enneagram diagram with dog faces and caption "the enneagram for dogs, dog friendly san antonio
We’ve all taken at least one personality test in our lifetime. The most popular is probably the Myers-Briggs personality test, but are you familiar with the Enneagram personality test? The Enneagram consists of nine interconnected personality types and can help individuals understand their truest inner-self. Here are the nine basic Enneagram types as dogs. Which one best describes your dog?

Enneagram Type 1: The Reformer

Enneagram type 1 reformer | german shepherd

Type 1s are notorious for their sense of right and wrong. They are strong advocates for change and are always looking for ways to improve things. They are orderly and maintain high standards for their way of life. Reformers can make ideal K9 units in military branches or police forces.

Enneagram Type 2: The Helper

Enneagram 2 helper | golden retriever

Odds are you’ve never met a sweeter dog than a Type 2. Helpers are ultimate people-pleasers––they are kind, generous, and self-sacrificing. You’ll likely find them in service dog roles doing it all, from opening refrigerators to comforting a loved one with a warm hug and wet kiss.

Enneagram Type 3: The Achiever

Enneagram 3 achiever | bulldog

Energy and ambition are two words that come to mind when describing a Type 3. They are diplomatic and poised but can be overly concerned about what others think of them making them generally competitive. Achievers can thrive in a competitive setting such as the AKC annual dog show.

Enneagram Type 4: The Individualist

Enneagram 4 individualist | dalmatian

Individualists are their own type of breed, literally! They have an entirely unique approach to life and are not afraid to see themselves for who they truly are. Though they may struggle with feeling like part of them is missing, they make great friends just the same.

Enneagram Type 5: The Investigator

Enneagram 5 investigator | basset hound

Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it’s a 5’s bread and butter. Investigators have a knack for always wanting to know more and dive deep down the rabbit hole of a certain sound or smell. Their ancestors were likely hunting hounds that helped track down critters for trade or sustenance.

Enneagram Type 6: The Loyalist

Enneagram 6 loyalist | pug

A Type 6 is committed to you and what’s best for the family. You can always trust them to be happy to see you when you come home. Though they are the ultimate family-dogs, they can be suspicious. Family is the most important thing to Loyalists, so don’t be surprised when you bring a friend over and they aren’t immediately thrilled to see them. Be sure to give them your seal of approval and they’ll be good to go.

Enneagram Type 7: The Enthusiast

type 7 enthusiast | husky dog

Energy and optimism exude from Type 7. They look at the world with adventure in their hearts ready to explore and experience all it has to offer. Enthusiasts are natural extroverts, and they’ll always be the first to say ‘hello’ at the dog park. Their extroverted tendencies make them susceptible to impulsiveness and may have a reputation for seeming scatter-brained at times.

Enneagram Type 8: The Challenger

type 8 challenger | doberman

Type 8 is strong and self-confident, but they can also seem intimidating and confrontational. Despite this need for dominance, they can use their strength to improve others’ lives in a heroic way. If your pup is a Type 8, do yourself a favor and get them some shades. No 8 should be without sunglasses, it’s just a fact of life.

Enneagram Type 9: The Peacemaker

type 9 peacemaker | shepherd dog

Type 9 is the most chill type you’ll ever meet. They are in a constant state of zen and excel at finding painless solutions to problems. If Type 9 could have it their way, everything would be without conflict. Because of this, they can tend to be complacent, minimizing anything upsetting. As long as you don’t expect them to do anything more than love you unconditionally, they’ll be fine.

Curious to know which of the Enneagram personality types you fall under? You can take a free Enneagram test here!


Looking for more fun ways to connect with your dog? Check out these posts:

6 Benefits of Walking Your Dog

Dog Park Etiquette: Do’s and Don’t’s

Do I Really Have a Stubborn Dog?