Enneagram Types as Animals

When I’m first introducing the nine Enneagram Types, I like to associate an animal with each type. While these types aren’t Enneagram official, they can help new students of the Enneagram remember each type.

So, what is your Enneagram animal type?


Enneagram Type 1 - The Bee

enneagram animals type archetype personality styles 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 bee dog fox cat owl meerkat monkey lion elephant haley coach

Just like the bee, an Enneagram 1 is hard-working, detail-oriented and focused.

Bees work systematically and consistently on their hives, making neat rows of perfectly shaped honeycomb.

They are active and extremely productive, and all about order and results.


Enneagram Type 2 - The Dog

enneagram animals type archetype personality styles 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 bee dog fox cat owl meerkat monkey lion elephant haley coach

Just like the dog, an Enneagram 2 is patient, loving and relational.

Dogs are warm, friendly and seek out affection.

The people in their life are their world.

Dogs have a tendency to be people-pleasing, sticking with those that they love no matter what.

They often sacrifice their own comfort in the hopes of attaining affection and appreciation.


Enneagram Type 3 - The Fox

enneagram animals type archetype personality styles 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 bee dog fox cat owl meerkat monkey lion elephant haley coach

Just like the fox, an Enneagram 3 is focused, ambitious and charming.

Foxes are clever and quick animals that adapt quickly.

They can use their charm to lure others in to achieve what they want.

They tend to be solitary animals that are constantly in motion. Beautiful and determined, they rely on their sharp minds and engaging personalities.


Enneagram 4 - The Cat

enneagram animals type archetype personality styles 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 bee dog fox cat owl meerkat monkey lion elephant haley coach

Just like the cat, an Enneagram 4 is perceptive, individualistic and moody.

Cats are intuitive and beautiful.

They often keep relationships on their own terms; they can be affectionate and playful one minute, or detached and independent the next.

They are very atune to their environment and spend a considerable amount of time on their grooming.


Enneagram Type 5 - The Owl

enneagram animals type archetype personality styles 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 bee dog fox cat owl meerkat monkey lion elephant haley coach

Just like the owl, a Enneagram 5 is wise, observant and enjoys solitude.

Owls represent wisdom, with an observant and watchful eye.

Both curious and cautious, they make thoughtful and intelligent decisions.

They can be withdrawn and mysterious, as they are comfortable with independence.

They can be easily overwhelmed, preferring to hunt at night when the chaos of the world has subsided.


Enneagram Type 6 - The Meerkat

enneagram animals type archetype personality styles 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 bee dog fox cat owl meerkat monkey lion elephant haley coach

Just like the meerkat, an Enneagram 6 is watchful, cautious and loyal.

Meerkats live in groups, watching over each other and remaining alert at all times.

They constantly scan the horizon for danger and will alert others when they feel threatened.

They are reliant on each other, working as a group to raise and protect their young.


Enneagram Type 7 - The Monkey

enneagram animals type archetype personality styles 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 bee dog fox cat owl meerkat monkey lion elephant haley coach

Just like the monkey, an Enneagram 7 is playful, curious and adventurous.

Monkeys are resourceful, social and mischievous.

They are constantly in motion, moving from one thing to the next and easily distracted.

They are social and talkative animals, that enjoy spontaneous fun.


Enneagram 8 - The Lion

enneagram animals type archetype personality styles 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 bee dog fox cat owl meerkat monkey lion elephant haley coach

Just like the lion, an Enneagram 8 is strong, protective and powerful.

Lions show extreme bravery and act as leaders in their pride.

They are not afraid of a challenge and fight with ferocity.

They can be very protective of their territory and young.

Lions have an array of facial expressions and body postures that command attention.


Enneagram Type 9 - The Elephant

enneagram animals type archetype personality styles 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 bee dog fox cat owl meerkat monkey lion elephant haley coach

Just like the Elephant, a Enneagram 9 is wise, steady and protective.

Elephants show extreme compassion for their young, and go to great lengths to protect the vulnerable - both inside and outside of their tribe.

They can be stubborn and unmoveable, but when they get going they bring strength and might.

 

Until next time,

Haley

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How to find your Enneagram Personality type