Dogs are man’s best friend. Is it because of their loyalty and intelligence or maybe because they’re the first animal man hand-reared? Regardless, dogs are the closest animal to man. We even impart some of our characteristics to our canine friends. Like wrestlers, dogs can be tough on the outside but softies on the inside. They can be weird looking, fun, aggressive, silly, and brave.
With that in mind here are 30 wrestlers and the dog breed that perfectly matches them. Some of these are based on looks, some on personality. We’ll use the handy guide from the American Kennel Club to help flesh out the descriptions. All of them will make you want to find your favorite wrestler and tell them what a Good Boy (or Girl) they are!
First, a big beast who is kinda cuddly once you get to know him.
[tps_title]Brock Lesnar – Mastiff[/tps_title]
Contrary to what you may think, bigger dogs are usually the most docile and friendly of all breeds. This is on purpose. They were bred to be around cattle and protect herds. As such, they have an easy-going but protective nature. They’ll stay out of your way – but mess with their charges, and you’ll get some!
That just about nails Brock Lesnar. As big and intimidating as he looks, the Beast Incarnate is a laid back guy who’d rather be on his farm working hard. Much like a Mastiff, Brock can be loving if he’s close to you. But step out of line, and you’ll get smashed.
From one friendly pupper to the most friendly of doggos!
[tps_title]John Cena – Labrador[/tps_title]
From AKC: “gentle, intelligent and family-friendly.”
Forget “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect” – John Cena is best described as “gentle, intelligent, and family-friendly.”
[tps_title]Samoa Joe- Bulldog[/tps_title]
From AKC: “the Bulldog is known to be equable, resolute and dignified.”
I would say Joe is less of the slobbering wheezy inbred modern bulldog and more of a stocky beast that would rip you limb-from-limb.
From a scrappy dog to a big monster!
[tps_title]Braun Strowman – Bull Mastiff[/tps_title]
Big and scary but a bit of a softy once you get to know him. Braun plays a literal monster on TV, but in real life, he seems to be a fun-loving guy who loves interacting with fans and shooting guns out in the backwoods of North Carolina.
[tps_title]Becky Lynch – Beagle[/tps_title]
Via AKC: “Not only are Beagles excellent hunting dogs and loyal companions, but they are also happy-go-lucky, funny, and—thanks to their pleading expression—cute.”
Dependable and loyal and funny and oh so cute! Becky is always going to be down for a frolic or a wild pun!
Let’s move onto another FABULOUS female Superstar!
[tps_title]Carmella – Afghan Wolfhound[/tps_title]
A lot of these are just going to be because of the near-exact matching looks. Who has the better flowing blonde locks? Gonna have to go with the Afghan Wolfhound on this one.
[tps_title]Big E – Newfoundland[/tps_title]
“He is large and strong, possessing a heavy coat to protect him from icy waters.”
On WWE’s video game Youtube channel Big E’s nickname is “Big Wool.” Big E is both strong and fluffy and one of the most affectionate WWE Superstars.
[tps_title]Dean Ambrose – Recently Escaped From High Kill Shelter Mutt[/tps_title]
Is there anyone on the roster who has the look and feel of a mangy mutt more than the Lunatic Fringe? Ambrose has had a rough life and been through the wringer. Before he came to WWE, he made his living working in “death matches” that involved fluorescent light tubes, dog collars, and beds of nails.
Our next pup is the most STYLIN’ and PROFILIN’ of them all.
[tps_title]Ric Flair – Poodle[/tps_title]
Rolex Wearin’, Golden Bone Chewin’, Kiss Stealin’, Prancing Preenin’! WOOOO!
Seriously, the most flamboyant and fabulous wrestler of all time has to be a poodle. This isn’t a knock on the Nature Boy either. Despite their reputation, poodles are hard workers.
“The Poodle, though often equated to the beauty with no brains, is exceptionally smart, active and excels in obedience training.”
Let’s move onto a dog that is a little happier and a bit more willing to hug you!
[tps_title]Bayley – Collie[/tps_title]
“Strong, loyal, affectionate, responsive and fast.”
Bayley is a family and kid favorite for a reason. She’s a hard worker and affectionate. You just want to hug her forever and frolic through a field with her!
Let’s move on to one of Bayley’s friends who is a bit tougher breed.
[tps_title]Sasha Banks – Doberman[/tps_title]
.”..muscular and possesses great endurance and speed. (S)He is elegant in appearance and reflects great nobility and temperament.”
Only a boss dog for the Boss. And of course, this is the dog that Banks’ cousin Snoop Dogg turns into in the “WHO AM I (WHATS MY NAME)” music video.
[tps_title]Seth Rollins – Belgian Malinois[/tps_title]
Malinois are considered one of the most intelligent dogs; some would say they’re the “Architects” of the dog world. (No one would say that.) Indeed here we’re looking for a dog that has a mix of colors and is also very athletic and smart. Rollins is not Belgian as far as I know.
Let’s move from herding back to the hound group.
[tps_title]AJ Styles – Bluetick Coonhound[/tps_title]
Just two good boys who are always working hard and hunting for that big trophy! Both AJ and a coonhound are good boys with floppy hair (ears) who are impressively and deceptively athletic. Coonhounds get better with age too, just like AJ!
Next up, a dog that you see everywhere. Maybe a bit too much.
[tps_title]Roman Reigns – Labradoodle[/tps_title]
Popular, a hybrid of a bunch of different styles and breeds. This is his yard because he seems to like everyone – and he’s hypoallergenic!
The hair and the country of origin are just too perfect on this one!
[tps_title]Sheamus – Irish Water Spaniel[/tps_title]
I don’t know about temperament, but the hair and the nationality is pretty spot on. Why do all Irish dogs have to have some hint of red in their coats?
Next up, a short (no-haired) pup who works hard! [tps_title]Cesaro – Boxer[/tps_title]
You thought we’d go with St. Bernard, didn’t you? Well, surprise. We went with a boxer. Here’s what the AKC has to say about the breed:
“Their muscles ripple beneath their short, tight-fitting coat. The dark brown eyes and wrinkled forehead give the face an alert, curious look. Boxers move like the athletes they’re named for: smooth and graceful, but powerful.”
That fits Cesaro to a T! Jacked, athletic, powerful, graceful. He’s got it all!
[tps_title]Luke Harper -Kerry Blue Terrier[/tps_title]
Wild hair and a beard. The Kerry Blue is big and strong, just like Harper. And much like the Kerry, Harper can do just about anything.
“Intelligent and game, the Kerry Blue Terrier is truly an all-purpose dog.”
Let’s take a look at Harper’s tag partner next. This dog looks just a tad different.
[tps_title]Erick Rowan – Dogue De Bourdeaux[/tps_title]
Bald-headed and red! The dogue is “courageous but not aggressive” which reminds me of that brief time when Rowan was a good guy who enjoyed poetry and making wine.
We saved the wildest looking dog for the most savage looking wrestler next!
[tps_title]Bray Wyatt – Bergamasco[/tps_title]
I mean, this one just speaks for itself. The two don’t share personality traits. The Bergamasco is a sheepdog eager to please humans. Bray seems content on only pleasing Sister Abigail.
And like Bray’s hair, the Berga’s hair takes time to develop.
“… unique characteristic is its coat, which contains “dog hair,” “goat hair” and “wool” that combine to form black or gray felt-like mats. The mats grow over the course of the dog’s life, reaching the ground at approximately six years of age.”
We found another GORGEOUS and bizarre dog, for the Bizarre One himself.
[tps_title]Goldust – Borzoi[/tps_title]
A bizarre hound stalks the grounds. He looks like the mix of a llama, a Great Dane, and a miniature horse. He defines explanation and contemporary. Sounds like Goldust to me.
Next up is a dog from a small Eastern European country who will CRUSH YOU (with kisses)
[tps_title]Rusev -KARAKACHAN [/tps_title]
There’s a national dog of Bulgaria? Yes! Just like every day is Rusev Day, in hills of Bulgaria, every day is KARAKACHAN DAY! The Karakachan is a fierce protector who will do what it must to protect its folk. Rusev does what we must to win a match! MACHKA!
Next up, WELL IT’S THE BIG DOG!!!
[tps_title]Big Show – Great Pyrenees [/tps_title]
BIG (PAUL) Wight. Yes, a big white dog for the Big Show (whose real name IS Paul Wight). Like the Pyrenees, Big Show is cuddly, sometimes fluffy and a big shedder (or crier in Show’s case).
Just another dog who looks menacing but is just a big ball of hugs and rainbows.
Do you agree with our picks? Did we leave our your favorite dog or wrestler? Share your thoughts in the comments below.