Every dog fits one of five personality types – this quiz will determine which yours is – The Mirror
Discover your dog’s personality type with this simple quiz, designed to help owners learn more about their pet’s behaviour and how best to provide stimulating toys
Personality quizzes are all the rage this summer. Remember the psychological test Jamie Laing shared on TikTok? What about the quiz said to unmask your darkest traits? Whether you're looking to learn more about yourself, or playing along for fun, the self-reflective exercises draw all sorts of players. But they don't tend to include our pets, at least until now.
Studio has teamed up with Pet Behaviour and Nutritional Expert Anna Webb to reveal the five different dog personality types and exactly what they mean for your pup's behavioural and play needs.
To play along, simply follow the flow chart below. For ease, we've also written out the questions dog owners need to answer. Then you can scroll to find more information about your pooch and the best games to tire them out, once they've been classified as a joker, belly boy, workaholic, protector, or shrinking violet.
1. Would you describe your dog as an excessive barker? If the answer is yes, skip to question 2. If the answer is no, skip to question 3.
2. Would you describe your dog as eager to please? If the answer is yes, skip to question 4. If the answer is no, skip to question 5.
3. Would you describe your dog as guarded or affectionate? If the answer is yes, skip to question 6. If the answer is no, skip to question 7.
4. Is your dog welcoming or wary? If the answer is welcoming, skip to workaholic. If the answer is wary, skip to protector.
5. Would you describe your dog as high energy? If the answer is yes, skip to workaholic. If the answer is no, skip to bell boy.
6. Would you describe your dog as a diva? If the answer is yes, skip to joker. If the answer is no, skip to protector.
7. Would you describe your dog as an extrovert or an introvert? If the answer is extrovert, skip to joker. If the answer is introvert, skip to shrinking violet.
The Workaholic is a dog that's always on the move, typically with their nose to the ground, sniffing out their next discover, according to the pros.
They said: "Workaholics love being on the go – they're high energy and enjoy working hard for their owners through training and play.
"If their workaholic nature isn't satisfied, these dogs may become bored and turn to barking, jumping, and chewing. Long lasting interactive toys or chews are a great way to minimise this unwanted behaviour.
"Workaholics are eager to please and thrive on being busy, so daily obedience practice with positive rewards, such as treats or non-squeaky toys, are a great way to keep them occupied. Make the most of their drive to 'sniff and find' with hidden toys in the home or garden.
"With their love of sniffing and searching, Cocker Spaniels, Border Collies, and German Shepherds display classic Workaholic traits."
The quiz masters define a shrinking violet as "your classic introvert, prone to flighty behaviour and spooked by sudden noises." They added: "Tending to be nervous or unsure, the Shrinking Violet can be found in any breed. They might be a re-homed dog or one that lacked socialisation as a puppy.
"Often an introvert, the Shrinking Violet might be 'spooked' by sudden noises, making it vital that they have a safe space to retreat to.
"These dogs need lots of patience and an owner that can build their confidence with positive reinforcement. They may not think they like to play, so soft plush toys with squeaks are a great way to get them engaged. Using chews also helps to keep the Shrinking Violet calm and present."
Expect the Protector to be most comfortable patrolling their territory or shadowing your movements, believing they are keeping you safe, say the pros.
"Protectors naturally want to protect their territory and can be suspicious of other dogs and humans. Lots of socialising and rewarding your pup with high value treats for good behaviour with other dogs is the best way to combat this.
"As naturally good problem solvers, they may turn to misplaced chewing unless re-directed. Avoid squeaky toys, which can over excite and trigger negative behaviours, and instead focus on proactive play such as fetch or tug.
"Protectors are easily trained, so tapping into their problem-solving brains with obedience cues is a great way to keep them occupied. They might like to follow your around the house, so train a settle cue for a designated safe space in each room.
"The Protectors tend to be larger breeds such as Akitas, Dobermans, and Rottweilers."
According to the gurus, these dogs are like you're own personal alarm, alerting you to any possible 'threats', like car alarms.
"Bell Boys are very intelligent, making them more conscious of 'threats' to the home. For example, they'll likely be the first to let you know when a delivery driver is close by," the pros explained.
"A trained Bell Boy will bark and rush to their owner to check they've heard him or her, before retreating to his bed and letting you answer the door. So, owners should focus on create a boundary around the front door by teaching their dog to settle in bed and rewarding them for doing so.
"Using a variety of toys will help to sustain the Bell Boy's interest throughout the day, making them less bothered by surrounding stimuli. Basic obedience cues with tasty rewards will also help to reduce unwanted behaviour.
"Tibetan Terriers, Poodles, Westie’s, and Chihuahuas are Bell Boy breeds that love to alert their owners."
Last but not least, these natural comedians will go above and beyond to get your attention.
The quiz creators said: "Jokers are independent thinkers and natural comedians. They know exactly what they want, which can lead to attention seeking behaviours to get their way. These 'tantrums' mean you might find the Jokers shredding cushions or chewing on table legs.
"Plush toys are best avoided as they're easily shredded by the Joker. Instead, opt for some non-squeaky or interactive toys to channel their fun-loving personality. Training a perfect fetch is great for reducing frustration with a quick high impact energy burn.
"Practicing basic cues, like sit, down, and stay, every day with the Joker can help to reduce jumping and barking for attention.
"Frenchies, Bostons, Bull Terriers, and British Bulldogs are great examples of the Joker personality."
Do you have a story to share? Email yourmirror@mirror.co.uk
