What’s the Perfect Dog for your DISC Personality Type?

Choosing a dog isn't something to be taken lightly. The average life span of a dog is around ten years, so the dog you choose will be your constant companion for over a decade. With a commitment that significant, the way the dog looks can't be your only consideration in your decision-making. You also have to consider:

• The kind of behavior you expect from a dog (Will barking drive you crazy? How rigidly trained do you want your dog to be? Do you want an active dog with a big personality, an obedient dog, or one that is more laid-back?).
• The type of relationship you want to have with your pet (Do you want your dog to be a companion? A protector? An exercise buddy?).

Rowdy dogs can be challenging for laid-back people to handle. Similarly, docile dogs can be frustrating for active and energetic people. When the personalities of the dog and owner don't mesh, there can be big problems on the horizon.

Fortunately, just like people, animals have personalities too. Anytime that personality comes into play, the DISC model can help. You can use DISC principles of observable behavior to find the perfect dog for your personality profile.

It's important to note the type of dog that will be right for you may not have similar personality traits as your own. Each of the four primary DISC styles has tendencies that can conflict or complement certain temperaments naturally. The key is in knowing what to look for and what to avoid.

Remember, too, that dogs have innate needs as well. Though it's essential to choose a dog that suits your DISC style, it's also necessary to make sure that your DISC profile type will allow you to meet the needs of the dog you choose. Depending on the breed, those needs could mean a commitment to extra socialization, vigorous exercise, intense training, meticulous grooming, and so forth.

When it comes to Man's Best Friend, what's the right dog for you?

If you are a D personality

Direct, decisive, and dominant, the "D" personality is self-confident and a natural leader. They are independent and assertive and feel very comfortable when alone.

A person with a "D" personality would be able to handle a strong-willed dog. A "D" likes a challenge and has a firm hand with pets, which is a perfect fit for more dominant types of breeds. A "D" would fit well with an intelligent, responsive dog that was willing to be led. Since a "D" isn't afraid to set and enforce limits, dogs that could easily take control of an "S" style individual's household would be more easily kept in check by a "D."

A "D" will expect their dog to be well-behaved but would be bored with a dog that was too laid-back. Mellow breeds of dogs, such as the Golden Retriever, might not be enough of a challenge for a "D" style owner. The unfortunate truth is that sometimes, "D" style owners grow bored with low-energy, highly obedient dogs. Similarly, a laid-back or shy dog doesn't mesh well with a "D" personality owner's authoritative, natural training style. A dog that requires a gentle hand wouldn't be the best fit for a "D" type.

Breeds that are a good match for an owner with personality style "D" include: German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Husky, Dalmation, Great Dane, or Akita

If you are an I personality

Extroverted, social, and fun-loving, the "I" personality likes to be the center of attention. An "I" is a great communicator and loves to be around other people. "I" personalities are also not routine-based. They love change and detest repetition.

A person with an "I" personality is best matched with a pet that doesn't require a firm hand, consistent training routines, structure, or intense discipline. An "I" would be drawn to a breed of dog that's goofy, good-natured, agreeable, and trainable.

An "I" personality likes to entertain and be entertained, so a social dog is also a must. The dog that an "I" type ends up with shouldn't be aggressive or overly needy. It should, though, enjoy a high level of activity and be pretty energetic to ensure a good lifestyle fit for the active "I" personality type.

Breeds that are a good match for an owner with personality style "I" include: English or French Bulldog, Chihuahua, Jack Russell Terrier, Bichon Frise, Australian Shepherd, or Dachshund

If you are an S personality

Loyal, patient, and family-oriented, the "S" personality is a steady and reliable friend.

A person with an "S" personality has a great deal of patience and likes to create a consistent routine. They are typically excellent pet owners and tend to treat their animals like members of the family. An "S" values a loyal and friendly family pet. Since people with an "S" personality tend to be relaxed and calm, a dog with an extremely high level of energy (an Australian Sheepdog, for example) would be a challenging fit for an "S."

An "S" doesn't like to be aggressive or assertive and should shy away from the strong-willed breeds. An "S" runs the risk of having the house hijacked by a dominant dog and should look for a breed that is as laid-back and agreeable as they are themselves.

Breeds that are a good match for an owner with personality type "S" include: Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Saint Bernard, Yorkie, Newfoundland, or Collie

If you are a C personality

Organized, detail-oriented, and prone to perfectionism, the "C" personality likes to follow the rules. A "C" is methodical and doesn't like to be surprised or criticized. Any dog that fits well with a "C" personality will have to be obedient and not prone to causing too much chaos in the "C" style's orderly life. A high-strung dog or one that was overly needy would be difficult for a "C" to adjust to. A person with a "C" personality doesn't crave activity or socialization, and would be best matched with a dog that was also lower energy and content with life close to home.

A "C" matches well with a bright, obedient, and self-sufficient dog. A "C" won't mind grooming a dog but won't like cleaning up daily messes. A dog that doesn't shed or sheds minimally would be perfect for a "C" type. Similarly, a "C" will be more than happy to show a dog the rules and put effort into training. A "C" isn't put off by a dog that is difficult to train; they want to make sure that their dog is smart enough to eventually learn the rules and follow them without question.

Breeds that are a good fit for an owner with personality style C: Beagle, Boston Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Pug, German Shepherd, or Poodle

If you don't know your DISC personality type, take a DISC assessment to find out now which dog breed matches up with your style!