Ever wonder why your dog acts the way they do? Much like humans, our soulful companions have their own unique personalities. Inspired by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), we've tailored a fun, canine-centric version to help you decode your dog's personality.

Whether your pup is the life of the party or the strong, silent type, understanding their Myers-Briggs persona can deepen your bond and make your time together even more rewarding. Start with our simple quiz and then keep reading to explore your pet's type in more detail.

What’s Your Dog’s Myers-Briggs Personality Type?

1. When a stranger comes to the door, your dog:
A. Stays cautiously observant from a distance.
B. Greets them warmly, tail wagging.
C. Barks loudly to make their presence known.
D. Watches curiously, deciding if they’re friend or foe.

2. At the dog park, your dog is most likely to:
A. Strategize the best play approach.
B. Make friends with every dog and human.
C. Keep a watchful eye on the surroundings.
D. Dive into play without hesitation.

3. When learning a new trick, your dog:
A. Analyzes and figures it out quickly.
B. Wants to please you and tries hard.
C. May lose interest if it's not engaging enough.
D. Turns it into a fun game.

4. In their downtime, your dog prefers to:
A. Have some alone time.
B. Cuddle up with you.
C. Keep alert to household activities.
D. Play with their favorite toy.

5. Your dog’s reaction to a new toy is to:
A. Study it cautiously before engaging.
B. Show immediate excitement and interest.
C. Be somewhat indifferent.
D. Play with it in inventive ways.

Results:

• Mostly As: Your dog might lean towards the Analyst personality types (INTJ, INTP, ENTJ, ENTP), showing traits of independence, strategic thinking, and sometimes a reserved nature.

• Mostly Bs: Your dog could align with the Diplomat personality types (INFJ, INFP, ENFJ, ENFP), often sociable, empathetic, and enthusiastic about companionship.

• Mostly Cs: Your dog seems to embody the Sentinel personality types (ISTJ, ISFJ, ESTJ, ESFJ), valuing routine, loyalty, and a protective attitude.

• Mostly Ds: Your dog displays traits of the Explorer personality types (ISTP, ISFP, ESTP, ESFP), being adventurous, spontaneous, and playful.

Now that you have a better sense of your pup's personality type, let's dive into each variation and explore a few breeds that could be ambassadors for each.

The Analysts

INTJ - The Mastermind: Reserved yet curious, these dogs are the problem solvers. They might not be the most outwardly affectionate, but they're fiercely loyal and often a step ahead of their human counterparts.

INTP - The Thinker: These pups are curious and inventive. Ever catch your dog staring into space, pondering the universe? That's your INTP, always lost in thought.

ENTJ - The Commander: Assertive and bold, ENTJ dogs are natural leaders. They're not afraid to put an overly enthusiastic dog in its place and run a tight ship at the dog park.

ENTP - The Debater: Quick-witted and playful, ENTP dogs are always ready for a playful argument. They're the ones who'll outsmart you in training sessions, turning them into a game of their own.

Common Analyst Breeds

• Border Collie: Intelligent and strategic, always thinking a few steps ahead.

• Doberman Pinscher: Assertive and smart, with a natural leadership quality.

• Shibas: Energetic problem solvers with a knack for inventiveness.

• German Shepherd: Bold and reliable, with an excellent ability to learn and lead.

• Chesapeake Bay Retriever: With a reputation for intelligence and a keen problem-solving ability, Chessies excel in tasks requiring strategic thinking and adaptability.

The Diplomats

INFJ - The Advocate: These dogs are gentle and caring, and prefer to avoid conflict. They're attuned to their owners' feelings, providing comfort instinctually.

INFP - The Mediator: Dreamy and compassionate, INFP pups are the ones who pick up on every nuance of your mood and are always there to offer a comforting nuzzle.

ENFJ - The Protagonist: Charismatic and outgoing, ENFJ dogs are all about making friends, both human and canine. They're the social butterflies of the dog world, thriving on interaction.

ENFP - The Campaigner: Enthusiastic, creative, and free-spirited, ENFP dogs see a friend in every stranger and an adventure in every walk. They're your go-to for spontaneous fun.

Common Diplomat Breeds

• Golden Retriever: Empathetic and friendly, thriving on social interaction.

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Affectionate and gentle, sensing and adapting to their owners' emotions.

• Labrador Retriever: Outgoing and kind, making friends wherever they go.

• Bernese Mountain Dog: Warm and protective, always looking out for their family.

• American Staffordshire Terrier: Eager to please with an uncanny level of emotional intelligence.

The Sentinels

ISTJ - The Logistician: Reliable and dutiful, ISTJ dogs love routine. They're the ones who remind you it's time for their walk or dinner, adhering to a schedule with unwavering dedication.

ISFJ - The Defender: Warm, protective, and loyal, ISFJ dogs take their role as your defender seriously. They're not looking for the spotlight but are content to be by your side.

ESTJ - The Executive: Organized and traditional, ESTJ dogs might as well have a planner. They're all about order, whether during playtime or when securing their spot on the couch.

ESFJ - The Consul: Sociable and attentive, ESFJ pups love being part of a group. They're the peacemakers, ensuring everyone gets along and feels included.

Common Sentinal Breeds

• Boxer: Loyal and structured, valuing order and routine in their daily activities.

• Beagle: Warm-hearted and loyal, with a strong sense of duty.

• Rottweiler: Protective and reliable, always on guard.

• Corgis: Sociable and loving, thriving in a family setting.

• Cane Corsos: Territorial yet keen on keeping harmony within their pack.

The Explorers

ISTP - The Virtuoso: These dogs live in the moment, using their keen senses to explore the world. Ever ready for a new adventure, ISTP pups are the daredevils of the canine world.

ISFP - The Adventurer: Artistic and spontaneous, ISFP dogs find joy in the simple pleasures. They're happy to accompany you on a leisurely stroll or bask in the afternoon sun.

ESTP - The Entrepreneur: Bold and practical, ESTP dogs are all about action. They're the pups leading the charge at the dog park, turning every outing into an opportunity for exploration.

ESFP - The Entertainer: Life is a stage for ESFP dogs, and they love being in the spotlight. With their lively antics and infectious joy, they're sure to keep you entertained.

Common Explorer Breeds

• Siberian Husky: Adventurous and free-spirited, always ready for the next challenge.

• Australian Shepherd: Energetic and perceptive with a zest for life’s adventures.

• Dalmatian: Life of the party, with boundless energy and a love for exploration.

• Pugs: Silly and playful, enjoying spontaneous fun.

• Frenchies: Vibrant and expressive, always finding joy in the moment.

Finding Your Dog's Type

As you read through these types, did any remind you of your soulful sidekick? Your dog might not fit perfectly into one category, and that's okay! Like humans, dogs are complex beings with personalities that can't be neatly boxed. However, this fun interpretation of the MBTI for dogs can offer some insights into their behavior and preferences.

Whether they're an adventurous ESFP or a thoughtful INFP, each dog has a special way of seeing the world. Embrace their quirks, and enjoy exploring life through their eyes. After all, that's part of the fun of sharing your lives together!

Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.