I'm looking for a small dog that will get a long with larger dogs. Can you offer suggestions?

Question

I have 2 large breed mix dogs and am wanting to adopt/resuce a small dog to join the family.  It will likely depend on the dogs that are available, but I am mostly familiar with large dogs.  Does anyone here have experience with small breed/breed mixes that tend to get a long with larger breeds?

Cleoppa · Accepted Answer

Well, any breed of small dog COULD get along with larger dogs. But there are a few things you may want to consider.

How playful and/or clumsy are your large dogs? If you have dogs that are somewhat clumsy or tend to play rough, I would suggest a sturdy breed, such as a Pug, Welsh Corgi (either Pembroke or Cardigan), Beagle, Whippet or just about any terrier.

How aggressive or tolerant are your large dogs? For example, I remember reading about Yorkies how they'll stand up for their rights against any large dog. This could be very good or very bad, depending on the temperament of your current dogs.

It sounds like you're planning on getting a rescue. If this is so, I'd just recommend finding dogs you like and introducing them to your dogs. If the dog acts shy around your dogs, it probably isn't a good idea. If the dog is very in-your-face with your other dogs... well, you'll have to evaluate your own dogs to see if that would work.

Good luck!

orderly logic · Answer

I have a pit bull and a long-haired Dachshund mix. Dachshunds were bred for hunting, thus they are very courageous little dogs. I can tell you she loves to play with the pit. I admit she has little choice, though, because the pittie is still young, a "teenager",  and very playful. Still, the Doxie isn't afraid to put him in his place if he gets too rough. 

I really would be careful bringing a small dog into a home if a large aggressive breed is already established. Before I got the pit puppy, the long-haired Dachshund was already here. She had time to let him know who was boss before he got big.  Have a crate, or some way to separate the dogs if necessary, until they are used to each other. The sex of the dogs is also an important consideration. A dog of the opposite sex will be better tolerated than one of the same sex.

? · Answer

I'll vote for the Doberman, also, and would recommend a spayed female. A little smaller, to fit your size requirements, and probably a better companion for your male - less chance of aggression with opposite sex pairing than same sex pairing. Good protective instincts, and a short coat that doesn't require extensive grooming. I would not get one of the herding dogs, based on how much exercise you want to give the dog. Most herding breeds need a lot. Also, the grooming requirements will be more. Just be sure to do all the training and socialization the dog will need to be a good member of your family. Do be aware, however, that many insurance companies will either refuse to write a homeowner's/liability policy, or cancel your present one, if you have any one of a number of breeds, including Dobermans, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Akitas, Great Danes, Huskies, wolf hybrinds, etc., etc., etc. It might be a good idea to check with your agent, and if they have a banned list, I would shop for a new carrier.

Ringer Dog · Answer

Any small dog is able to get along with big dogs.
Make sure that you research the breed/breeds before you get the dog.

camoko · Answer

I own a Great Dane and a Pug...  Basically, most Dogs will get along if they are used to other dogs. Big or small makes no difference

Shar Pei Lady · Answer

I raise chihuahuas and they are in my house with 2 shar peis and 1 boxer-shar pei mix.If you were buying from a private owner I would say to look for someone like me who has raised them around larger dogs.As for going to a rescue group,.most the time there is no background as to where they are from,so,it's a chance stuation there.But a good deed doer on your part.Good luck!

shannonzeecannon · Answer

corgis, chi's, just depends on the dogs -- are your big guys well mannered, its all about the introduction too, and you!  treat your little one -- just like the big ones, so the little guy doesn't know he's smaller than the big guys.  Teach them all manners, everyone uses manners to eachother, -- size won't matter.  BALANCE BALANCE BALANCE,  con't treat the little one like its favored or scoop it up all the time, or things will go bad quick.