31/01/2025
This is a great read! As trainers we are always educating clients on why their dog may have certain behaviors, and how genetics play such a role in those.
Understanding Mixed Breeds: When Genetics Work Against Each Other
One of the biggest challenges in dog training today isn’t just dealing with behavioral issues—it’s understanding why those behaviors exist in the first place. And sometimes, the answer lies in the genetic blueprint of the dog itself.
With the rise of designer breeds and accidental mixed breeds, we often see dogs whose genetic traits conflict with each other. While mixing breeds can sometimes create a well-balanced dog, other times, it results in a dog that is in a constant state of internal contradiction.
Conflicted Genetics in Action
Imagine a Border Collie / Great Pyrenees mix. The Border Collie was bred to be highly responsive to human direction, eager to work, and quick to react to movement. The Great Pyrenees, on the other hand, was bred to work independently, making its own decisions while guarding livestock. When these instincts collide in one dog, you might get a dog that wants to chase and herd but also refuses to take direction from a handler. This isn’t stubbornness—it’s genetics at war.
Or take a German Shepherd / Greyhound mix. The German Shepherd was bred for biddability, structure, and handler engagement, while the Greyhound was bred to be reactive, explosive, and highly sensitive to environmental stimulation. A mix of the two might result in a dog that wants to work but mentally shuts down under stress—or one that is reactive but difficult to engage in training.
Now, let’s talk about Enzo, my own dog, who is 60% Akita and 40% Labrador Retriever. That combination alone presents a fascinating contrast in drive, temperament, and response to training.
Akita Traits: Independent, aloof, highly selective with people, territorial, and naturally distrustful of strangers. Akitas were bred to be guardians and hunters, meaning they make their own decisions and don’t always seek human approval.
Labrador Retriever Traits: Social, friendly, handler-focused, and eager to please. Labs are known for being food-motivated, playful, and engaged, often seeking human interaction.
Now, you put these two opposite instincts in one dog and what do you get? A dog that can love his people deeply while also being incredibly discerning with strangers. A dog that may show affectionate, playful behaviors like a Lab in some moments but revert to serious, independent decision-making like an Akita in others.
With Enzo, I’ve noticed this dynamic firsthand. He’s affectionate and bonded with his people, but when meeting someone new, he doesn't give away his trust easily. He assesses the energy of a person before engaging. He’s also extremely sensitive to tone, pressure, and intention, meaning that while a Lab might bounce back from a correction quickly, an Akita’s response is more calculated. This is crucial for trainers and owners to understand—he isn’t stubborn; he’s selective.
Why This Matters for Owners and Trainers
When trainers don’t account for these genetic conflicts, we end up labeling dogs incorrectly. A dog that appears stubborn might actually be struggling with instincts that contradict each other. A dog that seems anxious might just be wired for both high drive and high independence—an internal tug-of-war they never asked for.
This is why breed knowledge is critical, even for mixed breeds. If we can understand what the dog was built for at a genetic level, we can adjust our training expectations, find the right motivation, and work with the dog rather than against it.
Takeaways for Dog Owners & Trainers
✔️ Know Your Dog’s Genetics – If you have a mixed breed, research both parent breeds and look for contradictions in drive, temperament, and working purpose.
✔️ Recognize Internal Conflict – If your dog seems inconsistent in their behavior, consider whether they are genetically wired for two opposing instincts.
✔️ Adjust Your Training Approach – Some dogs need more clarity, while others need less pressure. A one-size-fits-all method doesn’t work for dogs that are wired in opposing ways.
✔️ Be Patient – If a dog is genetically predisposed to two conflicting behaviors, training them won’t be as straightforward as a single-purpose breed. Give them time to work through it.
This is why dog training is not just about behavior—it’s about understanding the individual dog. The more we educate ourselves on how genetics influence behavior, the better we can set dogs up for success instead of setting them up for failure.
Would love to hear your thoughts! Have you worked with a dog whose genetics were in conflict? Drop your experiences in the comments!
