Cross Breeds

Can most breeds of dogs be taught non-breed characteristics?

My husband and I are looking for a large breed dog. What we've mostly been looking at is a Golden Retriever based soley on temperment; but are exploring our options more towards dogs that we like the appearance more of before we decide. I heard that dogs like Siberian Huskies, Mamalutes, Shibas, Akitas ect naturally dis-like other household pets, like small dogs and cats. If you raise them from a young age around these animals- will they still grow up to not get along with them? We have a Pomeranian and 2 cats.

Public Comments

1. I have a Siberian Husky and the only pets she does like are small dogs and cats. If you get a dog from a reputable breeder who breeds for temperament and train her firmly, there is no reason why undesirable behavior cannot be prevented in any breed.
2. Better off going to a shelter and doing a meet & greet with your resident dog.
3. Having a well behaved and balanced dog? Of course! However, it's hard to teach certain breeds tasks for which they are not genetically predisposed.
4. Siberians, Malamutes, Shibas and Akitas are all classified as "ancient" breeds, that is, they are more similar to the orignal dog stock genetically and behavioraly that some other breeds. Behavioraly, one of the characteristics is that they have a high level of prey directed behavior. For wild canids, such as wolves, prey is most often small rodents, birds or other such small animals. This instinct is pretty strong in these breeds, also, and they tend to see cats, and sometimes small dogs as objects of prey. However, if they are raised with a cat or small dog, they frequently will accept that particular animal as part of the household and not attack it. A strange cat or dog would probably be a different matter. This is not universally true, but happens quite often. If you raise a puppy of one of these breeds with your Pom and cats, there's a reasonable chance it will get along with them. My male Akita was raised around a cat, and has never shown any aggression toward her. A cat in the yard would be dead meat if he got the chance, though.
5. I'm afraid my answer is going to be limited to my own experience, but I can at least share that with you. I have a Border Collie, a dog with a very high prey drive, and therefore a tendency to attempt to control the motion of almost anything that moves. By three months old, she was already instinctively exhibiting the classic characteristics of her breed: eye, crouch, and stalking. She does this to me when I am out playing with her; she also does it to moths, squirrels, and blowing leaves. However, we introduced her very young to cats, and she treats them as she would another puppy: she wants to play and is often puzzled that they don't react as another young dog would. I am certain that it was our own intervention, and the fact that we treat the cats like another pet and not like a toy or something to chase, that has changed her behavior. Not all dogs may be as easy to mold, but I do think that with consistency and patience, you can steer their natural instincts to chase into another behavior that's more preferable to you. A dog who is consistently trained should be able to understand that it's OK to chase the ball, but not the kitties or the little Pom. Best of luck with your decision and your growing household. :)
6. The short answer to this is "No, you can't teach a dog the behavior characteristics that aren't natural for his breed - or unteach them something that is natural".... however, every individual dog within a breed is different and generalizations are only so useful. Some dogs exhibit much stronger prey drive, protection instinct, herding instinct etc. than others of the same breed. It also depends if the pup you choose comes from an actively working bloodline (ie dogs that are on a farm and working, protection dogs etc.) or not. Certain breeds are less likely to get along with smaller dogs/cats than others but often they're the guardian type dogs or ones with a high prey drive. Of the breeds you mention, the Malamute would probably be the best fit. It's a more relaxed, laid back gentle dog, with less of a tendency to wander than the Huskies , Shiba Inus or Akitas. It's generally good with children and other pets. As I said though, each dog is individual. Visit breeders, talk with them, see the temperament of the parents etc. It all counts when you're trying to pick a puppy. A good breeder can tell you what their dogs are like, and help you pick a puppy that will be a good match for you. Do bear in mind that not even all Golden Retrievers are laid back, gentle dogs. Some can be quite high-strung. Again a lot depends on genetics and breeding. you can find more info. on choosing a puppy, and lots of tips and advice on all aspects of puppy care at the website below. Best of luck in your puppy search.
7. Animals can be surprising in the friends they make. It is very possible to get a large dog that grows up friends with your other pets. Probably the hardest breeds to get used to being ok around small animals would be any in the terrier group, as they were bred to hunt small animals.