The Perfect Dog for You, According to Your Personality Type

Do you know you want a dog, but aren't sure what kind to get? If you're between two or more breeds, you might want to think about adopting a canine companion that best suits your Myers-Briggs* personality type. 

Not sure of your personality type? Take this free version of the Myers-Briggs test to find out before you read on!

ISTJ: German Shepherd

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The ISTJ is usually a calm individual who values social and cultural responsibilities and hard work. Intelligent, obedient and fiercely loyal, a German Shepherd would best suit an ISTJ. They feel it's their responsibility to stay alert and keep you safe, so a German Shepherd is a great companion to share your responsibilities with! Although they're known for their overprotective nature, German Shepherds also do very well in family homes with proper training. 

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              INFJ: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Creative and brilliant, the visionary INFJ usually has a deeper yet amusing perception of the world around them. INFJs typically thrive off of alone time, which makes the loving and laid-back Cavalier King Charles Spaniel the perfect pet. This peaceful lapdog is ideal for anyone who prefers to spend their Friday nights reading their favorite historical fiction series while snuggled up with their best friend!

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INTJ: Standard Poodle

The self-sufficient INTJ is very comfortable with solitude and finds frequent social events to be draining. Much like the INTJ, the clever and perceptive Standard Poodle also prefers a quieter home. When you two are done with your afternoon walk, you can both come home and bond over how well you avoided talking to chatty neighbors! Like any other dog, Standard Poodles do require socialization at an early age; however, they prefer human companionship over having dog friends. 

ENFJ: Labrador Retriever

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People-focused and charismatic, the ENFJ can quite literally connect with any person even if they have absolutely nothing in common. These extroverts are naturals at conversation and filling a room with positive energy, which is why a Labrador Retriever is ideal for them. Happy-go-lucky yet quick-witted and easy to train, a Lab is the perfect companion to take with you on all of your adventures. ENFJs are known to be a "giving" personality who often work in service and human resources roles, and Labs are commonly trained to be service dogs - perhaps you two could even go to work together! 

ISTP: Miniature Schnauzer

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The mysterious ISTP is partially rational and logical, yet also very enthusiastic and spontaneous at times. Their unpredictable yet also unassuming nature makes them great owners to Miniature Schnauzers! Although these tiny terriers are known to be hyper and extroverted at times, they are also known to be serious, intelligent and even stubborn. Their spontaneous personalities complement yours just as well, so why not adopt your very own mini-me? 

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ESFJ: Golden Retriever

Known as "stereotypical extroverts," the ESFJ would make for a great Golden Retriever owner. The social butterfly ESFJ is an extremely likable person who enjoys making others happy - doesn't that sound exactly like a Golden Retriever?There's a reason why this breed remains one of the most popular: they're very trustworthy and always so cheerful! 

INFP: Basenji

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INFPs are just as introverted as many of the other "I" personality types, but they find themselves lost in their own ideas, thoughts and in finding deeper meaning more than most. They are a studious group that enjoys quiet, so the bark-less Basenji is the perfect pet. Although these hounds may not be as loud as most dogs, they tend to be much more affectionate toward their family than strangers and require just as much patience as their INFP owner to become comfortable with their surroundings. You'll always have a friend to relate to with this pup!

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ESFP: Beagle

Many entertainers are ESFPs, and for good reason: these people love being in the spotlight and sharing what they learn with others. The crowd-pleasing ESFP definitely needs a friendly and sociable Beagle in their life. These active and good-natured hounds also have quite the vocals, so maybe you can even duet with your four-legged partner!

ENFP: Rottweiler

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The "champion" ENFP prefers living outside of the box and are very sure of themselves. These confident and intuitive people would thrive with a calm and confident Rottweiler as their companion. Although Rottweilers are commonly (and incorrectly) assumed to be "aggressive," they tend to have a sweeter demeanor than they get credit for. If you want a perceptive and strong-willed friend, go get yourself a Rottie! 

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ESTP: Great Dane

ESTPs tend to act before they think, and this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Their need for social interaction and desire to learn from logical reasoning and their emotions makes them an ideal owner for a Great Dane. They need companionship as much as you do, so you can both make friends at the dog park together! These gentle giants go with the flow as much as their human ESTP counterparts do and also thrive from freedom and space - partially stemming from their stature. 

ESTJ: Siberian Husky

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Dedicated and honest, the ESTJ believes in doing what is right and also assumes the role of "leader of the pack." It only makes sense that these helpful leaders choose a strong-willed and friendly Siberian Husky as their pet. Although Huskies sometimes use their intelligence how they want to instead of obeying your commands, your patience and leadership skills can definitely help them become just as much of a leader as you! 

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ENTJ: Alaskan Malamute

The take-charge ENTJ rationally deals with all professional and personal issues externally and they fear no challenges. The rugged, strong yet soft-hearted Alaskan Malamute is ideal for this extroverted person. Since they enjoy challenge as much as you do, you can both conquer difficult hiking trails (safely, please!) together and spend a lot of time in the great outdoors! They thrive off of obstacles and are just as much of a leader as you - just be sure to establish yourself as the "alpha" early on. 

INTP: Border Collie

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Brilliant and having a natural ability to "read" people, the logical INTP can exercise their mind with an equally brilliant dog: the Border Collie! This working dog is sharp, high-energy and are somewhat workaholics, much like their human INTP counterpart. They can be overly perceptive at times during training and get distracted, but the practical INTP can certainly guide them back on-task. 

  

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ISFJ: Mixed Breed Rescue

Known as "the nurturer," the warm and selfless ISFJ is born to rescue a sweet shelter pup and give them the loving home they deserve. While we agree that all people are capable of adopting, the ISFJ is especially capable of handling even the most timid and fearful pup with their unmatched support and sensitive nature. Your good-natured and friendly rescue pet will be happy to return all of the love and kindness you show them! 

ENTP: Mastiff

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It only makes sense that the rarest personality type is suited to own a unique dog breed (depending on where you live). ENTPs and Mastiffs of all varieties are both intelligent and social, yet do not necessarily like common social settings. While you might prefer to meet friends at a museum instead of a bar, your Mastiff likely prefers to run in a spacious yard with just a few other dogs as opposed to a packed dog park. Similar to the logical and all-knowing ENTP, Mastiffs appear more intimidating than they actually are.

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ISFP: Shiba Inu

ISFPs are best described as being introverts that don't seem like your average introvert. These spontaneous people are actually very friendly and warm: they just take time getting comfortable, just like a Shiba Inu! The bold and clever spitz often acts suspicious toward unfamiliar humans and dogs, but eventually charm them with their humorous and fun-loving disposition. The ISFP is just as fun and spontaneous as the active Shibe, so you two can both find your happy medium together.

Do you agree with your perfect pup match? Sound off in the comments below!

*The Myers-Briggs Personality Assessment is not frequently used by psychology researchers, but is still considered an informative tool for individuals to learn more about their personality traits.