Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Getting Started

Try this puppy personality test to pick the perfect dog for your family

BethAnn Mayer
By

When choosing the perfect puppy, there’s the temptation to pick the cutest one. However, as with any relationship (human or pet), it’s what’s on the inside that counts the most. The beauty of a dog is more than fur-deep. Prospective puppy parents will want to look beyond those big brown eyes and all that fur and learn more about an animal’s personality before adopting them.

Choosing a puppy based on personality will help ensure the two of you are a perfect match. For example, you might prefer a really affectionate dog who wishes to live in your lap, or perhaps you want a more independent pup who lets you go to the bathroom with the door closed. A puppy personality test can help you learn your preferences before you even start meeting potential forever friends.

a group of puppies on a wooden step
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Puppy personality types

Puppy personalities run the gamut. Some are shy, and others are social. Puppies can be dominant or submissive. The experts at RaisingRascal narrowed puppy personality types down into six basic ones. It’s important to note that not every puppy will fit neatly into one category, but these personality types can give pet parents a general idea of what’s out there.

Recommended Videos

Dominant/aggressive

These pups have bossy alpha personalities. They can be rebels and may display aggressive tendencies. They do best with an owner who is confident, experienced, and willing to put in the work to train and socialize the animal. Puppies who fit this personality generally need to be “king or queen of the castle” and are best suited for homes without other pets or children.

Dominant/active

These pups are also alphas but not as much as the dominant/aggressive types. They’re spirited and may be easily distracted, making them harder to train. However, they need training and socialization and a confident, patient parent willing to help them be the best version of themselves. Their ideal home is one with active adults and perhaps older children.

Independent/strong-willed

Puppies in this category don’t necessarily need to be the alpha, but they are often a bit bossy. They’re confident, can be stubborn, and are not into cuddling. On the other hand, they’re not as susceptible to separation anxiety — when these puppies grow up, they’re often cool to be left alone while you work an 8-hour day. These puppies need patience and consistent training.

Responsive/affectionate

Responsive/affectionate puppies are friendly, fast learners, and want to make you happy. They’re typically good with other pets, older children, and adults. They require lots of love. Their dream home is one with people who can be around often. They’re down for adventures as long as you’re by their side, so these pups make great navigators during road trips.

Calm/docile

These gentle and loving animals will stay true to you forever. They’re great with small kids and typically good with other animals. Puppies who fit this bill can be submissive and laid-back but prone to separation anxiety. In other words, they’re chill lap dogs who want to spend as much time as possible with you.

Shy/fearful

These puppies can show signs of anxiety and don’t have a ton of self-confidence. They need a patient parent willing to love them and committed to helping them become the best version of themselves through slow-paced socialization and training. They do best in calm and quiet homes and with someone who can establish and maintain a routine.

four fluffy puppies inside

Take a puppy personality test

What puppy personality is best for you? RaisingRascal created a test. It’s best done on dogs ages 7 to 9 weeks old. When administering the test, a person like a trainer (or even you) will look for specific signs. For example, alphas may mount other puppies or steal toys. Submissive dogs don’t usually fight back and will stay close to Mom. Independent dogs are happy to play with their siblings or go off on their own, while you’ll usually find docile puppies in the middle of the pack.

Ultimately, evaluating your puppy based on this personality test can help you:

  • Learn how a puppy will do in specific situations, such as with another pet.
  • Get a feel for their nature (i.e., shy, bold, friendly, needy, or independent).
  • Predict the type and amount of training the puppy may require.
  • Evaluate energy levels.

There’s a puppy for everyone!

Meeting a puppy in person will give you the best feel for the dog’s personality. However, taking some time to think about your preferences in advance can help breeders or shelter staff show you your best bets. Then, during the meet and greet, you can evaluate the dog for certain personality traits. You may watch the pet interact with siblings and take note of any mounting behaviors or whether they try to fight back if another dog comes and steals their toys. Puppies may act a bit different during a meet-and-greet than they do around people they are more familiar with, though. Be sure to ask the breeder or shelter staff what personality traits they’ve observed to get a fuller picture of the puppy’s personality.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
BethAnn Mayer
BethAnn Mayer
Contributor
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
Best guard dogs: These 7 breeds will protect you with their life
These dog breeds are some of the best personal guards you'll find
An Akita sitting on the bed

Most dogs are loyal and loving animals. That’s why we know them as humans’ best friends. They’d do anything for us. For some dogs, “anything” means protecting us with their lives. And these breeds make the best guard dogs. For many of them, it’s instinctual. They’ve evolved to protect the family they love. You’ll notice these pups keeping a watchful eye on your property. They may bark to alert you when your company arrives or the mail gets delivered.
Remember, guard animals mean well. They aren’t trying to be vicious, but instead, they want to keep you and your home safe and sound. Some prospective pet parents want this quality in a dog. If that’s you, consider these breeds that make the best guard dogs.

What is the easiest guard dog to train?
There's a whole group of beasties that are often referred to as the guardian breeds — many of them make this list. Those animals with a predisposition toward defending and alerting will likely also learn their duties quickly. However, you'll also need a pup who has been properly socialized. Remember, you only want your guard to go into protection mode when there's a serious threat, not every time the mailman stops by.

Read more
This is how long you can expect your new pet rabbit to live
Follow these tips to help your rabbit live a long and healthy life
Multicolored rabbit on carpet

Rabbits are pleasant house pets — a delight to care for when you know how to keep them happy and healthy. Like other beloved animals, a pet rabbit’s life expectancy depends on their breed, diet, and living conditions. What is a pet rabbit's lifespan? Let’s dig a little deeper and answer some important questions, such as how long your adorable pet rabbit lives and how to extend their years.

How long do rabbits live?
Here’s a fun fact: The oldest rabbit that ever lived was 18 years old! By contrast, wild rabbits only live up to about three years, since many die very young. But there's good news. In the absence of predators, pet rabbits have a life expectancy of eight to 12 years. Like dogs, larger breeds tend to have a shorter lifespan while smaller rabbits often live at least 10 years.

Read more
Why do cats hate dogs? The answer isn’t all that simple
This is why your dog and cat may not be best friends
A cat and Yorkie playing

"They’re fighting like cats and dogs" is a euphemism often used to describe sibling rivalries, marital strife, or disagreements among company executives. However, it stems from the idea that two of the world’s most popular companion animals, dogs and cats, prefer to feud with one another over forming friendships.

For folks who are distinctly "dog people," "cat people," or "not-into-either people," whether this idea is accurate or not is irrelevant. For those who love — or have — both dogs and cats, it’s essential to determine: Why do cats hate dogs? Better question: Do cats truly hate dogs, or is this cliche a rumor?

Read more