My Brother shared an article from the current issue of Men’s Health titled What Your Dog Says About You. “British researchers at Bath Spa University surveyed 1,000 dog owners and found that people pick dog breeds that match their own personality – – because we subconsciously gravitate towards dogs who share our own temperament.”
And lo and beyond, as I hit the link and scanned the article, there’s a picture of our breed, a Vizsla. Almost a spitting image of Zeke. Research landed squarely on the perfect “Friendly and Agreeable” personality profile match to Susan (my wife). So, what’s up? How about me? Where’s the personality profile for the “Introverted and Disagreeable?”
If you’re: Friendly and agreeable
The dog for you: ViszlaA Hungarian breed, Viszlas are more sleek than labs, and energetic without being aggressive. “They’re comfortable around both people and other dogs, so they’re perfect if you want to take your dog to an outdoor restaurant or a cafe,” says Vargas. Also consider: Cocker spaniels (or any variety of spaniel), Spanish water dog
They even have a quiz to help you pick which dog is right for you. (Link to Quiz). I took the quiz (a cool quiz by the way) – and the quiz recommended that the dog I should own is a Great Dane. Crazy! (Or maybe this says something about my personality. More frightening.)
I’d encourage you to hit the link and check out the article. Interesting factoids including:
“Researchers found that dog owners spend roughly 39 more minutes per week walking than then those who don’t own dogs. They’re also 34 percent more likely to meet the government’s fitness targets. Fewer than half of Americans adults get their 150 minutes of weekly exercise, compared to 70 percent of dog owners.” (Source: Man’s Best Workout Buddy)
And another interesting link in the article on Why Every Man Should Own a Dog. “Women, money, and friends come and go, but dogs are forever.”
Related Pet Posts:
Live & Learn 
ok, I took the quiz, so since I’m not a guy the results may be a little off, but…the best dog for me is a Labrador Retriever, their good dogs, I can live with this.
LikeLike
Good for you. I must have deeper rooted issues as none of this is aligning with me. 🙂
LikeLike
Great post!
LikeLike
I just had to take the quiz…Labrador Retriever. Great post.
LikeLike
Great…and, does it align?
LikeLike
I thought I was more of a German Shepard type of lady, but it makes sense now that I think about it.
LikeLike
I don’t know how you answered the questions and knowing you, it’s hard to understand “Great Dane”. We have no dog but everyone in the family wants one but I don’t want to be responsible for it after the two week fun period wears off. Took the test and the best suited dog is the “Parson Russell Terrier”- feisty, stubborn, independent & spirited. Have to say it’s not only matches me but also my wife!! Thanks, that was fun.
LikeLike
Parson Russell Terrier…that’s about right!
LikeLike
Hmmmm, well, I just took the quiz and it says that a Min Pin is the best bet for me. Don’t know that I agree with this, but….. I *have* had 4 Doberman Pinschers, whom I adored, and I’m currently owned by a Chocolate Lab and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who is so charming that she could sell ice to Eskimos. I can’t imagine life without either one of them. Having just returned from my morning walk with the ‘Dynamic Duo,’ I can attest to the fact that dog owners get more exercise. All mine have to see is a pair of athletic socks coming out of the drawer and they are heading for the door. 🙂
LikeLike
Great story Lori. I grab my hat and shoes and Zeke is growling at me. I think he’s still in shock from running in the cold and snow when he was a pup…and gets flashbacks…
LikeLike
I couldn’t pull it up – my hunch is that everyone who reads your blog is trying to access it simultaneously. I guess that’s the price of fame..:-) Having had four portugese water dogs I guess I’d end up in that category. Now we have the Sirs Archibald and Theodore (a goldendoodle and mutt respectively), so who knows whether or not my personality would track. With that said, why is it troublesome to be associated with a Great Dane? They are regal, affectionate, very smart even though they are unaware of how big they really are….:-) Sounds kinda sweet to me…
LikeLike
Laughing. Yes, I’m certain there was a flood of test takers at 8am. Actually, if you tried to take it on IPAD, it doesn’t have flash and won’t work. As to Great Danes, yes, big, a beast, knocking things over, drooling – that was the side I was envisioning. 🙂
LikeLike
I finally took it – I’m paired up with a Min Pin – which is terribly distressing since I’m not sure I’m a fan of dobermans at any size.
Frankly. I think my description of Great Danes was better – yours sounds more like a St Bernard…:-)
LikeLike
Dave-
I took a similar quiz which told me I most resembled a Russian Terrier, which offended me deeply until I learned that rather than some yappy ankle-biter, they are 100-pound machines designed to deal with cold weather and guard gulags. Much better :-).
Also appreciate and agree with the final paragraph of the piece…you dont understand what having a great dog means until life has rocked you repeatedly and your best friend is standing there with a ball in his mouth telling you its going to be a great day. Miss you Buck.
LikeLike
Your 2 paragraph reply made me laugh and sad in a matter of 1 minute. You have a talent my friend. Feels like it is getting close to a guest post. 🙂
LikeLike
I’m with you on the Great Dane, Mimi. I’ve always loved that breed–I think they’re gorgeous animals and as you say, so regal. What’s always given me pause is that, because of their size, they don’t tend to live as long as some other breeds. I think the average lifespan is 7-9 years and that’s just too soon to say goodbye….
LikeLike
Yes, everyone loves them when they are owned by someone else. Exactly!
LikeLike
A miniature pinscher for me with a brittany as runner up. I’ll stick with my springer spaniel. Thank god it wasn’t a great Dane!!!! Oops! I see that Donna loves them. Oh well, someone has to. Sorry, Donna. (All said “tongue-in-cheek,” of course.)
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Hmmm. My personality profile is aligned with a black cat, but the Golden Retriever does give us an excuse to exercise…
LikeLike
Funny!
LikeLike
OK, so the test said my dog is a Great Dane, but we are cat people! My in-laws have a Visla and my neice too. They are wonderful dogs, smart, but high energy. …and beautiful!
LikeLike
Yes, I agree!
LikeLike
Fun post, Dave. Great Danes — the percherons of the dog realm. It’s a compliment! Plus, if you ever want to rest while it’s taking you for a walk/run, you can always have a ride. 🙂
Looks like it’s a Straffordshire Bull Terrier for me. Thought I’d try the quiz again, with slightly modified answers — it turned out the same! Never would have thought about having that kind. But actually, it might be a great match. The description was: “Despite its visual similarities to ‘bully breeds,’ which often have a negative connotation, the Straffordshire bull terrier has a friendly, mild temperament…” And I looked up some more about it. Does sound perfect.
LikeLike
Yes, that’s what I need Sandy. To have a Great Dane carry me home. Terrific visual that would be for the neighbors…
Glad to hear that you felt that study was approaching a match. As you can see from the other comments, this was not the conclusion many landed on. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and dropping by.
LikeLike
Ah well, if you’re going to worry about your neighbours. Just an idea . . .
LikeLike
Lovely post Dave, I took the test out of curiosity 😉 … it turns out that the perfect dog-match for me is a Border Collie 🙂 ….. But I’ll stick with my adorable Golden Retriever…Tango 🙂
LikeLike
Another match! Excellent Olivia…
LikeLike
My ideal dog is a kind I actually have: a Labrador Retriever!
LikeLike
Excellent choice.
LikeLike
My All-British chocolate Labrador is having an identity crisis now she’s been called an All-American breed. Poor soppy lapdog, who’s meant to be a gundog, will need an extra long cuddle on the settee this evening.
LikeLike
Funny!….
LikeLike
I see absolutely nothing wrong with having the personality of a Great Dane. They are beautiful and wonderfully loving dogs. Now if you were one of those little yap-yap dogs…. lol
LikeLike
NO comment. 🙂
LikeLike
I have my eye on a Rhodesian Ridgeback ❤ I wonder if the quiz will match me with them 🙂
LikeLike
Rhodesian, great choice. Our Vizsla is in the same family of breed…good luck with quiz
LikeLike
Oh My God! I just image searched Vizsla and I am just as in love with them as I am with Rhodesian Ridgebacks! I never knew of the of bred name Vizsla’s but I have seen them before and I Thank you for this new found discovery of options. If I can’t have a Rhodesian then I can have a Vizsla or vice versa 🙂
~Thanks~
LikeLike
If you take Vizsla path, beware. They need daily exercise and a lot of it. (Underscore a lot). Good luck.
LikeLike