Does your dog really mirror you? Study says yes

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery – more so when it comes from your charming furry babies. Study reveals dogs pick up the same personality traits as their owners.

Dogs can apparently be your copycat, according to this study published in the Journal of Research in Personality.  Adding a whole new layer to the reference “man’s best friend,” the study finds that dogs reflect their owners’ personalities. They also undergo changes in their lives, influenced by their owners’ experiences and lifestyles. 

Researchers conducted a survey with 1,681 dog owners of 50 breeds. Participants were asked about both their personality traits and behaviors as well as their dogs’.

The findings revealed that these furry pets, same as humans, also evolve over time with one factor being the amount of time spent together.

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“Because humans and dogs spend a considerable amount of time together, it is plausible that there might be some degree of similarity in human and dog personality,” the study notes.

Over the years, the dog you adopted as a puppy may not stay the same but most likely resembles your personality in more ways than one.

Why does your dog mirror your personality?

The research analysis proved that dogs and their owners often share the same personality traits. Here are the reasons for these findings:

• Owners often choose dogs that match their personalities, same as how they pick partners or friends.
• Shared environments and activities influence both the dog and human personalities. For instance, extrovert owners might take their dogs to social events, making them more social and less aggressive.
• Due to the owner-pet bonding, owners can project their traits onto their dogs thus perceiving similarities.

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Does dog breed affect traits?

Interestingly, the study found no significant connection between particular dog breeds and personality traits, given that the research included over 50 breeds.

However, breed can still influence a dog’s personality. Another study shows that behavioral tendencies in dogs are genetically rooted. 

But regardless of breed, proper training and obedience classes positively impact a dog’s personality. Trained dogs tend to be less fearful, aggressive and more active.

After analyzing the data, the study concluded:

• Those with positive outlooks are likely to have golden retrievers.
• The risk takers often choose whippets.
• Organized furry parents have miniature schnauzers.
• Extroverts tend to have Pomeranians.
• Friendly and affectionate individuals prefer jack Russel terriers or Staffordshire bull terriers.

In essence, your dog is more than just a pet. In many ways, they are the better reflection of your own true nature.