Obviously, dogs can't talk about their owner's personalities, however, a new study reports that people report that their dog's personality is quite similar to their own. According to Author Lance Workman, a Psychologist at Bath Spa University in the U.K. 
Using an online survey, Workman and colleagues probed the personalities of 1,000 dog owners and found some surprising trends. Among the owners of seven different breed groups, there were marked differences in personality, said Workman, who presented the study at the British Psychological Society annual conference in London.
This is what the study proposes:
People who owned sporting dogs, such as Labrador Retrievers and Cocker Spaniels, appeared more agreeable and conscientious in the survey.
Labrador retrievers are the most common breed registered in the U.S., according to the American Kennel Club, or AKC. They are regarded as gentle, obedient and eager to please.
People who owned herding dogs, like German shepherds or sheepdogs, were more extroverted.
German shepherds are the second most popular breed in the U.S. They're fearless, but not hostile, eager and alert, according to the AKC. They serve as watchdogs, service dogs, and herding dogs.
People who owned hound dogs, like Greyhounds and Beagles, were more emotionally stable, according to Workman's survey. Beagles, known for their happy-go-lucky, family-friendly mannerisms, and are the third most popular breed in America. Greyhounds are the fastest breed, according to the AKC.
People who owned toy dogs, like Chihuahuas or Yorkshire terriers, were more agreeable, more conscientious and more open to new experiences. Celebrity toy dog owners include Paris Hilton, who has a Chihuahua named Tinkerbell. The breed is known for its confidence and sense of self-importance, according to the AKC.
People who owned utility dogs, like English bulldogs Shar-Peis and Chow Chows, were more conscientious and extroverted, with self-awareness. The English bulldog, which muscled its way into the AKC's top 10 breeds in 2008, is known for its kindness, courage and "dignified" demeanor. They're also gentle and protective.
No personality traits showed any distinctive traits in the survey among people who owned terriers, like the Staffordshire Bull or the Scottie Dog. The Staffordshire Bull mixes courage and tenacity with affection for friends, children in particular. Scottie dogs, on the other hand, "exude ruggedness and power," according to the AKC.
Like terrier owners, people who owned working dogs, such as Dobermans or Schnauzers, had no standout personality traits. Some studies suggest cat owners are more intelligent and dog owners are more social. But both theories are debated.
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