dr. Workman and his colleague, Dr. Jo Fearson, surveyed dog
owners on facets of their personalities including extroversion,
agreeableness, emotional stability, conscientiousness, and
intelligence. They also asked them questions about these traits in
their dogs. The results of their study concluded that yes, in fact,
our dogs are a reflection of us.
But this fact was not news to Daisy Okas, assistant vice president
of communication at the American Kennel Club. Yes, says
Okas, owners typically identify with animals who have similar
personality traits, quirks and physical activity levels. Okas
surveyed breeders about breed behaviors and owners’ buying
habits, and between her survey and Dr. Workman’s research, we
can get a good idea of what story a particular breed tells.
About Breeds
©MartineSansoucy/FreeImages.com
98

6. Labrador Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, and other sporting dogs
are social and active animals. They like everyone and everyone
likes them. People who own these animals are agreeable,
affectionate, and enjoy being around people.
Dogs such as English Bulldogs, Shar-Peis, and Chow Chows are
lovable and mellow, but not particularly active. Owners of such
breeds are funny, relaxed and tend not to be overly fastidious.
Owners and dogs enjoy downtime together.
Herding dogs such as German Shepherds and Sheepdogs
are fearless, eager, and alert. They enjoy a pack environment
like no other breed. People who own herding dogs are more
extroverted, outgoing, and friendly.
Staffordshire Bulls, Scotties, and other terriers are home bodies.
Most studies show them as the most adaptable of the breeds.
Owners can be a bit introverted, choosing to be at home rather
than outdoors.
Greyhounds and Beagles are hound dogs, making them
inquisitive and willing to learn new things. Owners of such
breeds are emotionally stable, calm, and consistent. They can
also be curious, willful, tough on enemies, and loyal to friends.
Dalmatians, Dobermans, and Schnauzers are working dogs
and active, outdoor animals who can be very protective of their
own. Their owners are typically joggers, hikers, or enjoy other
outdoor activities. They are hard and trusted workers.
Chihuahuas and Poodles are showy and graceful. They are highly
intelligent creatures who can be open to new experiences. They
have a lot of energy. Owners are the same way; they tend to be
detail-oriented and appreciate art and culture.
Sporting Non-Sporting
Herding Terriers
Hound Working
Toy Today, we see dogs interacting with humans
on a variety of levels: as companions, as
protectors, as co-workers, or a combination of
all three. The capabilities of a breed are now far
less important than their personality traits.
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7. Celebrities
and their
pups aren’t
immune to the
generalizations
about breeds
and owners.
- There are some 70 million pet dogs in the U.S.
- 46% of US homes have a dog.
- The top dog-owning state is Vermont.
- Families with children are much more likely to have dogs.
- People with lower education levels are more likely to own dogs.
- 18-24 year olds are the most likely age group to own dogs.
- 78% of dog owners own their own home.
- 76% of Americans consider their pet to be part of the family.
- 54% consider themselves “pet parents” instead of “pet owners.”
- 53% of dogs sleep in their owner’s bedroom.
- Dog owners are more likely to be male.
- Dog owners are more likely to be conservative.
- Dog owners are more likely to know several neighbors by name.
- Dog owners are very likely to be active outdoors.
Facts & Figures
ImagesviaGoogle.com
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8. While generalizations about specific dog breeds and the people
who own them can be true in a broad sense, each individual
dog has a personality and characteristics all her own. I visited
with twelve dog owners and their dogs to see what their furry
friends communicated about them. I asked them questions such
as “Why did you choose this breed,” “How did you pick out your
dog’s name?” and “What personality traits do you and your dog
share?” I also observed their behaviors, the mannerisms of the
dog, and how dog and owner interacted with each other. I found
astonishing similarities between man and man’s best friend, and
had a wonderful time doing it.
Case Studies
©Moaan/Flickr.com
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9. Nikki is a Schnauzer who has a few years behind her. Brycia, her
owner, joked that they are both aging ladies. Nikki is named after
Brycia’s great aunt who also owned a Schnauzer. “I felt like selecting
the same breed as [my great aunt] would pay honor to her legacy,”
said Brycia. This told me right away that Brycia was nostalgic and
thoughtful. When meeting Nikki, she’s a bit standoffish at first, but
quickly warms up and even enjoys new friends. Similarly, Brycia says
that she herself gets a bit wary of new people at first, but if she can
push past her introversion, she can and often does make friends for
life. Both Brycia and Nikki are quiet, contemplative types who enjoy
spending time in nature and even alone. As we spoke, Nikki poked
around the grassy area, often turning her face to the sky and breathing
deeply. “Nikki and I both like our space,” said Brycia. “I have my
office in my house, decorated the way I want it, where I can do and be
whatever I want. Nikki is sort of the same way with her spot in the
house. She also doesn’t sleep with me. She goes down to the couch and
sleeps there instead. I can respect that.” Brycia also joked that both she
and Nikki are motivated by food, but after seeing their healthy, active
appearance, I say they just enjoy the finer things in life.
Brycia & Nikki
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10. Jenny & Dixie
The two best words to describe Jenny and Dixie are “energy” and
“intelligence.” Jenny is an academic, finishing her Ph.D., and has
almost limitless energy for her work and family life. She approaches
a conversation with ease and interacts with others casually. Likewise,
Dixie, a miniature Australian Shepherd, has boundless vitality
and is ready to play from the minute she meets a new person. She
approached me with confidence and excitement, just as Jenny did.
Moreover, Dixie portrayed the intelligence that is the hallmark of her
breed; after only half an hour of interaction, it was clear that Dixie had
“figured me out” and had already cataloged my mannerisms. Dixie’s
coat is a little wild and free, which told me that Jenny isn’t particular
or overbearing. Jenny says that she made a deliberate choice in Dixie,
knowing that she wanted a breed that would complement her own
active lifestyle and would be able to assimilate seamlessly into Jenny’s
routine. And this conscious decision on Jenny’s part is very apparent
from the outside. Jennie and Dixie both have a demonstrable love of
life and learning!
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11. Joe is a 30-something graphic design professor. Mr. Elwood is
a lovable, white-haired Westie dog, named after Claude Elwood
Shannon, mathematician, cryptographer, and a huge part of Joe’s
thesis work. In fact, Joe told me that Mr. Elwood was his gift to
himself when he finished graduate school. Without meeting the two,
it may not be clear what’s so special about them, other than the fact
that men are rarely seen with small dogs. But Joe and Mr. Elwood are
two peas in a pod. When I asked Joe if I could include him and Mr.
Elwood in my study, he heartily agreed and mentioned that he’d have
Mr. Elwood “wear his hoodie.” Funnily enough, when I met up with
them, they were both wearing hoodies, and Joe told me that it was
completely unintentional. Joe likes people and is often checking in
with his colleagues to say hello. He’s friendly and outgoing. Like Joe,
Mr. Elwood also enjoys associating with humans; he was more excited
to see me than even my own dog! Joe also mentioned that he can be a
bit of a comedic curmudgeon about petty annoyances. Similarly, Mr.
Elwood can also get a bit cranky at times, but always in a harmless,
funny way. “Mr. Elwood mirrors my personality so much so that I’ve
learned a lot about myself from him,” Joe mused.
Joe & Mr. Elwood
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12. The similarities between Megan and Kameha are apparent right from
the beginning. Megan is Hawaiian, with darker skin and eyes. Kameha,
a mix breed rescue dog, also has a dark and mysterious appearance.
Kameha is named after Hawaiian King Kamehameha, which told
me that she is proud of her heritage. Both Megan and Kameha have
friendly, outgoing personalities, despite Megan’s insistence that she
is “a little intense.” “I can get really snippy sometimes. But I’m a fierce
momma bear and very protective of my friends and family,” she says.
In the same way, Kameha is top dog in her pack. When I arrived, she
was protective of Megan and the other family members, but soon
siddled up to me and allowed me to pet her. I also noticed that she was
the alpha-female, keeping her furbrother, Tyson, in his place. Megan
assured me that that had no reflection on her personality, but when
her son guffawed, she punched him playfully and winked at me. Megan
and Kameha are two strong women who rule the roost. At first, Megan
seemed hesitant to find similarities between her personality and
Kameha’s, but toward the end of our chat, she begrudgingly agreed
that Kameha is a reflection of her, saying, “For better or for worse, we
are both the Queen Bee.”
Megan & Kameha
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13. This pair are proof that the bond between canine and human is not
necessarily apparent from the surface. It’s clear that Tyson is an older
dog; his weathered face and tired body reveal his true age. Anthony,
on the other hand, is an 11 year old boy with his life still ahead of
him. But as I interviewed him, he sat with his hand on Tyson’s head,
quietly and carefully considering my questions. Anthony’s mother,
Megan, told me that he is a very reflective and considerate child. “He
loves quiet pursuits and is an old man in a little boy’s body,” she said.
Anthony smiled and shrugged, saying that it wasn’t his fault that he
enjoyed Billie Holiday more than Justin Bieber. Like Anthony, Tyson
is agreeable and patient, content to putter around the house and enjoy
the little things in life.
Anthony & Tyson
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14. Jessica & Wyatt
Jessica is a busy graduate student who takes her job as a dog
parent very seriously. Wyatt, a hound mix, has been through dog
training, goes to doggy daycare, and enjoys all the luxuries a furbaby
could possibly want. He’s tall, beautiful, clean, and neat, just like
Jessica herself. Jessica joked that both she and Wyatt aren’t keen
on strangers, and though Jessica herself is warm and welcoming,
Wyatt was cautious of me and protective of Jessica. She told me that
Wyatt liked being around loved ones the most, and she agreed that
she is happiest with her family as well. As we talked, Wyatt was a
little concerned about his surroundings and Jessica mused that she
sometimes lets petty stress get the best of her too. “Neither of us are
rays of sunshine in the morning,” laughed Jessica. They love to stay in
bed and cuddle the day away. It’s clear that these two are the best of
friends and, with so many similarities, it’s clear why they are, too!
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15. I had never met Dan before interviewing him about his relationship
with Harlem, his youthful border collie mix whom he found
abandoned on the streets, but their mutual adoration is clear right
away. They are both stocky and athletic, with dark hair and kind
eyes. The visual similarities aren’t the only commonalities they have,
though. Dan told me that Harlem likes to be active, and, as a personal
trainer, he does as well. He also said that she’s easily trainable, when
the task is something that interests her. In the same way, he said that
when he is learning something about physical fitness, nutrition, or his
other hobbies, he can absorb the information quickly. As I watched
Harlem run in the park, she was playful, curious, and bounced from
one place to the next. Dan seemed to mirror this behavior, looking
around as if taking it all in and moving about easily. It’s obvious that
Dan is confident in himself and his abilities, and Harlem seemed to
feed off his confidence and ease. Dan joked that Harlem was, in fact,
the dog version of himself.
Dan & Harlem
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16. Stacy is a thin, brunette, has piercing eyes, and a look of intelligence.
Her dog, Lana, a Malinois Shepherd mix, has nearly identical, canine
features. On first meeting the two of them, it’s clear that they are one
smart duo! Aside from the physical traits, both Stacy and Lana have
shared dispositions. Lana is friendly, but cautious, willing to bond
with a stranger only after spending some time to get to know him.
Similarly, Stacy said she’s a bit measured about her interactions with
others and only takes risks after careful calculations. However, once
Stacy gets to know a person, she is a trusted friend and, in the same
way, Lana is a constant companion. Further, as a working breed, Lana
likes to stay busy (she goes to work with Stacy’s husband and loves
every minutes of it), but also enjoys her rest. Unbelievably, Stacy is the
same way. She keeps a full schedule between a full-time job, full-time
graduate school, and spending time with family and friends, but she
also knows when to take a load off and relax in front of the television.
Stacy told me that Lana is a rescue dog, a fact that Stacy is proud of.
This spoke volumes to me about her personality: she is thoughtful,
generous, and caring.
Stacy & Lana
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17. No three characters are better suited for each other than Katie,
Bradley, and Lucy. Lucy is a purebred English Retriever, a choice
that Katie and Bradley consciously made. The type of play they
engage in, the care for Lucy, and the general dynamic among them
underscores this conscious decision. Moreover, Lucy clearly mirrors
the personalities of each of her humans. Katie is approachable, but
deliberately withdrawn, waiting to know the people she meets before
she opens up to them. Katie observed that Lucy has picked up on this
behavior and often holds back her energy, possibly as a way to match
Katie’s mood. In contrast, Bradley is energetic and more outgoing, and
Lucy interacts more aggressively with Bradley. Additionally, Bradley is
more of a disciplinarian than Katie and Lucy pushes less boundaries
with Bradley than with Katie. Physically, this trio complements one
another: they are healthy, outdoor-loving, and flexible with their
environment – traits that come naturally to Katie and Bradley and are
innate to Lucy’s breed. Bradley and Katie look like the All-American
couple and Lucy, the Nation’s top dog breed choice, fits perfectly into
that picture.
Bradley, Katie
& Lucy
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18. Lola and Adam underscore the shared personalities of dog and owner.
On the surface, Adam and Lola do look visually similar – both are
dark, have early graying hair, and seem wary of the camera. Lola is
named after The Kinks song “Lola,” so I knew right away that Adam
liked classic rock. Adam and Lola, a terrier mix, are truly kindred
spirits. Adam didn’t make a lot of eye contact during our conversation
and seemed very aware of his surroundings. Lola was the same way,
sniffing at anything and everything, and only vaguely acknowledging
me. Adam told me that he would classify himself as generally anxious
and Lola could not be more similar. Adam said, “I wonder sometimes
just how much of my personality Lola has adopted. When I first got
her, Lola was an anxious, busy puppy, but over time she’s begun to
channel that into a routine.” Adam told me that he likes his agenda
and his schedule and he’s noticed that Lola has followed suit. She
even has a set bedtime routine. Adam says that this routine is likely a
product of his interaction with her. Despite their shared unease, they
both are gentle and kind; he is very affectionate with Lola and it’s clear
she adores him as well.
Adam & Lola
3534

19. Stephanie and Marigold are another pair that illustrate a
predetermined match. Marigold has only been with Stephanie for
a few short months, but the similarities between them are already
pronounced. Marigold is a lovable, friendly Chihuahua who enjoys
the company of others. She is small and compact, two traits that
Stephanie said she loves (her next car will be a Mini Cooper). When
I first interacted with Marigold, she took to me right away, climbing
into my lap for a snuggle. The same is true for Stephanie; Stephanie
has a virtually permanent smile, a delightful laugh, and a warmth
that draws people close. She goes out of her way to make people feel
comfortable and the same can be said of Marigold. Stephanie doesn’t
have human children, but I can tell she’s a nurturer because Marigold
has become her baby. And interestingly enough, Marigold responds to
this humanist role, curling up in her lap, kissing her cheeks, and even
burying her face into Stephanie’s neck. Like mother, like doghter!
Stephanie & Marigold
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20. I would be remiss if I didn’t include my dog and I. Eleanor and I are
cut from the same cloth. She is a small Chihuahua/Dachshund mix,
full of life and personality. We are both scrappy and a bit slight, but
we have fierce dispositions and are not easily intimidated by the large
and loud. Both of us are head strong and independent, but we still find
time for life’s simple pleasures like food and rest. Eleanor knows her
limitations, but more importantly she knows her potential. She often
faces down frightening situations that would send other dogs running,
like cars and bigger dogs. While I don’t think I’m quite that brave, I
do have the ability to muscle through tough situations. My husband
jokes that neither of us are easy to train. We are visually similar with
our matching hair color and, I would even say the shape of her ears
mimic the curls in my hair. Interestingly, she is the responsibility of
both myself and my husband, yet, she seems more concerned about
my wellbeing and interested in my activities than she does about
my husband’s. I think she senses our similarities and finds comfort
in that. Eleanor is named after Eleanor Roosevelt; I admire strong,
confident women and I hoped she would become one as well.
Emily & Eleanor
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21. The American Kennel Club is correct that dogs are a product of their
breeding. A Terrier will protect her owners and a Dachshund will be
mischievous and silly. Further, their temperament is often influenced
by their parents. For example, studies show that a mother dog under
duress while pregnant is likely to give birth to anxious puppies.
However, one look at a litter of new puppies and it’s clear that each
dog is born with a singular personality. But those personalities morph
and change based on that of their environment. Stanley Coren, author
of a variety of books on the nature of dogs, says, “A dog’s personality
is not fully set in his genes but is also affected and shaped by his life
history, living conditions, his owner’s nature and characteristics, and
the social and educational interactions that he has with his owner.”
Because dogs evolved from subsisting in the wild to living in our
homes, eating our food, and sharing our beds, their loyalties are to
those who provide them necessities of life (us). In order to satisfy the
alpha-humans, dogs seek to please, establish a firm footing in the
pack, and, ultimately, get their basic needs met. I also believe that
because dog owners are conscientious, caring individuals, they amend
their lifestyles for these lovable, furry creatures. Dog owners and dogs
settle on a middle ground to create a life that works for them both.
Because of this, a human/canine relationship is a complementary one.
Dogs names, their breeds, and their grooming all give visual cues
about the kinds of people who take care of them. It doesn’t take
science to see that Kameha’s Hawaiian name refers to Megan’s
Conclusion
heritage, for example. Or that Dixie’s unfussy appearance is a result of
Jenny’s laid-back nature.
As for why dogs often resemble their owners physically, “Simply put,”
says Coren, “we like things that are familiar. This explains why we
are so willing to read or view each new version of the King Arthur
legend, or why people go back, year after year, to hear the same
opera, and why radio stations that play only ‘oldies’ are so popular.”
Science suggests that because we see and know our own features, we
have become fond of ourselves and, therefore, may select a hound
that appeals to this desire for the known. Michael Roy and Nicholas
Christenfeld, psychologists from the University of California at San
Diego, studied this phenomena by photographing dogs and their
owners separately and asking observers to guess which dog belonged
to which person. In a majority of the results, the observers correctly
matched the pair.
The parallels between humans and their dogs are truly astounding.
Dogs understand us in ways we might not even comprehend and
they reveal parts of our personalities that may be unfamiliar, even to
ourselves. They reveal so much about who we are, the President of the
United States not withstanding, that they might has well be speaking
as clearly as Scooby Doo.
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“Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask
no questions; they pass no criticisms.”
- George Eliot

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