What are the most popular Patronuses belonging to Wizarding World fans? What are the rarest? Which ones do we secretly wish we had? Just like Hermione, we’ve done our research, so we wanted to share the results, as well as explore what your Patronus might say about you…

Five favourites from the top ten

Most popular: dolphin

It’s a good thing that dolphins are the most common Patronus form, because they’re friendly, sociable mammals! They live in pods, communicate in squeaks, whistles and clicks and are incredible playful creatures. If you have a dolphin as a Patronus, perhaps it matches your own extroverted personality? If that doesn’t sound like you, maybe deep down you’re more outgoing than you thought…

Tonkinese cat

There are no fewer than six types of cat in the top twenty, but the one that came in second to the dolphin was the Tonkinese cat. It’s no real surprise that cats were amongst the most common Patronus types; according to J.K. Rowling ‘it is usual for a Patronus to take the form of an animal commonly found in the caster’s native country’. A Tonkinese cat Patronus might indicate that you’re a curious and loving person. This breed delights in playing games, unlike lazier cats, and is very generous with their affection.

Fox

Following the felines, the fox slinks into fifth place. Foxes are cunning, resourceful and fiercely intelligent – remind you of anything? That’s right – we wouldn’t be surprised if some members of Slytherin house find themselves with a fox Patronus. Foxes are also highly adaptable and can live in many diverse habitats around the world. If deep down you’re channelling the fox, you’ll likely have resilience in spades.

St Bernard

The sixth most popular Patronus is a type of dog. Like cats, there are quite a few friendly canines in the top twenty, but the St Bernard comes out top dog. A gentle giant, the St Bernard reminds us a little of Rubeus Hagrid in nature. Apart from its size, this breed has become well known for performing search and rescue, saving lives in the mountains. You’re likely to have bravery with a St Bernard as your Patronus, as well as a big heart – even if you don’t wear it on your sleeve.

Hedgehog

This prickly customer just makes it into the top ten. Hedgehogs hibernate in cold climates, so if your Patronus takes this form it might be that you’d rather curl up under a blanket than take on the winter chill. Personality-wise, these critters may look cute but they’ve got a hard edge when it comes to defending themselves. Perhaps you have hidden depths to your personality if this is your Patronus. One thing’s for sure though, we wouldn’t mind having this spiky Patronus on our side against a Dementor.

Still curious about whether your Patronus made it into the top 20? Scroll to the bottom to find out!

A handful of rarities

Unicorn

A magical form of Patronus is very uncommon, and the unicorn is one of the rarest on our list. According to Newt Scamander, the unicorn ‘is a pure white, horned horse when fully grown’. They generally avoid human contact, so a unicorn Patronus might indicate shyness in a personality as well as an air of mystery. Although it doesn’t follow that a magical Patronus is more powerful than any other, it may reflect an ‘unusual personality’.

Snowy owl

Given their prominence in the wizarding world, you might think that having an owl Patronus is pretty commonplace. However, they’re unusual and this is backed up by our statistics – the Snowy owl is 115th most common. In fact the highest any owl comes on list is 105th with the Scops owl. If you’re lucky enough to have a Snowy owl as your Patronus, you may well reflect its protective and fearless personality – it fiercely defends its nest, even against wolves. No doubt Hedwig would have been a Gryffindor!

Stag

118th on our list is the stag Patronus we associate so closely with Harry, as well as his father, James Potter. Interestingly the doe sits next to the stag on the list, almost like they’re watching over each other – not unlike James and Lily, and later... Snape and Harry. Often regarded as a protector, a stag Patronus might indicate that you look out for others, as well as shine in leadership roles. Just like Harry, we’d feel safe with his proud guardian as our Patronus.

Wood mouse

If you have a mouse as a Patronus we’re here to reassure you – they may be small, but they are mighty! J.K. Rowling tells us that ‘one of the most famous Patronuses of all time was a lowly mouse, which belonged to a legendary young wizard called Illyius, who used it to hold off an attack from an army of Dementors single-handedly.’ As well as bravery, having this mouse Patronus may also hint at your initiative and intelligence. Wood mice mark their territory by placing objects in key places. Smart! At 87th down the list, this little mouse is also a relatively rare Patronus.

Albatross

The albatross is the rarest Patronus on our list; the one belonging to the lowest number of Wizarding World fans. With the longest wingspan of any bird – up to 11 feet – the albatross surfs the ocean winds for hours, hardly even needing to flap. If you have produced an albatross Patronus, perhaps you have a happy-go-lucky personality and enjoy throwing caution to the wind. The Dementors would be unlikely to get you down with this giant feathered friend soaring in to save the day.

The top twenty...

  1. Dolphin
  2. Tonkinese Cat
  3. Manx Cat
  4. Nebelung Cat
  5. Fox
  6. St Bernard Dog
  7. Weasel
  8. Bassett Hound
  9. Black And White Cat
  10. Hedgehog
  11. Deerhound
  12. West Highland Terrier
  13. Siberian Cat
  14. Tortoiseshell Cat
  15. White Stallion
  16. White Mare
  17. White Swan
  18. Osprey
  19. Borzoi
  20. Ragdoll Cat

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If you already have a Patronus you can admire it here.

Whatever form your Patronus takes, we hope it brings you happiness and hope!