Dogs are commonly thought of as loyal companions that are excitable, curious and playful and always there to greet you after a long day at work.
You might be surprised then to learn that just like humans, dogs also have distinct and individual personalities. Even as puppies, dogs can display unique signs of personality.
When deciding which dog will be suited to your personality and that of your family, it’s important to understand the different personality types that dogs can have in order to make the best match. In this article, we will look further into some of the main personality types that dogs have.
Independent
Independent dogs are natural leaders. Confident and dominant, they prefer to work alone and to take charge of situations. At times they can be wilful, so training such a dog to be obedient will require leadership and a lot of motivation.
Typical breeds with an independent personality are Huskies such as Akitas, Shibu Inus, Greyhounds and Airedale terriers. A full grown white Pomeranian is a smaller breed of independent dog. Known for being energetic, feisty and bold, these toy dogs are often unaware of their diminutive stature and will occasionally confront or even try to tackle larger dogs.
Shy or Sensitive
This personality type is finely attuned to every sound and movement, making them uncomfortable or skittish in new or overwhelming situations. They require socialization at an early age, otherwise there is a tendency for them to become fearful or aggressive.
These dogs respond well to positive reinforcement and praise and will often require reassurance that they are safe and secure. Breeds that lean towards this personality type include Chihuahuas, Papillion, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire terriers and Maltese.
Happy
This is the stereotypical breed of dog that is friendly, enthusiastic and easily gets along with people as well as other dogs.
However, without the right training, these exuberant animals can be overly-excitable and may jump on people when they arrive through your door. They can also be easily distracted, so getting them to focus while training them may be a challenge.
These dogs are great first dogs as they are easy to please and to live with and their happy nature can also be great for reducing stress. Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are typical breeds of happy dog. Other happy-go-lucky breeds of dog include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers.
Problem-Solving
This dog personality type needs constant mental stimulation to stay happy. Excelling in problem-solving, these dogs are highly intelligent and inquisitive so puzzles and scent training will be great for these types.
Problem-solving dogs include working breeds such as herding dogs as Collies, Sheepdogs and German Shepherds are accustomed to taking commands and learning new skills for a range of purposes. Other examples include Dobermand and Belgian Malinois.
Now that you know more about the different types of dog personalities, you can feel equipped to choose a breed that will blend well with the rest of your family and your lifestyle.