There are approximately 13.5 million pet dogs in the UK — a wide range of breeds and owners.
When we think of different dog breeds, we likely get an image in our heads of what the owner would look like. We wanted to see whether there is an idealogy on the characteristics of those owners for certain breeds, to see how this reflected the needs of the breed. Of course, it’s hard to judge who the most likely breed owner is for different dogs, although we can guess some characteristics.
To find out, we asked AI to create an image of the ‘stereotypical’ owner of some of the most popular dog breeds of the year. Read on to see what AI came up with and further commentary on why certain stereotypical characteristics might match up to the breed.
Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Age: 30s to 40s
Location: Suburban areas
Personality traits: Family-oriented, laid back, pet-lovers
Interests: Outdoor activities, social events
A stereotypical characteristic of a Labrador owner, according to AI, includes being active and outdoorsy, matching the energy of the breed that loves to run around outdoors. These owners are likely also laid back to match their dog’s easy-going demeanour.
AI determined that the stereotypical owner of a Labrador may be male, which could be due to a few reasons. This breed used to be a working dog that supported hunting, a traditionally male-orientated activity.
In terms of age, this stereotypically ranges between 30 and 40, as people in this range are more likely to have a younger family. As Labradors tend to be gentle-natured, they are a great option for families with children. This age group is also still active enough to be able to provide the breed with their required exercise. Owners with a family-focused lifestyle may also live in suburban areas with plenty of green space, which is perfect for Labrador Retrievers.
French Bulldog
Gender: Female
Age: 20s to 30s
Location: Urban areas
Personality traits: Creative, nurturing, family-oriented
Interests: Fashion, socialising
When asking AI to provide some characteristics of a stereotypical French Bulldog owner, it stated that they tended to be young professionals, usually in their 20s or 30s and may work in creative industries. These owners will potentially live in a city flat as the breed is small and doesn’t require a ton of space or exercise. Due to the fact the breed is low maintenance, they are a great option for somebody with a busy lifestyle.
Stereotypically, French Bulldogs are associated with females. This may be due to their small size, popular social media presence, and the fact they are often referred to as ‘baby-like’, which allows owners to provide a nurturing position, a stereotypically female trait. Many female celebrities have also famously owned French Bulldogs, such as Lady Gaga, Victoria Beckham and Martha Stewart.
French Bulldog owners also tend to be interested in fashion, often wearing designer clothing and dressing up their dogs in outfits — the trait is potentially common due to the breed being seen as ‘trendy’ and increasing in popularity in the last few years.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Gender: Female
Age: 40+
Location: Suburban
Personality traits: Elegant, affectionate, animal-lover
Interests: Fashion, socialising
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their elegant demeanour and ‘regal’ appearance — their owners may be portrayed similarly, seeming to be graceful and put-together. They’ll likely also be interested in fashion, as this breed has often appeared in the media alongside fashionable, stylish women, like the late Princess Margaret.
According to AI, the stereotypical owners of this breed tend to be female, potentially due to the dog’s affectionate and loving nature, traits that many women have due to biological, social, and cultural influences.
The owners are also likely to be middle-aged and older adults as those aged 40 and over may have a more settled lifestyle, meaning they have more time to care for and bond with such an affectionate breed. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are well-suited to a range of areas, but suburban areas are ideal as they provide plenty of space for exercise. However, the breed may also be able to adapt to urban living due to their small size.
Dachshund
Gender: Female
Age: 40+
Location: Urban areas
Personality traits: Quirky, loyal, creative
Interests: Fashion, art
Dachshunds, aka sausage dogs, are extremely popular currently! They are known for their unique appearance and quirky personalities, which may be why AI shows an eccentric and creative owner.
These breed owners might also be very independent and confident people to match the commonly strong-willed personalities of Dachshunds, with their confidence certainly exceeding their size.
Daschunds can adapt to various locations but are often associated with urban or flat living due to their adaptability to city life, small size, and lower exercise needs. The age group associated with sausage dogs is likely to be those aged 40 and over, as they may appreciate the loyalty this breed brings. Dachshunds also make great low-maintenance, companionship dogs, making them a good option for retirees.
As Dachshunds are known for their strong bonds with their owners, they can provide great emotional support. Stereotypically, this may appeal more to those associated with nurturing roles, such as females.
English Bulldog
Age: 30s to 50s
Location: Urban and suburban areas
Personality traits: Easygoing, loyal, family-oriented
Interests: Working out, outdoors
As you can see from the AI-generated image, Bulldog owners stereotypically may be strong, tough and interested in exercising and the outdoors. This profile matches the Bulldog’s recognisable stocky appearance and resilient personality. However, Bulldogs are also known for their relaxed temperament, suggesting their owners may have a laid-back, easygoing personality and enjoy relaxation and comfort.
This breed is often seen as ‘masculine’ from their appearance and demeanour, linking them more to male owners, including famous owners such as Ozzy Osbourne, David Beckham, and Brad Pitt.
Bulldogs are well suited to flats and urban living as they don’t require a lot of exercise and would probably prefer to relax at home! Typically, those aged between 30 and 50 tend to own this breed due to their more ‘settled’ lifestyle allowing them to provide the attention and care this breed requires.
Golden Retriever
Gender: Males and females
Age: 30s to 50s
Location: Urban and suburban areas
Personality traits: Family-oriented, friendly, caring
Interests: Hiking, jogging, spending time with family
Golden Retrievers are known for being very energetic and playful, so their owners typically would match that energy and be active individuals who enjoy exercise and the outdoors. The breed owners may also be sociable, outgoing and friendly, just like the dogs. Despite their liveliness, Retrievers are also very caring animals, making them good companions for children, therefore, their owners may be caring and family-oriented.
As this breed needs exercise to burn off those energy levels, their owners will likely live in a suburban or semi-rural area with a family-friendly community and plenty of space for hikes and runs with their furry friend. The owners are also likely to be parents, typically in their 30s or 40s.
Golden Retriever ownership is typically evenly split between all genders — their active, energetic personalities may be related to males, however, their gentle and attentive nature may be associated with female owners.
German Shepherd
Gender: Male
Age: 30s to 50s
Location: Suburban or rural areas
Personality traits: Outgoing, family-oriented, disciplined, responsible, practical
Interests: Outdoor activities, sports, family time
According to AI, men aged between 30 and 45 are the stereotypical German Shepherd owners. However, the age of this breed owner varies from young adults to middle-aged owners with families to active retirees who have the time to give this breed the required attention.
Since German Shepherds require a lot of exercise, their owners tend to live in suburban, semi-rural or countryside locations and are often active and outdoorsy. As well as being active, German Shepherd owners, like the breed, tend to be caring, protective, and disciplined. German Shepherds also make great family protection dogs.
The male owner stereotype is likely due to German Shepherds historically being used within traditionally male-dominated industries, such as police work, guarding, and military services. This breed is also known for its strength and protection, which are traditionally masculine traits in some societies.
Miniature Schnauzer
Gender: Female
Age: 40s to 60s
Location: Suburban areas
Personality traits: Practical, active, loyal
Interests: Beauty, physical activity
Miniature Schnauzers have a distinctive appearance, their bushy eyebrows and beards making them instantly recognisable. Typically, the owners of this breed may also be well groomed, taking pride in their appearance, and active, as schnauzers enjoy mental stimulation and exercise. Like the breed, owners may also be loyal and protective.
The age of owners of this breed varies from 40 to 60s, they make great family pets as they’re good with children, but the breed is also such great companions and are very loving, they’re a great choice for those whose children have left the nest. This breed owner might be based in family-friendly suburban areas with plenty of outdoor spaces, or retiree areas.
According to AI, females typically own Miniature Schnauzers, potentially because the breed is adaptable and affectionate — qualities are often linked to femininity.
Boxer
Gender: Male
Age: 30s to 40s
Location: Suburban areas
Personality traits: Confident, loyal, responsible
Interests: Physical activity, community events
According to AI, boxer dog owners are typically male and aged in their 30s or 40s. The breed is known for being strong, protective, and athletic, qualities that are often labelled masculine, linking them to male owners.
Boxer dog owners are also often active, confident, and loyal — just like the breed. As Boxers are known for their high energy levels and assertiveness, their owners will likely enjoy exercise and come across as strong-willed leaders. Despite their high energy levels, this breed is very obedient and trainable.
As well as being vivacious, Boxers are also loyal and protective, making them an excellent family dog. Therefore, owners will likely be family-oriented and protective of their family and pets.
Due to them making great family companions, their owners may be in their 30s to 40s, and likely with children. They typically will live in a suburban area with ample space for the ‘man’s best friend’ to burn off their energy, whether in a large garden or greenspace.
Poodle
Gender: Female
Age: 30s to 50s
Location: Urban or suburban areas
Personality traits: Well-educated, fashionable, active
Interests: Self-care, fashion, socialising
The stereotypical Poodle owner, according to AI, is a middle-aged woman with a family. The breed has a very friendly nature, meaning they’re suitable for families with varying ages of children. Similarly to the breed, Poodle owners may be very well presented, enjoying fashion, taking pride in their appearance and being high-maintenance. They might also be tidy and enjoy the fact that this breed does not shed.
Historically, Poodles were favoured by the aristocracy, which contributed to them often having affluent and well-educated owners. Their owners will also likely be outgoing and active, as the breed is fairly active, and thrives off mental stimulation.
In terms of location, Poodle owners may settle in urban or suburban areas. The breed’s small to medium size and lack of shedding makes them well-suited for city living, where space is usually limited. Suburban areas can also make a great fit as they provide access to outdoor space for exercise.
Choose the Right Dog Breed for You
It’s interesting to see the stereotypes of these breed owners, and we can certainly see how many of these AI-generated images take similar characteristics of the breed themselves — they do say we look like our dogs! However, there is no right or wrong person when it comes to owning a certain breed — as long as you have done your research on which breed might be best for you, understand what different breeds require and know if you can handle their personality, that’s all that matters!
Contact A&T Trained Dogs, if you are interested in any of our Dogs for Sale, Dog Training Classes, or Dog Services.
