Multiple dog households, large and small.. - YorkieTalk.com Forums

WidsMom · 01-19-2008, 09:46 AM

This is a question for any of our Yorkie placement people, or breeders:

Is it a concern for a small dog to enter a home with larger dogs?

Although I feel it is definitely a serious consideration, I want to know how many of you have success integrating your larger furkids with smaller...

I know I wouldn't want Figgy in a home with a 90 lb dog, but that's me.

My reason for asking is a Chihuahua adoption that's at mid-point. It's an inter-state adoption and the adoptive parent just disclosed that she also has two large Shepherds. The parent placing the Chi has extremely mixed feelings because of the size and mellow disposition of this little one.

Any criteria I can use to help this? Best interests of the tiny one? Proof of some type of obedience or vouching from a vet as to the disposition of the larger ones?

An accident in the making? Safety for all is priority here...

Joy

TinyBit · 01-19-2008, 10:10 AM

I have seven dogs total. Two that are outside except for visits inside. One is a 135# rottweiler and the other a 20# rat terror (not a spelling mistake) anyway they both get along fine with my yorkies. The rottweiler is very calm and acts like a big brother to all the little ones. He is a super baby sitter. When they get to rough bitting and chewing on his ears he will just get and and leave. But that's HIS nature.

Be sure to check/ask how calm the bigger dogs are. It all depends on how that dog will see a smaller version. Because the small ones think they are giants.

Lee B · 01-19-2008, 10:34 AM

The other two dogs in my household are a rescued terrier mix with 3 legs (about 35#) and my daughter's 80# pit. Katie, the terrier, has finally gotten to the "toleration" stage with the pup; she can do the most *amazing* lip snarl you've ever seen, but she's never lunged at the pup. Well, she tried, but I yelled at her and she won't do it again.

The pit, Nitro, is a beautiful, calm beastie who loves the pup. He lies down on the floor and lets Puddin' chew on him; it's not usual for him to look up, roll his eyes for help, and for us to notice that the pup is hanging off his neck (and you KNOW those little teeth are *sharp*). When he gets tired, he hops up on the bed or whatever so that he can get some peace and quiet. When I took Puddin' to the vet to get neutered, the other family members said that Nitro searched the house, whining - looking for the pup.

Katie is 15 years old; Nitro is about 10. These are older dogs who are well-past "puppy" antics, and are calm.

Big dogs/little dogs can coexist very well, but it depends ENTIRELY on the temperment of the animals involved. If the big dog is agressive and protective ... you may have a problem. If the big dog is a lumbering sweetie who'd lick you to death before even *thinking* of nipping at you, I think you'll be OK.

Of course, vigilance is called for to ensure that everyone gets properly introduced.

Just my experience, but over 35 years or so, my big dogs have always accepted puppies. And little dogs are just perpetual puppies to a big dog.

PKHenderson · 01-19-2008, 10:46 AM

I have a hard time with this question.. I too have big/small dogs that live in harmony, but I know that isn't always the case.I have two yorkies, a bichon, and an english mastiff.I think if I were to place one of my puppies in a home with a large dog..I would definitely want to know it's temperment, age, inside/outside, if it is crated when left at home/unsupervised (if inside), and things along those lines.At the shelter I worked for we would have them bring other dogs in for a visitation to see how they would react to each other.It would also depend on how much the person knows about their dog(s) .. I'm not going to lie, ours don't get along 100% of the time.. our mastiff has "food agression" so we have to feed her either on our front porch or in her crate and we can't leave food laying around.. anyways.. don't know if this is much help, but I guess it depends on the individual dog/situation. You could always try "safer" testing the dog/dogs involved to find any problems (food agression/ dog-to-dog agression/ rawhide agression/ possession agression) before they occur

WidsMom · 01-19-2008, 12:00 PM

There is a lot to think about. It seems like the perfect home other than the concern for larger breeds with the little one. Thanks so much for your input!

Joy

roosmom · 01-19-2008, 12:06 PM

I have a 40 lb spaniel mix and a 10 lb yorkipoo and a 2 1/2 lb yorkie. They all get along great- sleep together etc. I think as long as the bigger dogs are older and calmed down a bit it's okay. When we first got Roo (yorkie) Taya (spaniel) sat/stepped on her a few times but soon got used to Roo and hasn't done that since like the first week or 2. You just have to watch them really closely at first. I mean if the big dogs are super hyper etc there might be a problem but other than that the dogs adjust- roo and taya even play together with toys and Taya adjusts her roughness/playing to accomodate the little one. Also, my brother has a 70 lb mutt who is scared of Roo. He never ever does anything mean to her and just avoids her mostly but when he was around her for several weeks straight he started letting her lick him etc and would be very very gentle with her. I've noticed that dogs know how big they are in regards to others.

Also, my 10 lb yorkipoo is the youngest- she pounces on roo all the time and has even sprained roo's tail by chewing on it. She's definitely more of a threat than Taya because she has so much energy and wants to play rough all the time. Though she and Roo also love each other and play together constantly and other than the tail Roo has remained unhurt and wouldn't give up her sisters for anything (she gets lonely when she doesn't have canine company!).

MiLeighsMoM · 01-19-2008, 02:26 PM

I Have a boxer and a boxer / german shep mix both are 30 or so lbs and they play just wonderful with Mi.. I have to watch and make sure she doesn't make them bleed cuz i think she bites them to hard sometimes but all they do is shake and walk off there like gental giants to her.. and my friends has a great dane and that is soo funny to watch.. I mean i would NEVER leave my little Mi with my or her Great Dane but as long as i can watch them she does great and they all play so wonderful with her.. They all lay on the floor and she jumps all over them all on there belly's .. its soo kute!!

yorkiegirl83 · 01-19-2008, 02:37 PM

I think that it's a difficult situation.

Do the owners of the two shepards know that their dogs aren't dog aggressive for sure with other dogs of all sizes?

I know that large and small dogs can live wonderfully together, but I would need to know about any possible DA, what level of energy the shepards have, how they plan to leave the dogs when they are not home (i.e. will they all be separately crated).

I think the only way I would personally feel comfortable would be to be able to do a home visit where the shepards could be temperament tested and introduced to the chi before making a final decision.

I hate to be biased because big dogs I know aren't menacing, mean dogs -- but depending on their energy level and personalities it might be a great match and might not. I think a small dog would be much more vulnerable in a situation with two, bigger counterparts should they decide to play rough.

WidsMom · 01-19-2008, 02:42 PM

It's an out of state adoption, so it's a little more difficult. I have been told that the two larger dogs are not kept in during the day, they have a large outside run.
The problem is, there are plenty of 'assurances' but no guarantees. To me, unless a dog is proven as trustworthy with little ones, it's a "no way". Also, another way to check honesty and reliability is to call the vet for complete references, including UTD vaccines.

We'll see...

TootiesMom · 01-19-2008, 08:51 PM

I currentlly have a 90 lb. lab who lives inside, very nicely with my little ones... She is VERY cautious when playing and will not run when Hope is near her. She knows when to be cautious, and Hope can eat her "droppings" under her feet when they eat...
I truly beleive it depends on the larger pup's temperment and upbringing. My big girl was raised with the little ones and really has no idea that she is so big. I also think that their temperment around small children will tell alot about how they react to smaller pups. My big girl, Laci, is the sweetest, most tolerant thing ever but they are NEVER left alone...
Good luck
d

yoyo27 · 01-19-2008, 09:02 PM

We have a 80 lb Weinriemer and he loves the yorkies. He knows he wants to be around them but has to lay down to do so. Now My 3.5 lb york can eat out of his bowl and he will allow her to come over and steal food from him. However he doesn't eat out of her bowl till she gets done and I say he can finish it off. He is crated part of the time, otherwise he would eat and tear everything up, especially the toys with stuffing. So he is watched very carefully when he is allowed upstairs with us. Otherwise he is in the basement where he can have fun and not hurt much. I would never leave a big dog loose with my yorkies. But he wouldn't aim to hurt them.

If I was going to consider letting a little dog go with a big dog. I think I would invite the large dog over to see the little one so you could see for yourself how it would act. People can tell you anything.

scrappymomma · 01-19-2008, 09:58 PM

I have a 120 pound rott/sheppard mix girl and my 4 Yorkies. She is so gentle and patient with them. She lets them get in her mouth and all over her. I completely trust her with them. She is 9 years old. When she gets sick of the small dogs she gets up and moves but truthfully after a few mnutes of the Yorkies pestering her they get bored and leave her alone. I think it all depends on the disposition of the dog. Also if its a rescue is the chi scared of big dogs? Just something to think about.

Beabble · 01-19-2008, 11:00 PM

I have 2 b, one weighs 95 pounds, the other weighs 75 pounds, then we have a german shorthair pointer mix who is 85 pounds. They get along great with Maggy and she actually adores all of them. Now would I ever leave them all aloe together, no, no matter how much I trust all of them, accidents DO happen. So, the only time they get to play together and be around each other is when I am there with them to watch them all. Leaving a yorkie with a big dog would be like leaving a big dog with a baby, anything could happen. It's just a chance I don't take. They all have inside crates and two of the big dogs crates are in our youngest sons room an our other big dogs crate is in our oldest sons room and Maggy's is in my room. When we all have to go away, all the dogs go in there crates and the the bedroom doors get shut. I think there are many big dogs out here that are AWESOME with small dogs, but in being a responsible pet ower, it's our job to make sure we supervise the timed they spend together.

01-19-2008, 09:46 AM	#1
WidsMom Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: USA Posts: 277	Multiple dog households, large and small.. This is a question for any of our Yorkie placement people, or breeders: Is it a concern for a small dog to enter a home with larger dogs? Although I feel it is definitely a serious consideration, I want to know how many of you have success integrating your larger furkids with smaller... I know I wouldn't want Figgy in a home with a 90 lb dog, but that's me. My reason for asking is a Chihuahua adoption that's at mid-point. It's an inter-state adoption and the adoptive parent just disclosed that she also has two large Shepherds. The parent placing the Chi has extremely mixed feelings because of the size and mellow disposition of this little one. Any criteria I can use to help this? Best interests of the tiny one? Proof of some type of obedience or vouching from a vet as to the disposition of the larger ones? An accident in the making? Safety for all is priority here... Joy __________________ Mom of Haley and Pim!

01-19-2008, 10:10 AM	#2
TinyBit It's a Yorkie Thing Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Walton KS Posts: 1,529 Blog Entries: 1	I have seven dogs total. Two that are outside except for visits inside. One is a 135# rottweiler and the other a 20# rat terror (not a spelling mistake) anyway they both get along fine with my yorkies. The rottweiler is very calm and acts like a big brother to all the little ones. He is a super baby sitter. When they get to rough bitting and chewing on his ears he will just get and and leave. But that's HIS nature. Be sure to check/ask how calm the bigger dogs are. It all depends on how that dog will see a smaller version. Because the small ones think they are giants. __________________ Loving Gizmo, Teddy, Duchess,and Faith : In Memory of My Duke of York 7-24-06 ~6-21-07 and Victorian Lacie Pearl 3-1-07 ~ 4-22-11

01-19-2008, 10:46 AM	#4
PKHenderson Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 232	I have a hard time with this question.. I too have big/small dogs that live in harmony, but I know that isn't always the case.I have two yorkies, a bichon, and an english mastiff.I think if I were to place one of my puppies in a home with a large dog..I would definitely want to know it's temperment, age, inside/outside, if it is crated when left at home/unsupervised (if inside), and things along those lines.At the shelter I worked for we would have them bring other dogs in for a visitation to see how they would react to each other.It would also depend on how much the person knows about their dog(s) .. I'm not going to lie, ours don't get along 100% of the time.. our mastiff has "food agression" so we have to feed her either on our front porch or in her crate and we can't leave food laying around.. anyways.. don't know if this is much help, but I guess it depends on the individual dog/situation. You could always try "safer" testing the dog/dogs involved to find any problems (food agression/ dog-to-dog agression/ rawhide agression/ possession agression) before they occur __________________ I my furbutts!!

01-19-2008, 12:00 PM	#5
WidsMom Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: USA Posts: 277	There is a lot to think about. It seems like the perfect home other than the concern for larger breeds with the little one. Thanks so much for your input! Joy __________________ Mom of Haley and Pim!

01-19-2008, 02:42 PM	#9
WidsMom Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: USA Posts: 277	It's an out of state adoption, so it's a little more difficult. I have been told that the two larger dogs are not kept in during the day, they have a large outside run. The problem is, there are plenty of 'assurances' but no guarantees. To me, unless a dog is proven as trustworthy with little ones, it's a "no way". Also, another way to check honesty and reliability is to call the vet for complete references, including UTD vaccines. We'll see... __________________ Mom of Haley and Pim!

01-19-2008, 10:34 AM	#3
Lee B YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Land O' Lakes, FL Posts: 735	The other two dogs in my household are a rescued terrier mix with 3 legs (about 35#) and my daughter's 80# pit. Katie, the terrier, has finally gotten to the "toleration" stage with the pup; she can do the most amazing lip snarl you've ever seen, but she's never lunged at the pup. Well, she tried, but I yelled at her and she won't do it again. The pit, Nitro, is a beautiful, calm beastie who loves the pup. He lies down on the floor and lets Puddin' chew on him; it's not usual for him to look up, roll his eyes for help, and for us to notice that the pup is hanging off his neck (and you KNOW those little teeth are sharp). When he gets tired, he hops up on the bed or whatever so that he can get some peace and quiet. When I took Puddin' to the vet to get neutered, the other family members said that Nitro searched the house, whining - looking for the pup. Katie is 15 years old; Nitro is about 10. These are older dogs who are well-past "puppy" antics, and are calm. Big dogs/little dogs can coexist very well, but it depends ENTIRELY on the temperment of the animals involved. If the big dog is agressive and protective ... you may have a problem. If the big dog is a lumbering sweetie who'd lick you to death before even thinking of nipping at you, I think you'll be OK. Of course, vigilance is called for to ensure that everyone gets properly introduced. Just my experience, but over 35 years or so, my big dogs have always accepted puppies. And little dogs are just perpetual puppies to a big dog.

01-19-2008, 12:06 PM	#6
roosmom Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 232	I have a 40 lb spaniel mix and a 10 lb yorkipoo and a 2 1/2 lb yorkie. They all get along great- sleep together etc. I think as long as the bigger dogs are older and calmed down a bit it's okay. When we first got Roo (yorkie) Taya (spaniel) sat/stepped on her a few times but soon got used to Roo and hasn't done that since like the first week or 2. You just have to watch them really closely at first. I mean if the big dogs are super hyper etc there might be a problem but other than that the dogs adjust- roo and taya even play together with toys and Taya adjusts her roughness/playing to accomodate the little one. Also, my brother has a 70 lb mutt who is scared of Roo. He never ever does anything mean to her and just avoids her mostly but when he was around her for several weeks straight he started letting her lick him etc and would be very very gentle with her. I've noticed that dogs know how big they are in regards to others. Also, my 10 lb yorkipoo is the youngest- she pounces on roo all the time and has even sprained roo's tail by chewing on it. She's definitely more of a threat than Taya because she has so much energy and wants to play rough all the time. Though she and Roo also love each other and play together constantly and other than the tail Roo has remained unhurt and wouldn't give up her sisters for anything (she gets lonely when she doesn't have canine company!).

01-19-2008, 02:26 PM	#7
MiLeighsMoM BANNED! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Lafayette, Louisiana Posts: 562	I Have a boxer and a boxer / german shep mix both are 30 or so lbs and they play just wonderful with Mi.. I have to watch and make sure she doesn't make them bleed cuz i think she bites them to hard sometimes but all they do is shake and walk off there like gental giants to her.. and my friends has a great dane and that is soo funny to watch.. I mean i would NEVER leave my little Mi with my or her Great Dane but as long as i can watch them she does great and they all play so wonderful with her.. They all lay on the floor and she jumps all over them all on there belly's .. its soo kute!!

01-19-2008, 02:37 PM	#8
yorkiegirl83 Love My Furbabies! Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: somewhere Posts: 4,427	I think that it's a difficult situation. Do the owners of the two shepards know that their dogs aren't dog aggressive for sure with other dogs of all sizes? I know that large and small dogs can live wonderfully together, but I would need to know about any possible DA, what level of energy the shepards have, how they plan to leave the dogs when they are not home (i.e. will they all be separately crated). I think the only way I would personally feel comfortable would be to be able to do a home visit where the shepards could be temperament tested and introduced to the chi before making a final decision. I hate to be biased because big dogs I know aren't menacing, mean dogs -- but depending on their energy level and personalities it might be a great match and might not. I think a small dog would be much more vulnerable in a situation with two, bigger counterparts should they decide to play rough.

01-19-2008, 08:51 PM	#10
TootiesMom and Hopeys Mom Too Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 4,109	I currentlly have a 90 lb. lab who lives inside, very nicely with my little ones... She is VERY cautious when playing and will not run when Hope is near her. She knows when to be cautious, and Hope can eat her "droppings" under her feet when they eat... I truly beleive it depends on the larger pup's temperment and upbringing. My big girl was raised with the little ones and really has no idea that she is so big. I also think that their temperment around small children will tell alot about how they react to smaller pups. My big girl, Laci, is the sweetest, most tolerant thing ever but they are NEVER left alone... Good luck 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)

01-19-2008, 09:02 PM	#11
yoyo27 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,741	We have a 80 lb Weinriemer and he loves the yorkies. He knows he wants to be around them but has to lay down to do so. Now My 3.5 lb york can eat out of his bowl and he will allow her to come over and steal food from him. However he doesn't eat out of her bowl till she gets done and I say he can finish it off. He is crated part of the time, otherwise he would eat and tear everything up, especially the toys with stuffing. So he is watched very carefully when he is allowed upstairs with us. Otherwise he is in the basement where he can have fun and not hurt much. I would never leave a big dog loose with my yorkies. But he wouldn't aim to hurt them. If I was going to consider letting a little dog go with a big dog. I think I would invite the large dog over to see the little one so you could see for yourself how it would act. People can tell you anything. __________________ " Santa's on his Way! From: Cali, Cinnamon, and Zoie.

01-19-2008, 09:58 PM	#12
scrappymomma Currently Suspended! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 697	I have a 120 pound rott/sheppard mix girl and my 4 Yorkies. She is so gentle and patient with them. She lets them get in her mouth and all over her. I completely trust her with them. She is 9 years old. When she gets sick of the small dogs she gets up and moves but truthfully after a few mnutes of the Yorkies pestering her they get bored and leave her alone. I think it all depends on the disposition of the dog. Also if its a rescue is the chi scared of big dogs? Just something to think about.

01-19-2008, 11:00 PM	#13
Beabble YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,104 Blog Entries: 4	I have 2 b, one weighs 95 pounds, the other weighs 75 pounds, then we have a german shorthair pointer mix who is 85 pounds. They get along great with Maggy and she actually adores all of them. Now would I ever leave them all aloe together, no, no matter how much I trust all of them, accidents DO happen. So, the only time they get to play together and be around each other is when I am there with them to watch them all. Leaving a yorkie with a big dog would be like leaving a big dog with a baby, anything could happen. It's just a chance I don't take. They all have inside crates and two of the big dogs crates are in our youngest sons room an our other big dogs crate is in our oldest sons room and Maggy's is in my room. When we all have to go away, all the dogs go in there crates and the the bedroom doors get shut. I think there are many big dogs out here that are AWESOME with small dogs, but in being a responsible pet ower, it's our job to make sure we supervise the timed they spend together. __________________ ~Tracy~