When you catch a glimpse of A-listers flouting their designer outfits, hopping on a private jet or holidaying in the Bahamas, their lives can’t seem further from reality.
But what connects a Princess to a postie, or a heiress to an electrician, is the love we all have for our furry friends.
According to a new study, there are links between some of the most popular breeds and the dominant personality traits shown by their owners.
These include dogs favoured by the royals, like Jack Russell terriers and cocker spaniels, which both attract loyal owners.
Owners of handbag-sized Pomeranians and Chihuahuas, like Paris Hilton, demonstrate passion and trustworthiness respectively.
MailOnline takes a closer look at what we can learn about the rich and famous from their pooches.
According to a new study, there are links between some of the most popular breeds and the dominant personality traits shown by their owners. These include dogs favoured by the royals, like Jack Russell terriers and cocker spaniels, which both attract loyal owners
For the research, more than 1,500 current and past owners of 16 popular breeds were ranked against personality statements.
These revealed their levels of the Big Five personality traits: extroversion, openness, agreeableness, emotional stability and conscientiousness.
The researchers then could see which owners ranked most highly for certain personality traits when compared to those who own other breeds.
Jack Russell Terrier – King Charles and the Queen Consort
Jack Russell owners, such as King Charles and the Queen Consort, are the most loyal and faithful, with 88 per cent of them displaying these traits
King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla are the proud parents of two Jack Russell terriers, Bluebell and Beth.
The dogs were rehomed from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2017, and are the latest canine residents of Buckingham Palace since the monarch took the throne.
The study results revealed that the top five most dominant personality traits that defined Jack Russell owners are:
- Loyalty (88 per cent)
- Helpfulness (87 per cent)
- Friendliness (84 per cent)
- Trustworthiness (83 per cent)
- Good listener (82 per cent)
Bill Lambert, spokesperson for The Kennel Club, said: ‘It appears that we can often tell a lot about a person from the type of dog that they own, with the dominant personality traits of Jack Russell owners – owned by the likes of King Charles – being their loyalty, generous spirit for helping others and their trustworthiness.’
Golden Retriever – Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner
Golden Retrievers are known to be happy in temperament, and their owners, liked Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas (pictured), ranked as the happiest and most positive compared to owners of other breeds
Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner were first spotted with a golden retriever puppy in August 2019.
While they have yet to reveal the pup’s name, the breed choice reveals a lot about the superstar couple’s personalities.
Golden retrievers are known for their friendly, tolerant attitude which makes them well-suited as a family pet, while their intelligence makes them a highly capable working dog.
According to The Kennel Club study, people who rank more emotionally stable and are positive and happy are best suited to Golden Retrievers.
The dogs are known to be happy in temperament, and their owners ranked as the happiest and most positive compared to owners of other breeds.
Cocker Spaniel – Prince and Princess of Wales
Those with cocker spaniels, like the Prince and Princess of Wales, pictured with dog Orla, top the list for being the most curious and family-orientated
The Prince and Princess of Wales own an adorable black cocker spaniel, called Orla.
The royal pooch was given to the couple as a gift from Kate Middleton’s brother, James, about two years ago.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte are thought to have specially helped pick Orla from the litter of puppies.
According to the study, owners of this breed are:
- Loyal (85 per cent)
- Helpful to others (84 per cent)
- Trustworthy (83 per cent)
- Family-orientated (83 per cent)
- Curious (81 per cent)
Pomeranian – Paris Hilton
Pooch owners who ranked the most highly on traits relating to agreeableness and extroversion, and came out on top overall across the Big Five, had Pomeranians, like Paris Hilton (pictured)
Weighing just 7.7lbs (3.5kg) and measuring just 11 inches tall, Pomeranians are some of the most popular small dog breeds.
Famous for her love of purse-sized pups, 41-year-old socialite Paris Hilton owns three of the breed.
Two of them are named Crypto and Ether, after her love for the world of cryptocurrency.
People who are most passionate, creative and free-spirited are best suited to this breed, according to the study.
Border Terrier – David Walliams
David Walliams, 51, is the owner of two of the breed, named Bert and Ernie, named after the characters from The Muppets
The study results suggest that this breed is popular with people who are charming, lively and exuberant – much like the comedian himself
Border Terriers are ‘essentially working terriers’, according to The Kennel Club, requiring just one hour of exercise a day and living for an average of over 12 years.
David Walliams, 51, is the owner of two of the breed, named Bert and Ernie, named after the characters from The Muppets.
The study results suggest that this breed is popular with people who are charming, lively and exuberant – much like the comedian himself.
Springer spaniel – Tilda Swinton
Actress Tilda Swinton, 61, is the owner of four springer spaniels; Louis (pictured), Snowbear, Dora and Rosy
All of them have starred alongside their owner in the films The Eternal Daughter and The Souvenir Part II. Three were awarded best canine performance at Cannes Film Festival last year with The Palm Dog honour which has been awarded to pooches at Cannes since 2001
Actress Tilda Swinton, 61, is the owner of four springer spaniels; Louis, Snowbear, Dora and Rosy.
All of them have starred alongside their owner in the films The Eternal Daughter and The Souvenir Part II.
Three were awarded best canine performance at Cannes Film Festival last year with The Palm Dog honour which has been awarded to pooches at Cannes since 2001.
‘The Springer Spaniels earned their name by their practice of “springing” forward to flush the game into nets. After the invention of guns, the breed was used to flush game from undergrowth,’ The Kennel Club explains.
According to the study, people who are best suited to Springer Spaniels tend to be traditional, reserved and punctual.
Miniature Schnauzer – Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston is known for her love of animals, seen with Schnauzer-cross Clyde above. The Kennel Club’s study found that owners of Miniature Schnauzers are loyal, faithful, conscientious, organised and sticklers for rules
Miniature Schnauzers are hugely popular as companion dogs, with celebrity owners including Jennifer Aniston, who has a cross-breed named Clyde.
The 53-year-old ‘Friends’ actress is one of Hollywood’s most high profile dog lovers, regularly posing with her pack of three on social media.
Along with Clyde, she also has a Pit Bull named Sophie and a Great Pyrenees called Lord Chesterfield.
The Kennel Club’s study found that owners of Miniature Schnauzers are loyal, faithful, conscientious, organised and sticklers for rules.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier – Tom Holland
First developed as a fighting dog, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is often perceived as a breed to be feared.
However, Staffies are actually very affectionate dogs, and have even been nicknamed ‘nanny dogs’ because they’re known for being so playful and patient with children.
According to the study, owners of Staffordshire Bull Terriers – like actor Tom Holland – tend to be affectionate and trustworthy.
The ‘Spider-man’ star has been frequently posting pictures of his beloved Staffy, Tessa, on social media since 2014, and even takes her on the red carpet with him.
Holland, 26, said to TIME magazine: ‘Staffies are considered to be very dangerous dogs, which is not true, is not the case.
‘They are not aggressive. She is the sweetest, most angelic thing you’ll ever meet.’
According to the study, owners of Staffordshire Bull Terriers – like actor Tom Holland – tend to be affectionate and trustworthy. The ‘Spider-man’ star has been frequently posting pictures of his beloved Staffy, Tessa, on social media since 2014, and even takes her on the red carpet
Whippet – Jennifer Saunders
Whippets are excellent family dogs, known to be gentle and affectionate and to enjoy the comforts of domestic life.
Comedian Jennifer Saunders owns a senior grey whippet called Olive, who accompanies her on her travels around the UK.
The study found that those who enjoy new experiences, have lots of hobbies and enjoy taking risks are best suited to this breed.
Comedian Jennifer Saunders owns a senior grey whippet called Olive, who accompanies her on her travels around the UK
Labrador – Reese Witherspoon
‘The Labrador is the most popular of all pedigree breeds and his popularity comes from his versatility as family companion, service dog, guide dog as well as a working gundog,’ The Kennel Club said.
According to the study, friendly people have an affinity with the breed, just like actress Reese Witherspoon.
The ‘Legally Blonde’ star took ownership of her black Labrador, Major, in January 2021, and also has a chocolate lab called Hank.
The 46-year-old also boasts Pepper, a bulldog, Lou Ann, a bull terrier and two donkeys named Honky and Tonky.
According to the study, friendly people have an affinity with the breed, just like actress Reese Witherspoon. The ‘Legally Blonde’ star took ownership of her black Labrador, Major (pictured left and right), in January 2021
The 46-year-old also boasts Hank, a chocolate lab (pictured right), Pepper, a bulldog and Lou Ann, a bull terrier
Dachshund – Emilia Clarke
With their long bodies and little legs, it’s no surprise that Dachshunds are some of the most popular dogs in the UK.
‘Originating in Germany where he is known as the Teckel (badger dog) the Dachshund, is still used for both tracking wounded game such as deer, and for going to ground after badger or rabbits,’ The Kennel Club explains.
‘In his native country there are three sizes: standard, miniature and Kaninchen (rabbit dog) all defined by measuring the circumference of the chest.’
According to the study, the most dominant trait among owners of the breed is trustworthiness, which is likely displayed by actress Emilia Clarke.
This is because she has a long-haired dachshund herself, called Ted, who she got in January 2020.
According to the study, the most dominant trait among owners of the breed is trustworthiness, which is likely displayed by actress Emilia Clarke. This is because she has a long-haired dachshund herself, called Ted, who she got in January 2020
German Shepherd – Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra
A-list couple Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra own a German Shepherd dog called Gino.
The study found that owners of the dog are most likely to help others.
‘The first breed club was formed in 1881 after Max von Stephanitz and his followers developed and promoted the breed as a herding dog, and later as a working dog used by the police and the armed forces,’ The Kennel Club said.
‘From the First World War the bravery and temperament of the German Shepherd has gained the breed worldwide recognition and praise and he has shown his worth in other disciplines too:- as a guide dog for the blind, as a tracking dog, and in obedience.’
A-list couple Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra own a German Shepherd dog called Gino
The study found that owners of German Shepherd dogs are most likely to help others
Chihuahua – Katie Price
Small enough to fit in a handbag, it should come as no surprise that Chihuahua is one of the most popular breeds among celebrities.
One of these is Katie Price, who has been seen out and about with her dog Buddy closely in tow.
According to The Kennel Club study, chihuahua owners’ most dominant trait is trustworthiness.
Small enough to fit in a handbag, it should come as no surprise that Chihuahua is one of the most popular breeds among celebrities. One of these is Katie Price, who has been seen out and about with her dog Buddy closely in tow
How man has changed his best friend: Experts reveal what dogs USED to look
Shocking images have revealed what dogs used to look like, amid warnings that breeds like pugs and French bulldogs are being cruelly overbred for fashion.
From German Shepherds to Basset Hounds, many breeds have changed dramatically following years of selective breeding.
Boxers have been bred to have shorter faces with a larger mouth, while dachshunds’ backs and necks have stretched out and their legs have shrunk to a point that makes it difficult for them to manoeuvre over obstacles a few inches off of the ground.
Meanwhile, pugs have been bred to have squashed noses and big eyes, which puts them at high risk for a range of health conditions, including breathing, eye and skin disorders, according to a new study.
‘The extreme characteristics many owners find so appealing, such as squashed faces, big eyes and curly tails, are seriously compromising pugs’ health and welfare and often result in a lifetime of suffering,’ explained Justine Shotton, British Veterinary Association (BVA) President.
‘While these extreme, unhealthy characteristics remain, we will continue to strongly recommend potential owners do not buy brachycephalic breeds such as pugs.’
Pugs have been bred to have squashed noses and big eyes, while boxers have shorter faces with a larger mouth, and bull terriers have mutated to have a warped skull and thicker abdomen
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