If you’re more of a leader than a follower, with a strong will, likely you’re an Aries. Aries being the god of war is a sign of strength. Although the typical Aries can be somewhat aggressive at times, they are still natural-born leaders. Both capable and strong, the Aries commands respect. And the best dog breeds for an Aries? Well, let’s just find out.
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Some Useful Definitions In This Article
- Astronomy – the scientific study of celestial objects and all phenomena which occurs outside of the Earth’s atmosphere
- Astrology – the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world
- Constellation – a group of stars forming a recognizable pattern that is typically named after the apparent form or figure the pattern is recognized as appearance similar to.
- Equinoctial – another term for the celestial equator, an imaginary alignment imagined as a disk projecting outward, from our Sun, through our Earth and beyond into the heavens.
- Precession – the slow movement of the axis of a spinning body around another axis. In the case of Earth, the geographic north pole wanders around in a circle which takes about 26, 000 years to complete one cycle. Think of it like a top, a top never spins perfectly straight but the tip can wander in circles, so to speak.
- Zodiac – the belt of the sky within about eight degrees of the ecliptic which is divided into twelve regions. The position of the sun relative to the Earth at the time of your birth determines the sign or region of the zodiac, that will be yours for life.
Aries Snapshot
- Astrological Symbol: The ram.
- Element: Fire
- Dates: March 21 – April 19
- Planets: Mars
- Characteristics: strong, determined, aggressive, energetic, ambitious
How The Zodiac Works
When you hear someone ask ‘What’s your sign?’, you know they are referring to the zodiac. Or rather, the zodiac sun sign that was in alignment with the Sun and Earth at the time of a person’s birth.
As you can see in the above graphic, the heavens were once divided into twelve regions. Each region had its own constellation, imagined as a figure or animal of some kind.
The way the zodiac and the signs work is as follows. When you are born, the Earth is in a certain position around the Sun, as it circles our star in its orbit. And we can track that position by looking at the stars in the background.
The Sun sign which you know as your ‘sign’ is the section of the zodiac which aligns with the Sun, from the vantage point of the Earth, at the time of your birth.
The stars in the sky, forming the constellations is not exactly a new idea. Ancient peoples used these stars as an ancient compass. The constellations were a way to navigate.
Today, the western zodiac uses what is known as the Tropical Zodiac. This tropical zodiac is in alignment with the equinoctial points. These two points are the two times a year when the center of our Sun aligns with our own Earth’s equator.
In fact, each person (and dog of course) has more than just a Sun sign. We each also have a moon sign and a sign for each planet. These signs are determined again by where the zodiac was aligned with the particular celestial body, at the time of your birth. Or at the time of your dog’s birth, depending on whose horoscope you are trying to determine.
A Little Zodiac History (Western Zodiac)
So, I mentioned earlier how the first use of constellations was for navigation. This use can be traced back to ancient Sumeria. And there is some pretty compelling evidence to suggest they were the first to really utilize the stars as a means of navigation. That and to attribute pictures to the groups of stars in the heavens to better remember and likely also to aid in teaching to others.
The first evidence we see that the constellations of the zodiac were from Sumeria is the fact that the constellations of the zodiac are all northern constellations. That is to say, they would only be visible to those in the northern hemisphere. And if we look at the way ancient people drew these constellations, it tells us their perspective was from about 36.5 degrees.
The second and also compelling evidence has to do with the orientation of the original constellations. You see, over the years as our planet continues to spin and orbit our Sun, the Sun also moves within a cluster of stars. And all the while our galaxy is also moving and spinning. With this constant multi-layered movement, the heavens above appear to shift and change. Not only do the stars change day by day, depending on the Earth’s spin, but they also move around on longer-term scales as well.
Compelling Evidence Explains Reality – Tonight At 6!
With that being said, we can estimate from the oldest of drawings of the constellations, that their origin would have been about 36.5 degrees and about 2,900 BC. That places it right where civilization was at the time which would have been Sumeria, now modern-day Iran and Iraq.
The ancient people of Sumeria likely only used the constellations for navigation, as mentioned. It wasn’t until about the first millennium that the idea took hold that the stars might affect us personally. This belief grew and over time the shift of the zodiac as a means of transportation navigation into a means of divination took hold. And why not? If our Sun gave the Earth life and feeds its life with energy every day, then it could, by all means, affect us, right?
After all, gravity holds us here on Earth and stops us from floating into space. Why couldn’t other planets and alignments also affect us in more subtle ways?
Aries Traits And Characteristics
Aside from the odd bit of aggression, an Aries person is typically strong and determined. They usually have a powerful will and can not often be swayed by others. The Aries person tends to be energetic and is often ambitious.
With these traits in mind (less the aggression of course), I’ve searched for the best dog breeds suited to the Aries personality.
Some of these dog breeds are similar to an Aries in their own demeanor. Others are more of the opposite. That is to say, those which are not similar are often opposing but complementary. This is true with how the term ambitious is thought of.
An Aries is ambitious in that they are driven and strong-willed people. However, when it comes to a dog breed being well-suited for someone of this personality archetype, the dog would need to be more submissive than dominant. The dog would need to be ambitious but in a different way. When it comes to dogs, I take ambition to be the drive to perform their masters will successfully. A dog that follows commands of its master is one that will do well with the natural leader within the Aries person.
Dog Breeds That Are Strong And Determined
Just as the Aries person is strong and determined, likewise with the Aries respect these traits in others. And the dog breed best for an Aries would be no exception. We wouldn’t want an Aries to be constantly let down by their dog dragging their heels or being too indecisive. Nay, an Aries is strong, proud and determined. Dogs with similar traits tend to do well with Aries people.
Border Collie
The Border Collie is the quintessential worker. These dogs were bred for it. They love it. And they are strong-willed and determined to get their job done. Originally bred for herding sheep, this breed is highly intelligent and a natural at taking on a job head-on.
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a strong and determined guard dog breed. These dogs are perceptive and intelligent, always alert and ready to spring into action. Their determination to be aware of every detail of their surroundings is what makes them such an excellent guard dog. And this makes them a great candidate for an Aries personality.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is an amazing and determined dog breed. The police here in Canada even have them on the force. The strength, intelligence, and ease of training these large dogs make them not only a great working dog but also a great dog for an Aries. As long as you have the time to give them so their intelligent minds don’t wander into trouble, the German Shepherd is an excellent dog to add to your family.
Labrador Retriever
Did you know that Labrador Retrievers are a loyal and hard-working dog breed? They are a bit more playful than the German Shepherd but are no less capable of following orders, especially if it has to do with retrieving a duck or other fowl for you.
When properly trained from a young age, these dogs are obedient and have been known to be quite patient, especially when it comes to children as well as other animals. This gives them an extra bonus for adding to a family, as the Labrador Retriever is so tolerant of kids.
Rottweiler
Another dog of high caliber guarding and watching abilities, the Rottweiler. These large and tough dogs have a strong will and they can sometimes be quite dominant. Often using their weight and stature to push their way through, the Rottweiler is often quite bold, if not somewhat imposing.
This strength of character and pure confidence is a trademark trait of the Aries. This dog breed you might think had been created by Aries himself.
Dog Breeds That Are Energetic
Dog breeds that are energetic do well with Aries people. The energy of an Aries is often unmatched, so the breed of dog must be able to keep up with the Aries.
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a highly energetic and even quite playful dog. These dogs were bred for herding sheep and have no problem working long hours running around after the livestock. And they are super friendly, independent, intelligent and confident dogs that can tolerate a bit of alone time better than most. That is, as long as they get an equal amount of exercise and mental work out as well.
These highly trainable dogs are a fantastic work dog. They are beautiful, graceful and loyal. Add their high intelligence and energy, and these dogs can keep up with any Aries person.
Border Collie
Once again, the Border Collie makes our list. As mentioned, these dogs are really hard workers. They love nothing more than to be given a job that they can fulfill. And the energy they have to tend to their tasks is seemingly endless. These intelligent and energetic dogs require a lot of activity, both mentally and physically. This makes the Border Collie an excellent companion to a high energy Aries person.
Jack Russell Terrier
If you’ve seen the movie The Mask, then you know the Jack Russell terrier is not afraid of the big screen. These spunky and energetic dogs were originally bred for hunting. They were known to go down into a fox hole and literally drag the fox out of its own den. These little mini bulls of muscle love nothing more than to charge after a squirrel or a cat for that matter.
With regard to energy, these little dogs can pack a punch. They’ve got lots of energy, especially if it means playtime.
Siberian Husky
When it comes to stamina and energy, few compare to the Siberian Husky. This dog was bred to run. And run. And run. Just imagine the harsh arctic life these dogs were bred in. To hunt, to pull a dog sled for hours and hours, carrying sometimes hundreds of pounds. And these dogs lived for it.
In urban settings keeping up with a Husky can be a challenge. It will take the strength of Aries himself if you think you can keep up with these dogs running. So, make sure you always keep them on a leash or within a fenced-in dog park. Huskies have been known to take off and run for miles.
Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle is another of the higher energy dogs. These dogs are incredibly intelligent and really love to play. Their ability to learn is almost profound. The Poodle is capable of being a loving family member as well as a keen watchdog.
Due to the Poodles intelligence, the dog breed is easy to train which makes them that much better suited to the Aries archetype.
Dog Breeds That Are Ambitious
When I say a dog is ambitious, what I mean is that the dog really wants to please its master. This type of dog will do well with an Aries. Being a natural leader, an Aries would not necessarily want a dog that is also a leader. Rather, an Aries may just do best with a dog that wants to follow, or in other words, wants to be led.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog, originally from Switzerland, is another incredible dog breed. Once they have finished their adolescence, these dogs become quite sensitive and are not only laid back but also incredibly loyal and devoted. This ambition to follow their human and do their bidding would take them to the ends of the Earth itself. And that’s why the Bernese Mountain Dog gets a spot on our list here today.
Border Collie
And of course, I just couldn’t leave the Border Collie out of this list. These dogs are so ambitious, they love to complete their jobs for you. They are the perfect working dog, bred for over a century to be ultimate herding and working dogs, the Border Collie is one of the most ambitious working dogs there is.
Boxer
The Boxer is yet another amazing and ambitious dog breed. These dogs make excellent additions to any family. They are loyal, loving and quite affectionate. They strive to please and do their owners bidding and love nothing more than doing some tricks for some well deserved praise.
Strong and energetic, the Boxer is another fine dog breed that would suit the true Aries archetype. They match many qualities of the Aries including energy level, confidence, and intelligence. The Boxer is a fine choice for an Aries with a family too.
Havanese
The Havanese are little balls of curious affectionate energy. They are highly ambitious and want nothing more than to please everyone around (and thus be the center of attention). They are playful, intelligent and train easily. The only downside to these little fluff balls of love is that they can sometimes be a bit vocal.
If Aries is your zodiac sign, or even if it isn’t, the Havanese dog breed is an excellent choice to add to your family.
Shetland Sheepdog
Back in Scotland in the 1800s emerged this highly trainable dog, the Shetland Sheepdog. As the name suggests, the breed was originally bred to help with small livestock. They are a beautiful and highly intelligent dog breed.
Along with being beautiful and highly intelligent, the Shetland Sheepdog is also very sensitive and eager to please. These ambitious dogs love nothing more than to do what they are told and to do it proudly. They are an excellent candidate for any Aries household if you ask me.
Best Overall Dog Breed For Aries
Border Collie is the breed that seems to best suit the archetype of Aries. They are hard-working, eager to learn and to please, strong and determined and energetic. These dogs fare the burden of being fantastic dogs, a true companion to an Aries archetype.
The only downside to this dog breed, if there are any that is, is that they aren’t the friendliest with strangers. The Border Collie is also known to be difficult with other pets, sometimes even aggressive. They like to stare down and even chase other animals, which doesn’t suit other dogs or cats well if they aren’t raised together since very young.
The Border Collie is an excellent and loyal dog and well suited for Aries personalities. Well, let’s be honest, the Border Collie is such an amazing breed, they are likely to get along with a lot more than just those who are Aries.
Bibliography
- Main Image By DarkWorkX
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zodiac
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrology#Principles_and_practice
- Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds – D. Caroline Coile, PH. D, Third Edition, Barron’s Educational Services Inc., 2015.
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