If you are a dog owner, you might have noticed that your dog mimics or imitates some of your behavior at some point. Have you ever wondered why? Well, multiple factors affect the way your dog behaves.
The biggest reason why dogs mimic their humans is the fact that they are pack animals that have an instinct to observe and behave like their leader. PetMD explains that according to “Big Five Test” results, pet parents share five personality dimensions with their dogs, including:
Neuroticism (a tendency towards anxiety or fear)
Agreeableness
Conscientiousness
Extraversion
Openness (being open to new ideas)
Many dog breeds have an innate ability to mirror human behavior. They attune themselves to their owner’s emotions. For instance, when their favorite human is anxious, they become anxious too.
Have a look at these 10 dog breeds that mimic human habits.
Dog Breeds that Mimic Human Habits
1. Border Collie
Breed Profile
Height: 18 to 22 inches
Weight: 30 to 55 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
The Einsteins of the canine kingdom, Border Collies, thrive on routines. According to the American Kennel Club, they are smart, affectionate, and intelligent pups. Border Collies will learn your daily schedule and follow it along with you.
If you always stretch before a run, you will notice your Border Collie also starts stretching with you. Border Collies tend to notice every move of their owners.
They understand human emotions and preferences and try to mirror them. Their intense focus is to please their owners.
2. Labrador Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Labrador Retriever is a popular dog breed having friendly and outgoing personalities. Their wagging tails, happy faces, and family-oriented nature allow them to understand their owners’ habits. Your Lab will soak up your habits like sponges.
Labradors mirror their owners’ emotions, from fear to joy, excitement, and sorrow. They can also read your body language—if you like winding down on a quiet evening, your Lab will be right by your side. Labradors are highly adaptable to their surroundings and have excellent problem-solving skills.
3. Golden Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 24 inches
Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Goldies are pro at picking up subtle cues. These delightful companions are known for their intelligence and emotional sensitivity. They have an innate ability to read and attune themselves to their owners’ emotions.
Whether you are feeling happy, sad, or stressed, your Golden Retriever will respond with comforting gestures like putting their head in your lap or fetching their favorite toy to make you smile. Their facial expressions look like they are silently having a deep conversation with you.
4. Poodle
Breed Profile
Height: 8 to 18 inches
Weight: 40 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
Poodles, whether standard, miniature, or toy, have a knack for mimicking their owner’s habits. Their high intelligence and an innate desire to be a part of every family activity allow them to watch and learn their owner’s mood and habits.
If you are a cleanliness freak, you will also notice your Poodle pawing their face after meals. Their curious nature and quick learning ability allow them to pick up everything from your walking routine to your favorite napping spot. Poodles will always cheer you up with their playful antics.
5. Boxer
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 25 inches
Weight: 50 to 80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Boxers are goofy and energetic dogs who often act like overgrown children. Their playful nature, protective instincts, and strong sense of loyalty enable them to understand human emotions and behavior on a deeper level. They are also known for emotional mirroring.
Boxers often try to make eye contact, which feels very human-like. According to PDSA, they are active dogs, eager to please, who thrive on companionship.
They will do anything to grab your attention, from acting like clowns to showing off their “guard dog” skills.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Breed Profile
Height: 12 to 13 inches
Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were originally bred as companions, which is why they connect with humans on a deeper level. Omlet explains that they have soulful eyes. They are sensitive to human moods and will always come up to you when you are feeling low.
Their eyes reflect human emotions in the most uncanny way. Just like a clingy buddy, Cavaliers follow their owners everywhere and always want to be part of the action. They will accompany you from your coffee table to your evening stroll.
7. Australian Shepherd
Breed Profile
Height: 18 to 23 inches
Weight: 40 to 65 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Australian Shepherds are known for having boundless energy and are always up for new activities. They have strong work ethics, and their intelligence allows them to pick up on their owners’ energy and habits.
When it comes to learning new tricks and playing games like fetch, Aussies have human-like focus and determination. If you are an adventurous soul who likes hiking or road trips, the Aussie will match your vibe.
They equally enjoy lazy afternoons and quiet nights. These perceptive dogs mirror your mood and routine without you even realizing it. Their adaptability allows them to mimic your habits in the best possible way.
8. Shetland Sheepdog
Breed Profile
Height: 13 to 16 inches
Weight: 15 to 25 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are intelligent and sensitive dogs having a strong desire to please their owners. They are highly responsive to human emotions and love learning routines. They will adapt to your daily schedule.
If you go out for a walk at a certain time, expect your Sheltie waiting for you at the door. They observe and understand people in a very human-like way.
Shelties are known for their loyalty and adapt to your moods. When you feel stressed, your Sheltie will be right there to comfort you.
9. Shih Tzu
Breed Profile
Height: 9 to 10.5 inches
Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
Shih Tzus may be small in size, but they have big, human-like personalities. They have an innate ability to mimic their owner’s habits. They feel very happy to be a part of the family routine. It means they will accompany you on movie nights like your human friends.
Shih Tzus tend to follow their owners from room to room and communicate their feelings through their expressive eyes. These affectionate dogs snuggle up to you and sit in your lap like a small child. Shih Tzus are gentle and loving dogs that thrive on companionship.
10. Doberman Pinscher
Breed Profile
Height: 24 to 28 inches
Weight: 60 to 100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Doberman Pinschers are tough and fiercely protective dogs, but have a surprisingly sensitive side when it comes to their owners. They form strong bonds with their favorite human and attune themselves to human emotions. That is why they understand when you need their support or protection.
They carry themselves in the most dignified and noble way. Dobermans quickly pick up on your mood—they are calm when you are calm and alert when you are active. On a walk, your Doberman will try to match your pace, and at home, they will adapt to your routine.
Conclusion
Some dog breeds have an innate ability to mimic or imitate human habits. If you are planning to adopt a playful dog that will keep you entertained with their playful antics and follow you like your shadow, one of the breeds mentioned in this article will be a great fit for you.
