What are the main personality types in dogs?
Written by
Elin Eriksson
Reviewed by
Prof. Edward Clarke, Ph.D.By learning about the personality traits of dogs, you can help bond with your pet. Their natural temperaments are leading the way in how dogs react in their training and daily habits. I learned it from my first rescue dog, when I discovered that his inborn terrier traits often compromised my training habits.
Biddable Pleasers
- Eager to obey commands for praise or rewards
- Excel in obedience training with positive reinforcement
- Form strong bonds through cooperative activities
- Examples: Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers
Independent Thinkers
- Make decisions based on their own assessment
- Require motivation beyond basic praise
- Need creative training approaches with high-value rewards
- Examples: Afghan Hounds, Basenjis, Siberian Huskies
Protective Guardians
- Develop strong territorial instincts naturally
- Require early socialization for balanced behavior
- Form deep loyalty bonds with family members
- Examples: Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers
Companion Seekers
- Thrive on constant human interaction
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Prefer lap time over vigorous activities
- Examples: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shih Tzus
Driven Workers
- Need purposeful jobs to feel fulfilled
- Develop obsessive behaviors without mental challenges
- Excel in dog sports and task-oriented training
- Examples: Border Collies, Australian Shepherds
Identifying the personality types prevents frustration when training. My neighbor had a difficult time training her smart Border Collie until she started to do daily puzzle training sessions. This satisfied his driven worker needs. His incessant pacing immediately stopped. Personalizing the methods can remedy challenging behavior.
Companion seekers develop differently from protective guardians. Cavaliers become attached to strangers quickly; Rottweilers require slow introductions. Guardian breeds are socialized by creating positive situations that expose them to other beings. This builds confidence in them without overwhelming them. Awareness of personality inclinations helps individuals develop proper socialization skills.
Energy levels significantly influence personality types. Independent terrier breeds may appear to be lazy, but they actually are saving this energy for the short hunting bursts. Companion breeds, on the other hand, usually direct this energy into affectionate displays. Be sensitive to your dog's natural rhythms. This will help you understand his real personality differences more than the breed distinctions.
Read the full article: 15 Dog Breed Traits You Need to Know
