Libra dogs: personality, quirks and how to love them

A Libra dog is born between 23 September and 22 October, under the air sign ruled by Venus, and they're the dog who wants everyone to get along. A Libra dog greets every visitor in turn, shares their attention fairly round the room and is happiest when the whole household is in one place, getting on.

The Libra twist is fairness. A Libra dog doesn't just love company: they keep a gentle count of who's had a fuss, and make sure nobody misses out.

Libra dog personality

You can spot a Libra dog by the way they look after the room.

• The fair hello. When guests arrive, a Libra dog visits each one in turn, a lean here, a wag there, and goes back to anyone they skipped.
• The peacemaker. Raised voices, even cheerful ones, bring a Libra dog trotting over to stand between the talkers with a hopeful wag, until everyone laughs.
• The shared toy. A Libra dog drops a ball between two people rather than at one person's feet, and looks from one to the other to see who'll play fair.
• The pretty spot. Ruled by Venus, a Libra picks the nicest place to lie: the patch of rug where the light falls softly, the cushion that matches, the view of the window.

Libra is a cardinal sign, so this isn't passive charm. A Libra dog actively arranges the social life of the house, one introduction at a time.

Libra dog quirks and habits

Why does my Libra dog greet everyone one by one?

Because leaving someone out would feel wrong. A Libra dog works the room like a good host, making a small, polite fuss of each person before they'll settle anywhere.

Why does my Libra dog look between us when we talk?

They're following the conversation, and keeping it balanced. A Libra dog's head turns from one speaker to the other like a spectator at a tennis match, and if one of you goes quiet, they'll nudge that person's hand.

Why does my Libra dog love walking with other dogs?

A Libra dog loves a group outing. A walk with a friend and their dog, side by side, is a Libra's idea of a perfect afternoon: company, conversation and someone new to sniff hello to.

Why does my Libra dog take ages to choose a stick?

Libra is the sign of the scales, and every decision deserves weighing. A Libra dog picks up one stick, puts it down, tries another, compares the two and finally carries off the first one, satisfied the choice was fair.

The tricky bit: a dog who hates leaving anyone out

A Libra dog's sense of fairness has a funny side. Stroke one dog in the park and your Libra will squeeze in for an equal share. Leave one person off the morning greeting round and they'll go off to find them. Start a game with only one of you playing and they'll keep running the ball over to whoever's watching. It isn't jealousy: a Libra dog simply believes everyone should get a turn, and they'll see to it themselves.

How to make a Libra dog happy

Libra dogs need company, gentle play and a harmonious home.

• Plan sociable walks. A regular stroll with a dog-walking friend gives a Libra dog the company they love most.
• Play games for two. Tug with a rope that has two handles, or fetch with two people taking turns to throw, is very Libra.
• Give them a lovely spot. A soft bed in the prettiest corner of the room, near where people gather, suits a Venus-ruled dog.
• Keep the house calm. A Libra dog is sensitive to the mood. A cheerful, easy atmosphere keeps their tail going.
• Include them in gatherings. When friends visit, let your Libra say hello properly. Shutting them away from the party is the one thing they'd mind.

Best matches for a Libra dog

Libra dogs get on best with the other air signs, Gemini and Aquarius, who bring the chatter, visitors and new ideas a Libra thrives on. The fire signs Leo and Sagittarius suit them too: warm, outgoing owners whose busy social lives give a Libra dog plenty of people to greet.

The wild card is Aries, Libra's opposite sign. An Aries owner charges ahead on the walk; a Libra dog wants to stop and say hello to everyone. Somewhere in between they meet in the middle, which is exactly where a Libra likes to be. See every owner sign on the Libra compatibility page.

Got another pet, or thinking of one? A Libra dog is usually the first to make friends, offering a toy and a polite sniff, and they'll share the sofa as long as the cuddles are shared too.

Famous Libra dogs

Bo, the Portuguese Water Dog who lived with the Obama family, was born on 9 October 2008: a Libra. He became a familiar face at the White House, posing for photos on the South Lawn, and in August 2013 he was joined by a second Portuguese Water Dog, Sunny. A sociable dog with a companion of his own is a very Libra arrangement. (Source: Wikipedia)

Libra dogs and Libra cats: two ways to keep the peace

A Libra dog spreads harmony round the room, a hello for everyone and a toy dropped fairly between two people. A Libra cat weighs up the room first, from the doorway, and makes everyone wait for their decision. Both want balance; the dog makes it, and the cat considers it.