Did you know, that when you sign up to HarryPotter.com, not only can you find out what your Patronus is, but also what it could mean? Yes, whether it’s a tiny wood mouse or an enormous Erumpent – discover what that may say about you!
With so many wonderful personalities reflected in nearly 150 possible Patronuses, there are some animal guardians that more people seem to gravitate towards. Out of them all, these were the ones to make the top 10 – can you spot yours on this list?
10th: Basset Hound – Short but Mighty
Known for their impeccable sense of smell, this hound may have little legs, but lots of stamina. As with many dog breeds, the basset hound is steadfastly loyal and playful. Just what you need for a Patronus.
While the basset hound sits at number nine for Ravenclaw, and 10 for Gryffindor, it doesn’t creep into the Slytherin or Hufflepuff list of most popular Patronuses.
9th: Black and White Cat – Perfectly Charming
Cats are affectionate, instinctive and unpredictable. Your particular cat Patronus is black and white – sometimes known as 'tuxedo cats'. Despite this dignified look, your cat Patronus should fiercely protect you from all dangers.
Mirroring the overall ranking, this dapper Patronus is ninth for Gryffindor. At number 10, it is less commonly found in Ravenclaw but takes seventh place for Hufflepuff. Curiously, you’re much less likely to come across a Slytherin with this Patronus – it’s the 47th most popular!
8th: Hedgehog – Cute but Prickly
These adorable mammals may look cute, but if they sense danger, their spikes are no match for their foes. Their natural inclination towards protection makes this a brilliant Patronus for you.
The humble hedgehog’s place remains the same for both Gryffindor and Ravenclaw but is 10th for Slytherin. However, they haven’t quite scrambled their way into the Hufflepuff list.
7th: St Bernard Dog – Loyal Roots
This dog is as loving and affectionate as it is huge and strong. However, despite their patient natures, they will fiercely protect their family members. Your Patronus teaches you to look after your tribe no matter what.
This lovable dog is slightly more popular with Hufflepuff and Gryffindor – taking fifth and sixth place. It is the seventh most common Patronus in Ravenclaw but isn’t part of the Slytherin top 10.
6th: Weasel – Savvy and Sleek
The nimble weasel is often depicted in culture as being a wily old thing. As someone with this Patronus, perhaps it speaks to your intelligent and perceptive nature? It also happened to be Arthur Weasley’s Patronus, so you’re in excellent company.
Although known to be the Patronus of a well-loved Gryffindor, it’s actually the third most popular in Slytherin. It doesn’t quite make the Hufflepuff top 10 but is sixth for Ravenclaw and seventh for Gryffindor.
5th: Nebelung Cat – Affectionate Ally
These pretty grey cats have lovely long fur and wonderfully affectionate natures. They’re also persistent if they want another cuddle or if they want to play – especially with their favourite human. A loyal and loving Patronus.
This purrfect pal also takes the fifth spot for Ravenclaw but is slightly higher for Gryffindor and Hufflepuff at number four. It is less common in Slytherin – breaking into the top 20 rather than 10.
4th: Fox – Stealthy and Shrewd
Foxes are a widely known symbol of cunning and stealth. Highly adaptable, your Patronus has the ability to thrive anywhere. Interestingly, this wily creature happened to be the Patronus of Harry’s classmate, Seamus Finnigan: so you're in good company.
The fox Patronus is favoured by Slytherin and Ravenclaw, taking second and third place (with their wily natures we totally get it). Although lower on the list, it is still quite common with those in Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, sitting in fifth and eighth place.
3rd: Manx Cat – Gorgeous and Gregarious
These furballs are known for their lack of tail, not that it bothers them. They are playful, sociable, devoted to their friends but wary of strangers. As your Patronus, this feline protector will be your perfect champion.
At number eight, this is the only cat to feature in the Slytherin top 10! It’s much more popular with the other houses – fourth for Ravenclaw, third for Hufflepuff and second for Gryffindor.
2nd: Tonkinese Cat – Classy Character
This feline breed is rather distinctive and known for their beauty. Looks aside, they are often very playful characters, able to jump at great heights and cause all manner of mischief. Such joy is a wonderful thing for your Patronus.
You won’t find it on the Slytherin list, but this charming cat is on the others – third for Gryffindor and second for both Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw.
1st: Dolphin – Instinctive and Intuitive
Playful, intelligent and not forgetting chatty, dolphins are a rather joyful animal. As a social creature, they often swim in a pod with their fellow dolphins, always making a big splash. Your Patronus will surely be a friend for life!
No matter the house, the playful dolphin took the top spot as the most popular Patronus – you have more in common than you think!
What about the Hogwarts houses?
As both your house and your Patronus reflect your personality, we’re not surprised to see that different houses find themselves drawn to different animals.
Interestingly, all the most popular Patronuses are found in the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw rankings – though the order is a little different.
Yet, the story isn’t the same when it comes to Hufflepuff and Slytherin. In fact, only half make the Slytherin top 10 – turns out they’re much less keen on cats!
So, which Patronuses do these houses gravitate towards? Let’s see…
Slytherin
9th: Buzzard – Visionary Voyager
This bird of prey likes to glide and soar through the sky using its dark-tipped wings, hunting down dinner. Buzzards have a diverse palate and know how to conserve their energies. Does your Patronus' no-nonsense attitude resonate with you?
This Patronus is found nowhere near as often with the other houses – it’s number 68 in Hufflepuff! It is slightly higher in Gryffindor in 53rd in place and 43rd for Ravenclaw.
7th: Magpie – Sociable Collector
These birds are most known for being collectors of shiny objects (very Niffler coded). They’re also social and chatter to each other. Interestingly, Fred and George both had this Patronus, which complements their personalities.
At number 85 on Hufflepuff’s list, it seems the Patronuses that call to them are very different to the ones favoured by Slytherin. Again, there are slightly more in Gryffindor and Ravenclaw – taking the 50th and 45th spots.
6th: Wild Rabbit – Bright-eyed Bouncer
The humble rabbit is a gregarious creature, often found working together in groups. Despite being a relatively mild-mannered animal, they have clever survival methods. After all: there’s a quiet ferocity in gentleness.
This Patronus is more than a hop away when it comes to the other houses, sitting at number 30 for Gryffindor and Ravenclaw and 49 for Hufflepuff.
5th: White Swan – Graceful Guardian
With their stunning white feathers, swans are known for their elegance and poise. Yet, they are not afraid to fiercely protect their own. Famously loyal to their partner, let this Patronus teach you the value of grace and strength!
Interestingly, this Patronus is just outside of the top 10 for Ravenclaw and Gryffindor in 14th and 16th place. It is much further down Hufflepuff’s list at number 44.
4th: Eagle – Swift and Mighty
These large birds of prey fly through the sky on their enormous wings. They also happen to be very loyal. Can you see yourself reflected in this magnificent creature’s trustworthy nature?
Although it is the symbol of Ravenclaw, it is only 39th in terms of popularity among that house. This is still higher than 42nd for Gryffindor and 79th for Hufflepuff!
Hufflepuff
10th: White Stallion and 9th: White Mare – Triumphant Steed
The white mare/stallion is known to be highly intelligent, with a long-standing relationship with humans. White horses have become mythologised in many cultures, often portrayed as a 'saviour' figure – which is quite fitting for a Patronus, wouldn't you say?
While the white mare takes 25th and 22nd place for Gryffindor and Ravenclaw and the stallion sits at number 24 and 21, it is nowhere near as common in Slytherin. The white stallion is 69th and the mare is 70th.
6th: Siberian Cat – Fluffy and Fearless
Robust, clever and with a mane that can only be described as majestic, Siberian cats may appear imposing but are really softies who love a cuddle. Perhaps their intelligence, strength and loyalty reflect something of your own nature?
This Patronus is not too far from the Ravenclaw top 10 at number 11 and is number 17 for Gryffindor. Once again, Slytherin prove they aren’t too keen on cats, as this Patronus takes 48th place.
Don’t see your Patronus here? Perhaps that’s because yours is one of the rarest… watch this space as we reveal the more elusive guardians next week.
If you are yet to discover what your animal guardian might be, you can find that out right here.
