Which animal ‘personality types’ match best?

(Photo by Everton Vila via Unsplash)

Americans believe that the ideal couple consists of a “golden retriever” and a “bear,” according to new research.

The survey of 2,000 Americans in a relationship looked at these social media–trending personality types, finding that the loyalty, affection, and optimism of the “golden retriever” type is attractive, along with the warm comfort and caring nature of the “bear” type.

The survey explored the age-old question: do opposites actually attract?

When presented with different animal “personality types,” respondents were asked to select the one that best represented themselves and their partner.

Respondents most commonly identified themselves as the “bear” (12%), “golden retriever” (11%) or “lion” (confident, passionate and protective) (9%).

The laws of attraction find that many tend to like people similar to themselves.

Still, warm “bears” (14%) and passionate “wolves” (deeply devoted, intense but desires space, too) (12%) also find themselves drawn to “dachshund” types (stubborn, curious and likes things done their way).

“Lions” also like “dolphins” (emotionally intelligent and empathetic) (11%), while “tortoises” (slow to open up but deeply committed once they do, steady and patient) enjoy the company of “siamese cat” types (vocal, opinionated, demands attention and gives it back) (10%).

The data, commissioned by LELO and conducted by Talker Research, revealed that regardless of personality type, respondents can’t get enough of their partner.

Two-thirds report being “very happy” in their relationship. The key to this? Taking the initiative to plan dates (32%), direct communication (47%) and consistent romantic gestures (50%) certainly help.

(Talker Research)

Some of the most uniquely loveable things about their significant other include “her kindness and humor,” “their undeniable resolve to never give up” and “how perceptive they are about situations.”

More respondents who have different personalities from their partner said that these differences only make them stronger than those who said their similarities are the key to their happy relationship (77% vs. 70%).

“Trust and intimacy are the foundations of a strong romantic relationship, so it's fascinating to see how different personalities navigate their unique tie,” said Luka Matutinovic, chief marketing officer at LELO. “Whether a couple thrives on their similarities or finds strength in differences, this survey confirms that a key to a happy relationship lies in quality communication and consistent romantic gestures. When you truly feel close to your partner, it creates a deep connection that opens space to explore each other's needs and desires more deeply.”

For one in six, it was love at first sight. More than half of respondents were head over heels before the 30-day mark (52%).

"Dachshunds" fall in love the fastest and “orange cats” (playful, energetic, yet intensely loving) take the longest.

Many are creatures of comfort, as the same percentage said that they and their partner enjoy PDA (36% each).

“Butterflies” (free-spirited, romantic and spontaneous) like PDA the most (58%), and “black cats” (independent, mysterious and selectively affectionate) are just the opposite (21%).

In public and at home, the average person loves spending nearly four hours a day with their partner before wanting alone time — although one in six never want time away (18%).

(Photo by Taryn Elliott via Pexels)

“Golden retrievers,” “rottweilers” (introverted, fiercely loyal and observant), “foxes” (witty, clever and charming) and "huskies" (dramatic, passionate and intensely loving but fiercely independent) especially don’t like being apart from their partner.

Regular “I love you”’s (88%), compliments (75%) and kisses (74%) also make for happy couples.

In their daily interactions, being told “I love you” is especially important to “butterflies” (96%), "dachshunds" (93%) and “lions” (92%), while “huskies” love being spoiled with compliments (83%).

If you’re looking for someone to shower you with love, “lions” (49%), “golden retrievers” (48%) and “wolves” (48%) are the most keen on giving affection instead of receiving it.

“Black cats” are the only type who are evenly split between being givers and receivers.

“Personality match is a powerful driver of sexual satisfaction in relationships,” said Luka Matutinovic. “It reflects that partners trust one another enough to openly communicate their needs and advocate for what makes them feel good. With the average person reporting nearly 80% compatibility with their partner, there is enough room to deepen the connection. And this is where we step in — by exploring together our innovative sex toy technology, couples can transform their intimate lives and strengthen their relationship.”

COUPLE “GOALS”

1. “Golden retriever” and “Bear” — fiercely loyal, affectionate, optimistic + warm, comforting, show love through care
2. “Bear” and “Lion” — warm, comforting, show love through care + confident, passionate and protective
3. “Bear” and “Dolphin” — warm, comforting, show love through care + emotionally intelligent and empathetic
4. “Lion” and “Dolphin” — confident, passionate and protective + emotionally intelligent and empathetic
5. “Golden retriever” and “Golden retriever” — fiercely loyal, affectionate, optimistic
6. “Golden retriever” and “Lion” — fiercely loyal, affectionate, optimistic + confident, passionate and protective
7. “Bear” and “Bear” — warm, comforting, show love through care
8. “Golden retriever” and “Dolphin” — fiercely loyal, affectionate, optimistic + emotionally intelligent and empathetic
9. “Golden retriever” and “Butterfly” — fiercely loyal, affectionate, optimistic + free-spirited, romantic, spontaneous
10. “Wolf and “Lion” — deeply devoted, intense but desires space, too + confident, passionate and protective

Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans in a relationship evenly split by introverts and extroverts who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by LELO and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between March 31 and April 8, 2026. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.