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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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Free CPD announced for BVNA members

News Story 1
 Zoetis is to present a CPD event for free to members of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA).

Led by veterinary consultant Ruth Moxon, the one-hour online session is designed to help veterinary nurses discuss parasiticide options with clients. It will advise on structuring recommendations, factors for product choice and moving away from 'selling'.

'How do you recommend parasite treatments to your clients?' will be presented on Tuesday, 20 May at 7.30pm. It is free for BVNA members, with £15.00 tickets for non-members.

Veterinary nurses can email cpd@bvna.co.uk to book their place. 

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News Shorts
DAERA to reduce BVD 'grace period'

DAERA has reminded herd keepers of an upcoming reduction to the 'grace period' to avoid BVD herd restrictions.

From 1 May 2025, herd keepers will have seven days to cull any BVD positive or inconclusive animals to avoid restrictions being applied to their herd.

It follows legislation introduced on 1 February, as DAERA introduces herd movement restrictions through a phased approach. Herd keepers originally had 28 days to cull BVD positive or inconclusive animals.

DAERA says that, providing herd keepers use the seven-day grace period, no herds should be restricted within the first year of these measures.

Additional measures, which will target herds with animals over 30 days old that haven't been tested for BVD, will be introduced from 1 June 2025.

More information is available on the DAERA website.