Do Our Pets Have Enneagram Types?

“Max? I think he’s a Type 6. He’s afraid of his own shadow and barks at the most random people on the street!”

“Luna? For sure she’s a Type 2. She wants to be friends with everyone in the neighborhood.” 

If you gather a pet-owning group of Enneagram enthusiasts together, you may experience that moment when people start discussing the Enneagram type of their pets. 

But is it fact or fiction? You’ll find staunch opinions on both sides of the spectrum. There are those who are convinced their pet has an Enneagram type and those who find it inconceivable that a personality system can be applied to the animal kingdom. Is it possible that our pets have personalities that align with Enneagram habits of attention? Let’s take a closer look.

Animals as emotional beings

If you live with an animal, you probably don't need to be convinced that your pet has emotions. You see your dog happy and excited when you return home, and you notice they may seem sad or depressed when you leave for the day. Your cat jumps up onto your lap and purrs while you work or cuddles with you when you are sick in bed. Personal experience is important, but for a more scientific perspective, let’s study the work of anthropologist Jane Goodall, the world's foremost expert on chimpanzees. 

Based on her work at the Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, Goodall published a 60-year study of social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees. She observed emotional acts such as hugs, kisses, pats on the back, and even tickling. She also observed aggression and violence, such as dominant female chimpanzees deliberately killing the young of other females in the troop to maintain their dominance. Goodall even observed a four-year Gombe Chimpanzee War between two communities of chimpanzees that seemed eerily human in how diabolical it was.

In an interview in 2021, Goodall confirmed, “I think it’s now generally accepted that we are not the only beings on the planet with personalities, minds, and emotions — that we are part of and not separated from the rest of the animal kingdom.”

What are they thinking?

Jane Goodall observed chimpanzees for over decades, but to find out what our pets might be thinking, I asked Jai Jamison of Wagtime Wisdom. Jai has been a professional animal communicator since 2009, and her work centers on acting as a translator between pets and their owners. 

“Animals definitely have feelings, thoughts, and personalities! They have emotional reactions to experiences, and they make choices regarding their likes, dislikes, and even opinions. 

For example, every cat who urinates outside the litter box isn't doing that for the exact same reason. Depending on their personality, one cat might be offended by the litter's chemical smell, while another might feel the location of the box isn't private enough, and another may be expressing her distress about the new kitten in the family. You might find it very surprising to know how colorful your pet’s internal world really is!”

On the question of whether or not animals have a clear habit of attention, Jai offers this insight, “When I intuitively connect with pets during an animal communication session, I immediately sense a distinct “signature energy” that is the essence of who they are.  This seems to support the concept that each specific animal, as well as person, is born into the world with a discernible habit of attention.  For example, some animals are natural-born dominant leaders and may overdo it with aggression at times. Others are born innately social. They seem to love everything including humans, other pets, and being alive. If animals didn't have personalities, you would be seeing the same traits and behaviors in all of them.”

Animals and the Enneagram

If animals have personalities, does it logically follow that they have Enneagram types? To go back to the foundation, it’s important to remember the Enneagram isn’t just about behavior. It is about a habit of attention. Behavior radiates from this attention bias, and since animals are emotional, it makes sense that different motivations may be driving their behavior. 

To confirm if your pet has an Enneagram type, you need to observe them closely and see what they pay attention to. Let’s explore what an Enneagram-type description for your pet might look like.

Type 1 Perfectionist: Household Rule-Enforcer

This is a pet that is very fussy about how their things are placed around them and very particular about how they want things done. They may have strong preferences about where their toys are, how they are walked, and what and how they eat. They may seem obsessive-compulsive about certain things. 

This is the cat who glares at you if their litter box isn’t freshly scooped or the dog who insists on sitting exactly on the designated blanket, never off it. Type 1 animals have a strong sense of “how things should be.” They may get frustrated when their routine is off or if another pet breaks the unspoken house rules. These pets seem tidy, proper, and oddly disciplined. They’re the ones who look like they’re judging you — and maybe they are.

• Signature move: Rearranging their bedding until it’s “just right.”

• Motivation: To keep order and maintain the “right” way of being.

• Ideal role: The rule-enforcer of the household.

Type 2 Giver: Emotional Support Animal

This is a pet that is very social and loving, instinctively understanding that they rely on others to get their needs met. Popular and friendly with the whole world, this is an animal that likes connecting with others. 

This is the dog who brings you their favorite toy and looks hurt if you don’t play with it. Or the cat who won’t leave your side when you’re sick. Type 2 pets live to connect. They seem to have an emotional radar, knowing just when someone needs affection. These animals seek love by giving it first — through cuddles, licks, tail wags, or meows that say “Notice me! I love you!”

• Signature move: Pressing their body against you when you're upset.

• Motivation: To feel needed and valued through connection.

• Ideal role: The emotional support animal (whether certified or not).

Type 3 Achiever: Pet Influencer 

This is a pet that is very competitive for attention and wants to be viewed as the top dog (or cat) in an environment. This is an animal who might excel at competitions and contests like agility or racing. They like to win. 

This is the show dog, the Instagram-famous cat, or the rabbit who seems to pose every time the camera’s out. Type 3 animals love to impress — whether through tricks, speed, agility, or just being incredibly cute and knowing it. They thrive on praise and recognition, and you may catch them looking around after doing something cool, checking to see if anyone noticed.

• Signature move: Dramatic zoomies after a successful fetch session.

• Motivation: To be admired and seen as successful.

• Ideal role: Pet influencer with brand deals.

Type 4 Individualist: Drama Floof 

This is a pet who is very sensitive and in tune with the moods of others. Highly intuitive and emotionally fragile, they can have a sixth sense when you need some support. 

This is the cat who stares dramatically out the window for hours or the sensitive dog who gets mopey when you forget their special bedtime ritual. Type 4 animals are expressive and often mysterious. They feel deeply and may respond strongly to changes in your tone or mood. These are the pets who feel like little souls in fur coats: moody, soulful, and deeply attuned.

• Signature move: Long, soulful eye contact.

• Motivation: To feel seen, special, and emotionally connected.

• Ideal role: Your artistic muse in animal form.

Type 5 Investigator: Snack Archivist 

This is a pet who guards their things and hides from others. This is a quiet, more reclusive pet who stays focused on basic elements of survival like food, water, shelter, and so forth. 

This is the lizard who watches everything from the corner of their tank, or the cat who vanishes for hours and emerges only to eat. Type 5 pets are observant and independent. They prefer solitude and may appear aloof, but it’s not personal, they just need space. These are the animals who hide their toys in secret stashes and silently study the world around them.

• Signature move: Disappearing during social events.

• Motivation: To conserve energy and stay self-sufficient.

• Ideal role: The wise hermit who always knows where the snacks are.

Type 6 Skeptic: Loyal Guard Dog 

This is a pet who seems anxious and fearful about a wide range of things. They may be deeply loyal to their family members but suspicious or guarded around strangers. This pet is often on alert. 

This is the dog who barks at every noise outside or the cat who freezes if someone new walks in the house. Type 6 animals are loyal, cautious, and tuned into their environment at all times. Once they trust you, they’ll love you forever, but gaining that trust can take time. They make excellent guard animals, not just for the home but for the emotional well-being of their humans too.

• Signature move: Strategic placement by the front door, just in case.

• Motivation: To stay safe and protect their people.

• Ideal role: The loyal sentry who's always on duty.

Type 7 Enthusiast: Chaos Captain 

This is a pet who seems bold, cheerful, and highly curious. This might be an adventurous animal who has lots of energy and who radiates a good mood.

This is the puppy who wants to play with every other dog at the park, or the parrot who squawks joyfully whenever someone walks by. Type 7 animals are energetic, optimistic, and easily bored. They want stimulation, novelty, and fun — and they want it now. These pets are full of personality and charm, often leading the charge in any group activity and getting into trouble simply because they’re curious.

• Signature move: Bouncing from one toy to the next at lightning speed.

• Motivation: To stay excited, happy, and stimulated.

• Ideal role: Party starter and chaos coordinator.

Type 8 Challenger: Alpha of the Pack

This is a pet who wants to be the alpha of the pack. Protective and dominant, this is an animal who can be strong-willed and determined. 

This is the pet who walks into a room like they own it (because they believe they do). Whether it’s a large dog asserting dominance or a tiny kitten picking fights with the big dog, Type 8 animals have presence. They’re assertive, bold, and protective of their territory and loved ones. They may test boundaries often, but not out of rebellion, more out of a desire to stay in control.

• Signature move: Standing between you and a perceived threat (even if it's a balloon).

• Motivation: To assert strength and protect the vulnerable.

• Ideal role: Alpha of the pack (at least in their own mind).

Type 9 Peacemaker: Resident Cuddle Buddy

This is a pet who is mellow, laid-back, unaggressive, and undemanding. This might be a low-maintenance animal who loves to sleep, eat, and lounge around.

This is the nap-loving cat who purrs in everyone’s lap or the dog who lies in the middle of the room to keep the peace. Type 9 animals are calm, easygoing, and conflict-averse. They dislike loud noises, tension, or anything that disrupts their peaceful vibes. These are the pets who love routine, cozy corners, and being near their people without making a fuss.

• Signature move: Sleeping through household drama.

• Motivation: To stay calm, connected, and undisturbed.

• Ideal role: Resident Zen master and cuddle buddy.

Case Studies

Emerson the Type 7 Cat 

I’m a pet owner myself, and one of the clearest cases of a pet aligning with an Enneagram type was my orange tabby cat named Emerson. He was found as a tiny kitten running along a highway in Northern California when a kind woman noticed him and picked him up. He immediately began purring and purred almost nonstop for his whole life. 

Emerson was bold, fearless, curious, and always in a good mood. I moved him from San Francisco to Athens, Greece, and it took him less than a day to integrate with his new surroundings. This was in stark contrast to his cat brother Milo who took three months to relax and explore his new environment.

Emerson’s brain didn’t process negative information. He caught on fire one winter day because he got too close to a space heater, but he didn’t even notice. Nothing phased him. I’m sure he was an Enneagram Type 7 – bold, curious, adaptable, and cheerful. He fit the personality style to a T, and his habit of attention did seem to gravitate to the new and the positive.

Loni’s Three Australian Shepherds 

Jai offered her own personal example from her client named Loni.

“Loni came to me for a reading with her three Australian Shepherds. Keep in mind, these are all the same breed and are actually from the same litter. And yet they have very different personality traits! 

Silas is task-driven with intense herding behaviors - he nips at Loni's heels when she walks up her stairs. Could he be a Type 1 focused on getting things right? 

The second dog’s energy-level is several notches lower. Cleo is active but not driven, a happy girl who loves to go in the car to new places. Could she be a Type 7 seeking new experiences? 

And the third sibling, Bruce, is especially sensitive to feelings. When Loni is sad or upset, Bruce looks at her with concerned eyes and snuggles up to comfort her.  I wonder if he is a Type 4 as he is very connected to the emotional world. 

Loni loves all her dogs and is learning to treat each one based on their very separate needs. Knowing their Enneagram Types might assist her in an even greater understanding.”

A final word

We may not ever be able to say with 100% certainty that our pets have Enneagram types, but if you suspect yours do, start observing them carefully to see if you can notice where their attention goes. It might just bring your relationship with your furry companion to a whole new level.