Some dog breeds just don’t click!
All dogs are cute. That’s a fact. Some of them are just born to be best friends, wagging their tails and happily sharing their toys. Others? Not quite as much! Just like us humans, not every pup gets along with every other pooch. Sometimes, their personalities clash, and it can lead to some not-so-fun moments.
Whether it’s due to differences in temperament, a need to protect their space, or simply mismatched energy levels, certain dog breeds tend to have a harder time getting along. And that’s normal. You can either help them become friends or not pair them together.
In today’s article, we’re going to take a fun dive into the world of furry frenemies. If you’re thinking about adding a new canine companion to your family or you’re just curious about which doggy duos might not get along so well, you’re in the right place! Get ready for a lighthearted journey through canine chemistry and a few surprises along the way. You’re going to love it!
Without further ado, if you’re curious to learn more about the pet world, here are the dog breeds that just don’t click!
1. Rottweiler, Akita, and Doberman
If you pair these gorgeous pups together, you might notice too many alphas in the pack. The worst part? These assertive and naturally protective pooches just don’t click. Put them together in a room, especially with a lack of a clear pecking order, and you’ll be a witness to a power struggle.
Don’t take it the wrong way. These pups are nice, gentle, and loving with their favorite humans, but when it comes to other strong-willed dogs, they see them as rivals. If you don’t introduce them to one another properly or don’t raise them together from a young age, things are more likely to escalate.
If you own these pups and want to convince them to become friends, you can achieve this with the help of structured training and strong leadership. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.
2. Scottish Terrier and Jack Russell Terrier
Small but mighty, terriers are incredibly cute, but they might not be aware of their tiny size. Popular for their strong wills and high energy, these pooches are more likely to take on a challenge, regardless of the size of the other dog.
Breeds like Scottish Terriers and Jack Russell Terriers often don’t know when to back down, and they don’t even want to, if we’re being honest. Bred to dig and hunt, they’re equipped with a special go-getter mindset that can lead to conflicts, especially with pups that are just as bold as they are.
If you have two or more terriers at home, it’s probably great for keeping pests away, but it can be a bit of a struggle for your peace of mind. Due to their independent nature and stubborn streak, things could be heating up quickly. But don’t worry—with proper training and socialization, they can become true friends.
3. Golden Retriever and Shiba Inu or Chow Chow and Labrador
Continuing with our list of pups that just don’t click, it’s time to talk about dogs who live for playtime—and those who prefer peace and quiet. When a social butterfly keeps pestering a more reserved furry friend, it can lead to frustration, tension, and even aggression.
It’s like putting an extrovert and an introvert in a room and expecting them to be instant besties. Can it work? Absolutely—but it takes time, patience, and mutual respect. Mismatched energy levels can make day-to-day life tricky. One dog’s ready to nap, the other wants to play tag! Not the ideal situation, if I may say so.
If your pups fall into this category, make sure to respect their rhythms. Give them their own space, monitor interactions, and support their bonding journey. With the right care and a little guidance, even total frenemies can learn to live in harmony.
4. Chiuhuhua and Boxer or Dachshund and Great Dane
Big pups and small pups surely look incredibly cute together, but that doesn’t mean they always get along. Chihuahuas and Dachshunds are known for their sass and boldness, but they’re often unaware of their tiny size. In fact, in their heads, they’re much bigger than they are in reality.
These little ones might try to dominate, so don’t be surprised if they bark nonstop, scratch, or even try to boss around the bigger dog. Unfortunately, they might not realize they’re provoking a much stronger canine companion.
Meanwhile, larger breeds like Great Danes and Boxers may not tolerate that kind of disrespect forever. This mismatch can lead to tension and, in some cases, even a fight—especially if the big dog’s patience runs out.
You can teach them how to be friends by socializing them properly, engaging them in joint playtime, supervising their interactions, and teaching them what mutual respect looks like. With consistency and care, even the most unlikely pair can learn to live peacefully.
5. Belgian Malinois, Cane Corso, and German Shepherd
Other dog breeds that just don’t click? Belgian Malinois, Cane Corso, and German Shepherd. These stunning pups are friendly, cute, and natural protectors of their favorite humans and homes. They are, without a doubt, fiercely devoted and loyal, but they can also be very territorial.
Just imagine what it would be like to put two or more protective pooches under the same roof—they’re more likely to compete for dominance and control over what they think is their space and people.
Even if you take them to proper training sessions, tensions can still flare during greetings, feeding time, or when strangers come for a visit. These dog breeds need a consistent, firm leader (that’s you!) and proper socialization from an early age to help them learn that there’s enough territory, love, and playtime to go around.
6. Basenji, Afghan Hound, Shiba Inu, and Golden Retriever
Some dogs prefer to do their own thing and not spend too much time with others. Breeds like the Basenji, Afghan Hound, and Shiba Inu are known for being independent and a little selective, both with humans and other pets.
While they’re social and enjoy the company of their favorite people, they often don’t have much patience for overly playful or clingy companions. So, if you have one of these pups at home and try to pair them with a super social pooch, like a Labrador or Golden Retriever, you might notice a bit of tension. Not because they can’t get along, but because the social dog will likely initiate constant play or cuddles, and the independent one may grumble or growl in response.
To help them respect each other’s boundaries and learn to coexist peacefully, try playing with them together, enroll them in training sessions, and supervise their time together. With a little guidance, they can learn to appreciate each other’s personalities at their own pace.
Takeaway
At the end of the day, even the cutest and most social pups can have personality clashes! From playful extroverts to independent introverts, some dogs just don’t click. Not entirely or forever, but only for a while, until they learn how to behave around one another.
In case you think about adding a new furry friend to your home, make sure you understand dog breed compatibility. With patience and the right approach, even mismatched pooches can learn to live in harmony. Just give them love, attention, space, and time, and they will become besties in no time!
What are your thoughts on these dog breeds that just don’t click? Do you agree with any of these? Let us know in the comments below! If you want to have fun with your pups, make sure you check out these toys! They will love them!
Until next time, here’s another useful post from Pet Compilation you won’t want to miss: 16 Common Dog Myths You Think Are True
