Yorkies and big dogs? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

LucyNTuckersMom · 11-23-2006, 07:44 AM

My neighbor just got a 9 week old German Shepard puppy. It is quite a bit bigger than my 5mo old Yorkies. I was wondering if they could play together? I was thinking it might be best if they started off as puppies? But i don't want my dogs to get stomped on? She seems like a calmer puppy, I was hoping it would be ok. Does anyone else have any such experience with yorkies and bigger breed dogs together, both as puppies and adults?

Teresa

Amanda7 · 11-23-2006, 09:24 AM

Before we were married, I had my 2 yr. old yorkie and my husband got an 8 week old german shepherd. They became friends and the shepherd grew up with the yorkie. By the time we got married, the shepherd weighed 120 lbs., and he and my yorkie (7 lbs) were best buddies. My yorkie was the dominant one, and the shepherd loved to 'mother' him. They were very sweet together.
We all lived happily every after. (Both dogs are gone now.

)

abbie's mom · 11-23-2006, 09:35 AM

It is, of course, best to introduce them when they're pups. And, I don't want to put a damper on things, here; but.....SOME large dogs have an unreasonable aversion to small dogs. There have been several tragic stories of unprovoked attacks (here, on YT) by larger dogs on Yorkies. And, one of my friends who is owned by a Puggle told me that her pooch's litter mate killed a new puppy that was introduced into the family. The two had been well-acquainted, ate together, slept together for months. Then, one day in the yard, the older puggle snatched up the pup, and shook it like a rag doll. The pup's neck was broken, and it died.

My Mozart is a 12 y/o 25lb mix, whom Abigail bosses around

. He will not snap at her no matter what she does - and, she can deal him some pure misery at times - but, I won't leave them together in the same room if we leave the house.

Like I said, I don't want to put a damper on things; but, I wouldn't take anything for granted, either.

Emmsmom · 11-23-2006, 09:51 AM

Oh yeah they should be fine. Just keep an eye on them. We had a 2 year old 90 pound German Shepherd and we had to keep an eye on them. Diesel was only 1.8 pounds when we brought him home. They are the best of buds now. Just keep and eye on them but everything should be just fine.

I just wanted to add that she is right. Some dogs big and large just don't take to other dogs that aren't in their "pack" Since he is a young pup tho I would think everything should be fine. However, the older the shepherd gets the things might change. He may not take to your little one because he doesn't live in his house. Like I said just be careful but since he is a pup things should be ok.

browniesmom622 · 11-23-2006, 10:48 AM

i woulld deff just keep a leash on them only since the german shepard is a puppy and they do like to pounce once he gets older trained and calm you wont need it

Lou · 11-23-2006, 01:09 PM

Teresa,
You remind me of a funny story. When my gentle giant Ivan was three months old we had to unexpectedly board him for a week. The only trouble they had with him was that he kept picking up their yorkie and bringing to them. The poor little yorkie couldn't go anywhere cause Ivan kept bringing him back.

Having said that, Ivan (our german shepherd) is almost 6 yrs old and 110lbs. When we got Adie he was really spellbound by her and watched her every mood. He really wanted to play with her and was as careful and a big dog can be about walking around her. But Adie had to learn how to stay out of his way and she got accidentally stepped on more than once. I don't think a shepherd puppy is perceptive enough to realize how big he is yet let alone how to tread lightly. Heck, Ivan still thinks he is a lap dog. If you do bring them together, please watch them closely. Shepherds are very playful and strong no matter what age.

Good luck

abbie's mom · 11-23-2006, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lou

The only trouble they had with him was that he kept picking up their yorkie and bringing to them. The poor little yorkie couldn't go anywhere cause Ivan kept bringing him back.

....now, there's one for Animal's Funniest videos!

SnowWa · 11-24-2006, 03:53 PM

My Yorkie loves big dogs.....and they love him too.

My only concern is that when big dogs are puppies -- they are playful and rough like puppies of any size are. And - a large playful shepherd pup would be a handful for your little Yorkie. Just playing might be a lot more than your little Yorkie can handle.

However - larger dogs when they are more grown up - are usually a little calmer and not so rough. My little Yorkies enjoys and gets along very well with several full-grown larger dogs.

---------------------------------

Plus - remember that playful teething puppies are handful for even us people. And, a German shepherd puppy is a lot larger than a little Yorkie. Not really a very fair match!!

So - if you do end up with two puppies - be prepared to intervene a lot and save your little Yorkie from a playful little German Shepherd.

Also - you need to remember that the little German Shepherd pup has the same right to play and rough house that any little pup has. He shouldn't be in a position where he is constantly kept from doing this. Not fair!

Good luck! Carol Jean

TootiesMom · 11-24-2006, 08:48 PM

I had my 95 lb. lab, Laci first, before Tootie and Hope. She is the perfect big sister for them... I agree tho, a dog that big could easily hurt a little one without even realizing it. I never leave Laci alone with the little ones even if she doesnt know she is not one of them! She has the most tolerance of them both and seems to protective of them too!
d

rsmit02 · 11-25-2006, 02:43 AM

WHAT YOU MEAN A YORKIE ISNT AS BIG AS A GERMAN SHEPHERD!!!!

Dont tell my boy Jake that lol he truly believes he is that size and can take on anything!!!

But I think you will be fine your right to introduce them as puppies. My friend got a huge labrador pup the same week I got Jake as a baby and they are best of pals. We let them play from the start just had words with them when it got a bit boisterous. But the lab was gentle even when he got the upper hand and pinned jake down in the wrestling they did he leaned on his elbow so his paw was over jake but no weight was on him it was super cute. He did stand on jake now and then or trip over him and jake would yelp but it never bothered jake at all. They still play now and Jake is definately the boss if the play gets to rough Jake will nip Hugos nose and give him a bark and hugo will instantly lay down and look sheepish and sorry till jake cuddles up against his belly and they go to sleep.

Yorkies are tough and boisterous and he will let the german shepherd know when play is to much or to rough, just keep and eye on them and check them for play that is to rough and they will be fine.

Ruthx

frankie mum · 11-25-2006, 02:53 AM

hi
my hubby got german shepard before he married me.but she is 2 years old and very good girl.she is look after my yorkie puppy .that is 16 years ago.she play with the yorkie very gentle.alway melt my heart when i seen them together. they both pass away now.oh i miss them so much.

abbie's mom · 11-25-2006, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnowWa

Also - you need to remember that the little German Shepherd pup has the same right to play and rough house that any little pup has. He shouldn't be in a position where he is constantly kept from doing this. Not fair!

irishawk · 11-25-2006, 06:04 PM

My yorkie bosses big dogs around

11-23-2006, 07:44 AM	#1
LucyNTuckersMom Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: IL Posts: 181	Yorkies and big dogs? My neighbor just got a 9 week old German Shepard puppy. It is quite a bit bigger than my 5mo old Yorkies. I was wondering if they could play together? I was thinking it might be best if they started off as puppies? But i don't want my dogs to get stomped on? She seems like a calmer puppy, I was hoping it would be ok. Does anyone else have any such experience with yorkies and bigger breed dogs together, both as puppies and adults? Teresa

11-23-2006, 09:24 AM	#2
Amanda7 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern New York Posts: 1,307	Before we were married, I had my 2 yr. old yorkie and my husband got an 8 week old german shepherd. They became friends and the shepherd grew up with the yorkie. By the time we got married, the shepherd weighed 120 lbs., and he and my yorkie (7 lbs) were best buddies. My yorkie was the dominant one, and the shepherd loved to 'mother' him. They were very sweet together. We all lived happily every after. (Both dogs are gone now. ) __________________ Snickers & Baxter Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened. Last edited by Amanda7; 11-23-2006 at 09:27 AM.

11-23-2006, 09:35 AM	#3
abbie's mom Lovin' 2 Girls Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: VA Posts: 3,593 Blog Entries: 4	It is, of course, best to introduce them when they're pups. And, I don't want to put a damper on things, here; but.....SOME large dogs have an unreasonable aversion to small dogs. There have been several tragic stories of unprovoked attacks (here, on YT) by larger dogs on Yorkies. And, one of my friends who is owned by a Puggle told me that her pooch's litter mate killed a new puppy that was introduced into the family. The two had been well-acquainted, ate together, slept together for months. Then, one day in the yard, the older puggle snatched up the pup, and shook it like a rag doll. The pup's neck was broken, and it died. My Mozart is a 12 y/o 25lb mix, whom Abigail bosses around . He will not snap at her no matter what she does - and, she can deal him some pure misery at times - but, I won't leave them together in the same room if we leave the house. Like I said, I don't want to put a damper on things; but, I wouldn't take anything for granted, either. __________________ Ask Abi

11-23-2006, 09:51 AM	#4
Emmsmom YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 989	Oh yeah they should be fine. Just keep an eye on them. We had a 2 year old 90 pound German Shepherd and we had to keep an eye on them. Diesel was only 1.8 pounds when we brought him home. They are the best of buds now. Just keep and eye on them but everything should be just fine. I just wanted to add that she is right. Some dogs big and large just don't take to other dogs that aren't in their "pack" Since he is a young pup tho I would think everything should be fine. However, the older the shepherd gets the things might change. He may not take to your little one because he doesn't live in his house. Like I said just be careful but since he is a pup things should be ok. __________________ MICHELLE DIESEL "The Weasel" and little brother TUCKER Last edited by Emmsmom; 11-23-2006 at 09:54 AM.

11-23-2006, 10:48 AM	#5
browniesmom622 Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: ny Posts: 11,253 Blog Entries: 5	i woulld deff just keep a leash on them only since the german shepard is a puppy and they do like to pounce once he gets older trained and calm you wont need it __________________ We Love our Yt Angel! My Website< > FB page

11-23-2006, 01:09 PM	#6
Lou Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: A little town south of Chicago Posts: 4,525	Teresa, You remind me of a funny story. When my gentle giant Ivan was three months old we had to unexpectedly board him for a week. The only trouble they had with him was that he kept picking up their yorkie and bringing to them. The poor little yorkie couldn't go anywhere cause Ivan kept bringing him back. Having said that, Ivan (our german shepherd) is almost 6 yrs old and 110lbs. When we got Adie he was really spellbound by her and watched her every mood. He really wanted to play with her and was as careful and a big dog can be about walking around her. But Adie had to learn how to stay out of his way and she got accidentally stepped on more than once. I don't think a shepherd puppy is perceptive enough to realize how big he is yet let alone how to tread lightly. Heck, Ivan still thinks he is a lap dog. If you do bring them together, please watch them closely. Shepherds are very playful and strong no matter what age. Good luck __________________ http://www.its-a-yorkie-thing.com Gracie Skeeter Adie Tyler

11-24-2006, 03:53 PM	#8
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,992	My Yorkie loves big dogs.....and they love him too. My only concern is that when big dogs are puppies -- they are playful and rough like puppies of any size are. And - a large playful shepherd pup would be a handful for your little Yorkie. Just playing might be a lot more than your little Yorkie can handle. However - larger dogs when they are more grown up - are usually a little calmer and not so rough. My little Yorkies enjoys and gets along very well with several full-grown larger dogs. --------------------------------- Plus - remember that playful teething puppies are handful for even us people. And, a German shepherd puppy is a lot larger than a little Yorkie. Not really a very fair match!! So - if you do end up with two puppies - be prepared to intervene a lot and save your little Yorkie from a playful little German Shepherd. Also - you need to remember that the little German Shepherd pup has the same right to play and rough house that any little pup has. He shouldn't be in a position where he is constantly kept from doing this. Not fair! Good luck! Carol Jean __________________ http://tinypic.com/ipxhmb.jpg A Yorkie is worth a thousand words.

11-24-2006, 08:48 PM	#9
TootiesMom and Hopeys Mom Too Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 4,109	I had my 95 lb. lab, Laci first, before Tootie and Hope. She is the perfect big sister for them... I agree tho, a dog that big could easily hurt a little one without even realizing it. I never leave Laci alone with the little ones even if she doesnt know she is not one of them! She has the most tolerance of them both and seems to protective of them too! d __________________ Donna's little herd.... Tooties Dogster http://www.dogster.com/?271687 Hopeys Dogster http://www.dogster.com/?448723 and Tinker, TBone(RIP) Laci .. OH, and Me-Kitty(RIP)

11-25-2006, 02:43 AM	#10
rsmit02 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: USA Posts: 90	WHAT YOU MEAN A YORKIE ISNT AS BIG AS A GERMAN SHEPHERD!!!! Dont tell my boy Jake that lol he truly believes he is that size and can take on anything!!! But I think you will be fine your right to introduce them as puppies. My friend got a huge labrador pup the same week I got Jake as a baby and they are best of pals. We let them play from the start just had words with them when it got a bit boisterous. But the lab was gentle even when he got the upper hand and pinned jake down in the wrestling they did he leaned on his elbow so his paw was over jake but no weight was on him it was super cute. He did stand on jake now and then or trip over him and jake would yelp but it never bothered jake at all. They still play now and Jake is definately the boss if the play gets to rough Jake will nip Hugos nose and give him a bark and hugo will instantly lay down and look sheepish and sorry till jake cuddles up against his belly and they go to sleep. Yorkies are tough and boisterous and he will let the german shepherd know when play is to much or to rough, just keep and eye on them and check them for play that is to rough and they will be fine. Ruthx __________________ Proud owner of 2 Yorkies My little boy Jake 3yrs and my girly Lily 5yrs.

11-25-2006, 02:53 AM	#11
frankie mum YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: australia Posts: 1,356	hi my hubby got german shepard before he married me.but she is 2 years old and very good girl.she is look after my yorkie puppy .that is 16 years ago.she play with the yorkie very gentle.alway melt my heart when i seen them together. they both pass away now.oh i miss them so much. __________________ : nicki and emily

11-25-2006, 06:04 PM	#13
irishawk YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 695	My yorkie bosses big dogs around __________________ Howie & Sarah Check us out on dogster: http://www.dogster.com/?327817