Lance Workman heads a psychology department (Bath Spa University College). He is the author of numerous publications on biological psychology and animal behavior.
According to his study, the choice of a dog is unconsciously linked to the personality of the master. It is well known that birds of a feather flock together!! So why would the magical encounter with a race only happen by chance?
In our romantic relationships, for a relationship to become lasting, we instinctively approach people with the same tastes, the same vision of things, the same rhythm of life.
Dr. Workman submitted a questionnaire to over 1,000 purebred dog owners. This questionnaire included in particular the five major character traits found in humans: extroversion, open-mindedness, friendliness, rigor and neuroticism. 70 volunteers had to, from photos, associate the masters with their dogs and 60% of the time, the results were correct. The study shows that, on average, dog owners are nicer than the general population! It is said !!
Outgoing people chose herding dogs like the Border Collie, German Shepherd, and Australian Shepherd or working dogs like the Boxer, Rottweiler, or St. Bernard.
Hunting dogs like the Labrador, Golden Retriever and Irish Setter or toy and companion dogs like the Chihuahua, Yorkie would be owned by the nicest people. In this last category, we would also find people who are very open-minded and very imaginative.
The category of pack dogs such as the beagle, the great basset hound and the afghan would be prized by the most emotionally stable people. Wow well done mushers!
We are alike mentally but also physically!
A Japanese study has just confirmed these theories a little more, especially since in Japan the varieties of canine breeds are poor, which made the experience more interesting. Nearly 400 students had to reform the dog/master pairs: as a result, 86% of the students attributed the good dog to the good master.
A famous photographer perfectly illustrated these studies. Indeed Yann Arthus Bertrand has published several books of portraits striking in resemblance.
For my part, the breed I chose is that of the Siberian Husky. I like his wild side, robust, committed, faithful and reliable in the face of the test, tender and sticky. I'm like them, I love my pack and I'm ready to do anything to defend it, I love others but it's true that we are enough for each other, we can stay in isolation without ever getting bored.
And you post us a photo of your dog / master couple that we can judge!