Back in 2012, Jo Fearon and Dr Lance Workman of Bath Spa University conducted a study in collaboration with the Kennel Club and OnePoll; 1,000 dog-owners filled in an online questionnaire to assess aspects of their personality including aggressiveness and emotional stability. Results were presented at the British Psychological Society Annual Conference in London.
Dogs were grouped into seven breed types: gun dogs, hounds, pastoral (some call these herding dogs), terriers, toys, utility (e.g. bulldog), and working.
After analysing the results of the survey, the researchers found certain breed types corresponded with certain personality traits in their owners. Pastoral and utility breed dog owners were more extroverted, while those who owned gundogs or toy dogs were more agreeable. Owners of hound dogs were more emotionally stable and toy dog owners were more open to new experiences. No mention was made of terrier owners, so apparently you guys have no personality at all, or so much that the article ran out of space.
Do you agree with these findings? While we encourage all of you to share photos supporting your opinion, you hound owners – pictures of you swatting at neon bugs that only you can see will probably not support your case for emotional stability. Just saying.
Image: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel by Gael Keevil
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