Gemy is so right about the training necessary for your GSD or any big dog that would be around a small breed dog. There is something in particular about the Yorkie that tends to bring out the prey instincts of other dogs. I don't know if it is the fur or the way they move but larger dogs tend to think of the Yorkie as a toy to play with and I do not mean a delicate type of play.
My son has a wonderful Lab that is fine with Gracie when inside (and being watched closely) but outside he wants to play with her and he goes at her with his feet like he is trying to stomp her. Other dogs have been known to pick up a Yorkie and shake them to death. Even pet dogs that have been around the Yorkie for an extended period of time have ended up killing the poor dog in play. You must have absolute verbal control of your BF's larger dog. Yorkies are little dogs with big personalities but they do break easily.
I'm not saying big dogs can't live with small ones. There are plenty of people here who have Yorkies and larger dogs. Just don't take any chances. Bringing a small pup into the larger dogs domain can be tricky.
Gracie is quite popular with men. She has yet to meet a male person that does not go crazy over her. I am always amazed because I know that most men don't like the idea of small dogs, especially in the area where I live. Even when I have guys doing work around here they always make a fuss over her and she just loves it. Maybe it is the feisty temperament. I don't know. If you learn how to train your Yorkie right and you take the time to buy one from a good line of dogs that have a history of good temperaments your BF will probably have no issues with your Yorkie.
The Yorkie is very popular right now and there are a multitude of bad breeders out to make a buck. They are doing a lot of damage to the breed. Bad genes can cause a lot of heartbreak for a new owner both in the health and temperament areas. |