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Study explores dog owner personalities
Jack Russell terrier owners were found to be the most loyal and faithful personality types.
Correlations found between owner and dog traits. 

The Kennel Club has released new research highlighting the dominant personality traits of dog owners, suggesting that dog owners may unconsciously select breeds that typically match their own personality.

One such example of this is Jack Russel terrier owners. Of those surveyed, 88 per cent agreed that they were loyal and faithful, 87 per cent agreed that they liked to help others, 84 per cent agreed that they were friendly, 83 per cent that they were trustworthy and 82 per cent good listeners.

The organisation used the Big Five traits method of evaluating personalities to rank dog owners against personality statements – which in turn reveals levels of extroversion, openness, agreeableness, emotional stability and conscientiousness.

Core personality traits which dog owners ranked the most highly for when compared to those who own other breeds were:

  •  springer Spaniel – most traditional, reserved, and punctual
  •  border terrier – most charming, lively and exuberant
  •  cocker Spaniel – most creative and family-orientated
  •  Staffordshire bull terrier – most affectionate and trustworthy
  •  Jack Russell terrier and miniature schnauzer – most loyal and faithful.


Evaluating the results, the organisation found similarities between owners' personality traits, and the typical traits of the breed they own. Using the Big Five method, owners of golden retrievers ranked as the happiest and most positive, while golden retrievers are known to have a happy temperament.

Similarly, Staffordshire terrier owners ranked as the most affectionate personality type, with Staffordshire terriers considered to have very affectionate personalities.

Spokesperson for The Kennel Club, Bill Lambert, discussed the research: “It appears that we can often tell a lot about a person from the type of dog that they own, with the dominant personality traits of Jack Russell owners being their loyalty, generous spirit for helping others and their trustworthiness.

“Each breed has distinct characteristics, traits and care needs, which helps would-be owners understand more about whether they might be a good fit for them. 

“It is quite striking to see how many people unconsciously select dog breeds with personalities that match their own character, showing that birds of a feather really do flock together.”

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
Wales licenses Bluetongue vaccines for voluntary use

The Welsh government has approved three Bluetongue vaccines for emergency use in Wales.

From 1 March an online general licence will become available for the vaccines' use. They will then be obtainable on prescription and can be sold by veterinary practices.

After appropriate guidance, livestock keepers will be permitted to administer the vaccines themselves. The vaccines must be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon and detailed vaccination records must be kept for five years.

The decision comes as Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) continues to spread across England. The three vaccines are already licensed for use in England.

Richard Irvine, CVO for Wales, said: "This decision to licence these vaccines was informed by our recent risk assessment indicating that Wales is now at high risk of experiencing an incursion of Bluetongue this year.

"Our primary aim is to keep Bluetongue out of Wales through biosecurity, vigilance and safe sourcing of livestock."