The Best Dog Breed for You, Based on Your Personality Type

Though it is always a delightful one, finding the perfect pet for you isn't as easy a venture as it may seem. You shouldn't just pick the one with the best puppy dog eyes or the one with the snuggliest fur. Gina DiNardo, the executive secretary of the American Kennel Club, stresses how important it is to consider one’s lifestyle before inviting a new family member into your home. How much disposable income do you have to spare? Where do you live? How much time do you have for training and exercise? All dogs require a relatively regular routine, daily exercise, and lots of socialization when they're young, but their needs vary dramatically from breed to breed.

These are all super important questions to ask yourself, but perhaps the most important one is who are you? While every dog is unique, they will all demonstrate at least some characteristics that are typical of their breed. Herding breeds, for example, were bred to control the movements of animals so they need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Toy breeds, on the other hand, were bred specifically for companionship so they're just happy cuddling with their favorite human. Mixed breed dogs often display a combination of each group's traits. Each breed—and more specifically, each individual dog—has a unique personality and history, as well as needs in health, nutrition, and grooming.

Whether you're a homebody living at a slow pace, a spontaneous adventurer, or a total goofball, there's certainly a dog for you.

The Alaskan Malamute was originally bred for pulling dog sleds so they're comfortable taking the road less traveled. "It's a very big, powerful version of a Husky," says DiNardo. These dogs have two thick coats to protect them from the cold so, if you spend lots of time in the snow, this dog is the perfect one for you.

The spunky Chihuahua may be little, but the breed is well-suited for a big city. While most dogs will go crazy in a tiny apartment, these dogs will feel right at home. "Even though they have a big, active personality, they're still happy to lay on the couch with you," says DiNardo. Weighing in at about six pounds, they require very little exercise—a quick game of catch or a short walk around the block—and aren't quite sturdy enough for little kids. Like most toy breeds, Chihuahuas are companion animals who are just happy to be close to you.

If the idea of making small talk with the other owners at the dog park makes you break out in hives, the Pekingese is the perfect little creature for you. Like the mighty lion they're bred to resemble, they have wild fur-dos and aristocratic personalities. Pekingese pups have short noses, so they won't do well sweating it out in the sun. Because of their confident personalities, they're not eager to please so training will require some diligence on your part. All in all, the Pekingese breed is extremely loyal, and happiest when spending time with those they know best. 

Like other dogs from the sporting group, the Field Spaniel was bred to work alongside people. They are quite intelligent and are happy to go with the flow. "They love to participate in whatever their family is doing," says DiNardo. "They were bred to find, flush out, and retrieve game both on land and water, so they're very versatile," says DiNardo. Better yet, they'll learn to mirror your personality so you're guaranteed to feel like you and your Field Spaniel are a match made in heaven.

Dog owners aren't always people with families, steady routines, or nine-to-five jobs. If you're the spontaneous type who loves exploring and trying new things, the Border Collie will want to be by your side through it all. These dogs are energetic, strong, and highly intelligent. As long as you socialize them early and provide them with astable enough routine that they know when to expect their meals and walks, your Border Collie will be happy to accompany you on all of your adventures.

For those who need a pup who will help keep their comedy routine going, an English Toy Spaniel is the partner in crime you've been looking for. Bred to be comfort dogs, English Toy Spaniels are affectionate and spunky but don't need a ton of activity to be happy. 

If you want a big, snuggly dog for your kids to play with, look no further than the Bernese Mountain Dog. "They're pretty quiet and well-mannered indoors as long as they get daily outdoor activity," says DiNardo. They're gentle, sweet, and are more than happy to goof around with their families.

While many dog-lovers are affectionate and rambunctious, others like spending lots of time alone with a new face mask and a good book. If that sounds like you, you can't go wrong with a Basenji. As long as you give them enough exercise, they are very quiet and independent. "They're very fastidious and keep themselves very clean," says DiNardo. Once you see how clever and poised they are, you'll wonder if they're not at least part feline.

Because a Berger Picard is smart, athletic, and enthusiastic, they are the perfect dog for the type of person who always has another project. Their problem-solving capabilities and energetic spirit make them great working companions. Whether you're busying yourself around the house or running errands all over town, the Berger Picard will likely want to tag along.

Some of us want nothing more than to be surrounded by lots of people—the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has an outgoing personality to match that spirit. "The sporting breed is bred to work alongside man so they’re very responsive to training," says DiNardo. As long as you teach them early, your retriever will likely be very happy meeting your massive bunch of friends and family.