The science behind the quiz

Five personality types

The five types come from a 2024 study published in Scientific Reports, “An artificial intelligence approach to predicting personality types in dogs” by Amirhosseini, Yadav, Serpell, Pettigrew and Kain. We gave each type a friendlier name. Here they are, with the label used in the research.

• The ShadowBig feelings, big energy, and never more than a metre away from you.In the research: Excitable/Hyperattached
• The SoftieGentle, sensitive, and feels everything a little more deeply.In the research: Anxious/Fearful
• The ExplorerNose first, always onto something.In the research: Aloof/Predatory
• The BodyguardLoyal, alert, and takes the job of protecting you very seriously.In the research: Reactive/Assertive
• The SageCalm, steady, and quietly the wisest one in the household.In the research: Calm/Agreeable

What the questions look at

Each question looks at one or more of the behaviour areas measured by the C-BARQ (the Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire, University of Pennsylvania). Hsu and Serpell published the development and validation of this questionnaire for pet dogs in 2003.

Our own words

All question and answer wording is original. The scenarios target the same behaviour areas as the C-BARQ but do not copy its licensed items.

What your result is, and isn't

A fun quiz based on behavioural science research. It is not a clinical or veterinary assessment. If your dog's behaviour worries you, talk to your vet.

Sources

• The five personality typesAmirhosseini, M. H., Yadav, V., Serpell, J. A., Pettigrew, P. & Kain, P. (2024). An artificial intelligence approach to predicting personality types in dogs. Scientific Reports, 14, 2404.
• The behaviour areas each question measures (C-BARQ subscales)Hsu, Y. & Serpell, J. A. (2003). Development and validation of a questionnaire for measuring behavior and temperament traits in pet dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 223(9), 1293-1300.
• C-BARQ official siteCanine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire, University of Pennsylvania.