considering adopting a pit with yorkies

[Critter]

we currently have 2 yorkies, they are such great boys. My husband has been looking into adopting a pitbull and we think we have found one. She has a great personality and has even been around yorkies with her current foster placement. Anyone out there have this type of breed with your yorkie. I am worried about the size difference and of course the "history" of the pit and what they have been known to do. The lady currently fostering says she hasn't seen any aggression and has had her for 6 months. Is there anything I should be considering??

[Britster]

I LOVE Pits and am a total advocate for them. However, I'm not sure I would be comfortable living with one with a Yorkie unless major precaution was taken. That's not to say Pits can't be fabulous with little dogs. My aunt's pittie is 8yrs old and loves little dogs and is good with Jackson whenever they've been around each other. I am just not sure I'd want to live with them together if I had a choice due to their predisposition to dog aggression, which could strike at any time. You should be prepared to potentially crate & rotate.

Becoming a Pit Bull owner means greater responsibility than most other breeds. Because they already have a bad rep, you do not want to in any way compromise their name even more... so IMO, it takes a special person to own one and a lot of dedication.

8 Tips for Responsible Pit Bull Ownership | PitBulls

Many Pit Bulls interact well with many other dogs and sometimes other pets; so much depends on the individual dog's temperament, training and early and ongoing socialization. However, owners must be aware that the trait of aggression towards dogs and other animals (not towards humans) was bred in, and cannot be reliably trained away. Love cannot change the genetic make-up of your dog.

Many dogs were bred with a specific purpose; herding breeds tend to display nipping behaviors and scent-hounds follow their noses. Pit Bulls were originally bred for work that included bull-baiting and dog fighting. It is not the "hate" of other dogs that drives some to fight, but an "urge" that has been bred into them.

Your dog may not feel compelled to fight with other animals, but carelessness can possibly lead to a sudden, serious fight. Even two dogs who have been friends for years may fight if something triggers an instinct. With any breed, a calm pup could show animal aggression in the future; a dog may not mature and show his true temperament until age three.

In addition, most terriers have a strong prey drive, and often regard cats, rabbits and squirrels as targets. It definitely helps to socialize dogs from the start with many types of animals and find positive outlets for their energy drive. Early and ongoing obedience training is essential as well. A dog who has been raised properly, socialized and trained will be easier to handle.

Good luck w/ what you decide

[axelsangel]

I have a Yorkie, pit, german shepherd, and a lab. They all get along great! My yorkie jumps all over them playing and they couldn't care less. As for the pit and the "history" IMOP its all in how you raise them and treat them. Mine is the sweetest most laid back dog i have seen. They are very very smart dogs and if you respect them they will respect you. Good Luck!!

[gemy]

Originally Posted by Critter

we currently have 2 yorkies, they are such great boys. My husband has been looking into adopting a pitbull and we think we have found one. She has a great personality and has even been around yorkies with her current foster placement. Anyone out there have this type of breed with your yorkie. I am worried about the size difference and of course the "history" of the pit and what they have been known to do. The lady currently fostering says she hasn't seen any aggression and has had her for 6 months. Is there anything I should be considering??

Well yes a whole lot of things in my mind. How experienced are you and your husband with "serious" breeds? Are you prepared to do and keep up the obedience training with your pit? Are there laws in your county with respect to owning pits? Will your home insurance cover you, if you own a pitbull?

I too have known many sweet pitbulls, but also know their instincts can flash, and with their jaw and that locking mechanism, any medium to large size dog can be in trouble quickly. A yorkie would be dead!.

With what I know of this breed, I would never ever risk allowing the Yorkie and the pitbull to play out in the yard together, or even in the house.

I do not own pits, but a large breed called Black Russian Terriers. My male BRT is the only one I entrust to go out in backyard unattended with my Yorkie. My female is still very prey driven, and in her excitement she could step quite easily and quickly on my Yorkie.... and do damage.

So if you want this pittie, proceed with caution, be prepared as Britster said to crate and rotate, be commited to exercsing and obedience training with your pittie.

[Lovetodream88]

I personally would not do it. I would be weary of any large breed with a yorkie and definitely a pit. They can never be left alone together ever. Have you owned a pit before and know everything that needs to be done to train them and precautions to take when owning one?

[MikaTallulah]

How do your dogs behave with bigger dogs? You don't want to set this pit put to fail because your dogs behave improperly. If this pit bull is already around yorkies than they now how to behave around small dogs. Many times it is the little dog that does something to set the bigger one off.

Make sure pits are allowed in your area and check with your homeowners to make sure they are allowed.

I would also plan to go to training with the pit to build the bond between yourself and it.

I would not leave the yorkies unattended with pitbull but that applies with new dog.

Good luck

[chachi]

I dont want to seem anti pitt but I swear the famous last word of a Pitt owner whose pitt has attacked is always I never saw aggression in them. Pitts are very prey driven and yorkies are small like prey that reason alone would keep me from adopting one with a yorkie or even a small child

[lillymae]

Contrary to popular belief, Pitt Bulls DO NOT have locking jaws, that is a myth. Have you taken your babies to meet the Pittie to see how they react to her ?

[lovespandp]

I think it would be better if you got a Pit Puppy, Adopting the pit would scare me, you don't really know their personality, esp bringing one home with little Yorkies in the house. At lease bringing home a puppy the pit will grow up with the Yorkies and YOU can start fresh with training.

[lexi43]

I don't think I would feel comfortable with a pit bull with my small dogs either. I am nervous enough with my Basset Hounds playing with the smaller dogs. I love all dogs and I feel sorry for the ones that can't find a home because of their reputation, maybe if he were to be my only dog it would be different. Well if you do adopt him I wish you good luck with him.

[LILBIT1]

I wouldnt do it. Im not comfortable with any larger dog around my pup. One chomp and shes a gonner. 6 pds isnt a fighting chance against a large dog.

[EarthAngel]

Originally Posted by lovespandp

I think it would be better if you got a Pit Puppy, Adopting the pit would scare me, you don't really know their personality, esp bringing one home with little Yorkies in the house. At lease bringing home a puppy the pit will grow up with the Yorkies and YOU can start fresh with training.

I, too agree with getting a puppy.

[Shelby&Seymour]

I don't think I personally would feel comfortable having a pit around my yorkies..... I wouldn't want to any kind of chance that they could get hurt. I am not "anti" pit, but it is a fact that they are a very powerful dog.... I am sure others will disagree.... but you were asking for opinions .

[gemy]

The REAL Pit Bull - An Education & Advocacy Organization

Here is a site that seems to be informative, and one you might like to peruse.

[yorkieusa]

I know I could never do it. This is one story of several that has stuck in my mind:

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/mem...n-one-day.html