The 16 Personality Types as Animals
Quick like a fox? Eager beaver? Let's take some cues from the animal kingdom to shed light on the unique traits of the 16 personalities created by Myers and Briggs.
So, which animal best describes your personality type?
ENFJ: Dog
Perceptive, supportive, and optimistic, ENFJs are the ultimate cheerleaders of the animal kingdom. Like dogs, they're loyal, intuitive, and have an uncanny ability to sense when you need a little extra love. ENFJs thrive on connection, bringing warmth and encouragement wherever they go. Plus, they’re natural leaders, guiding their pack with enthusiasm and heart.
Why You’re a Dog: You’re always there for your friends, radiating positivity and making sure everyone feels included. Just like a golden retriever at a picnic.
ENFP: Dolphin
Enthusiastic, creative, and engaging, ENFPs are the dolphins of the personality type sea. Dolphins are playful, intelligent, and love exploring new horizons—just like ENFPs. They're curious about the world and thrive on meaningful connections, often jumping from one exciting adventure to the next (sometimes literally).
Why You’re a Dolphin: Your energy is contagious, your creativity knows no bounds, and you make every day feel like a fun, splashy adventure.
INFP: Narwhal
Imaginative, idealistic, and compassionate, INFPs are like the magical narwhals of the personality ocean. Narwhals are rare and mysterious, with an otherworldly charm—kind of like INFPs who live in their rich inner worlds, full of dreams, stories, and heartfelt ideals.
Why You’re a Narwhal: You’re a rare gem, quietly majestic, and your uniqueness shines even when you’re just minding your own whimsical business.
INFJ: Seahorse
Mysterious, intuitive, and nurturing, INFJs are the seahorses of the sea (and soul). Seahorses might seem delicate, but they're strong, purposeful, and deeply connected to their environment. INFJs, with their quiet wisdom and empathetic hearts, mirror this gentle resilience.
Why You’re a Seahorse: You’re an old soul, floating gracefully through life with a depth that others often overlook—but those who get to know you are mesmerized.
ENTJ: Bear
Powerful, direct, and outgoing, ENTJs are the bears of the personality wilderness. Bold and strategic, they command attention and respect. Much like a bear confidently roaming its territory, ENTJs are natural leaders, unafraid to take charge and pursue their goals with determination.
Why You’re a Bear: You’re fierce, ambitious, and unapologetically yourself. When you walk into a room, people notice.
ENTP: Fox
Clever, curious, and quick, ENTPs are the foxes of the MBTI forest. Foxes are adaptable and sharp-witted, always thinking a few steps ahead. ENTPs bring this same energy to life, thriving on debate, innovation, and the thrill of the next big idea.
Why You’re a Fox: Your mind is a playground of possibilities, and you’re always ready with a clever comeback or an unexpected perspective.
INTJ: Octopus
Intellectual, perceptive, and strategic, INTJs are the octopuses of the deep. Octopuses are known for their problem-solving skills and independence, much like INTJs who excel at mastering complex systems and thinking outside the box.
Why You’re an Octopus: Your brain is your superpower, and you’re always plotting your next brilliant move—quietly, efficiently, and with unparalleled precision.
INTP: Owl
Original, aloof, and philosophical, INTPs are the owls of the personality night sky. Owls are wise observers, taking in the world with thoughtful, analytical eyes. INTPs share this reflective nature, often lost in thought as they ponder life’s big questions.
Why You’re an Owl: You’re the sage of your friend group, dropping knowledge bombs while sipping tea in the corner, looking effortlessly mysterious.
ESFJ: Whale
Cooperative, devoted, and conscientious, ESFJs are the whales of the MBTI ocean. Whales are social creatures, known for their strong family bonds and nurturing nature. ESFJs, with their warm hearts and dedication to others, are the glue that holds communities together.
Why You’re a Whale: Your presence is calming, your loyalty is unmatched, and you’re always looking out for your pod.
ESTJ: Meerkat
Confident, organized, and social, ESTJs are the meerkats of the MBTI savanna. Meerkats are vigilant leaders, always on the lookout and coordinating their group with precision. ESTJs thrive in structured environments, where they can take charge and get things done.
Why You’re a Meerkat: You’re the friend who organizes group chats, plans road trips, and somehow keeps everyone alive on hiking adventures.
ISFJ: Elephant
Reliable, loyal, and principled, ISFJs are the elephants of the personality savanna. Elephants are known for their strong memories, deep familial bonds, and nurturing tendencies. ISFJs mirror this protective, dependable energy, always there when you need them most.
Why You’re an Elephant: You’re the keeper of traditions, the one who remembers birthdays, and the silent strength everyone relies on.
ISTJ: Ant
Dependable, productive, and meticulous, ISTJs are the ants of the MBTI world. Ants are hardworking, organized, and efficient—just like ISTJs who value responsibility, routine, and getting things done with precision.
Why You’re an Ant: You’re the MVP of every team, quietly crushing your to-do list while others are still figuring out where to start.
ESFP: Otter
Charming, energetic, and fun-loving, ESFPs are the otters of the personality river. Otters are playful, social, and always up for an adventure. ESFPs light up every room they enter, spreading joy and laughter like it’s their job (because, honestly, it kind of is).
Why You’re an Otter: You’re the life of the party, the spontaneous road trip instigator, and the friend who makes everything feel like an adventure.
ESTP: Beaver
Energetic, playful, and adaptive, ESTPs are the beavers of the MBTI landscape. Beavers are industrious, resourceful, and love solving practical problems—just like ESTPs who thrive in hands-on environments where they can build, create, and experiment.
Why You’re a Beaver: You’re a doer, not a talker. When life gives you lemons, you build a lemonade stand with Wi-Fi and solar panels.
ISFP: Panda
Spontaneous, gentle, and present, ISFPs are the pandas of the personality bamboo forest. Pandas are peaceful, laid-back, and effortlessly charming. ISFPs embrace life’s simple pleasures, finding beauty in the little things and living authentically in the moment.
Why You’re a Panda: You’re the cozy vibe personified, with a soft heart and an aesthetic Instagram feed to match.
ISTP: Honey Bee
Masterful, responsive, and constructive, ISTPs are the honey bees of the MBTI hive. Honey bees are industrious, precise, and vital to their communities. ISTPs bring this same energy, excelling in practical tasks, problem-solving, and living life on their own terms.
Why You’re a Honey Bee: You’re all about efficiency, independence, and creating sweet results from hard work.
Infographic design by Jessica Henry.
