diff --git a/src/dog.c b/src/dog.c
index 570b73c2a..a08496322 100644
--- a/src/dog.c
+++ b/src/dog.c
@@ -44,7 +44,9 @@ free_edog(struct monst *mtmp)
 void
 initedog(struct monst *mtmp, boolean everything)
 {
-    mtmp->mtame = is_domestic(mtmp->data) ? 10 : 5;
+    schar minimumtame = is_domestic(mtmp->data) ? 10 : 5;
+
+    mtmp->mtame = max(minimumtame, mtmp->mtame);
     mtmp->mpeaceful = 1;
     mtmp->mavenge = 0;
     set_malign(mtmp); /* recalc alignment now that it's tamed */