I would fence an area for the Yorkies. A dogs not going to protect them. In my neighborhood small dogs have been picked up by Coyotes and they had 2 large mix breed dogs. Coyotes are smart. Anything they will just run u and snatch it.Only thing that can protects your dogs is U.

I do agree that you don't want to depend on a large breed obviously to protect them. I didn't take it you did though... it seems like you, more or less, just want a bigger companion around with the bonus of maybe being an extra deterrent. I mean, I know I always felt safe when I used to dogsit a Rottie and he would walk with me and Jackson. I just felt like I had a bit more protection, as he was very protective of me (and Jackson).

I live in the Burbs...by the country..There's Coyotes everywhere. In the Country I would concider a fence mandatory. A Big dog ime will get along with the Yorkies but if the Coyotes they will bring others and they will everyday until they can get the dogs. Well maybe not everyday but when food is scare they will always remember. Farmers already have a couple dogs and the varmints still get there livestock. Yorkies running free I wouldn't. But your are big if they are like Jack Russel size they may get away but Coyote's get them also...JMO

You are so right! Also coyotes hunt in packs. And even medium sized dogs can fall to coyotes. Also there are wolves to consider. The wolf territory is mapped. In near North Ontario, we have had an influx of wolves, that have killed Goldens/Labs and even larger sized dogs. But as an owner you do your best to safeguard your pets.

I think my main point is if you want a guard breed, then understand that they will guard and lay down their life. You use this wisely and hopefully rarely.

If I had a herd of animals to protect, I would consider Kuvasz, Tibetan Mastiffs and Orchakas. All breeds that can do well living outside but are very fierce protectors and defenders. And btw not for the first time dog owner, as they still need training a whole lot of training.

Also the dog can kill the Yorki in play.. English Bull dogs ppl don't even take them serious they are so goofy friendly but accidents happen
Miley Cyrus' pet Yorkie was killed by her bulldog

Interesting on how long lived the Tibetan Mastiffs is. 10-14yrs. All the large dogs I like are so short lived 6-9yrs. Thats why I stayed away from the Mastiff on my list of big dogs.

That was terrible! How very sad for her and her two dogs.

I will only say all medium to large dog owners need to err on the side of caution. No free play, no un-supervised inter-action, until and unto such time both dogs have proved trustworthy.


razzle still sleeps in his crate at night - cause our guard dogs are free at night. Obviously if I sleep I can't supervise inter-actions. I know he is safe from accidental stepping on him. And of course other situations.

exactly^^^ Moki plays with my inlaws Eskimo. Small/Med dog. But I watch. Moki thinks he's 100lbs. The 35lbs dog paws him and knock down his solid 6lbs ass down. Then it's time to stop. Moki wants more.

When I first got Joey, Carley would crouch down and slap her front paws on the ground...while they were playing. She NEVER got near him though and knew to back up when he got too close. Dogs are smarter than we give them credit. She was bery well aware that she was much bigger than him. Now, since Joey was the puppy and I know sometimes they are the trouble makers, I would remove him from the situation. You have to make sure the dogs know you are the pack leader, and they can pick their own status within the pack, but you are alpha. After that they will listen to you. This is easy for me because I am a type A person, and a natural leader...but with my MIL, her down over runs her. You can clearly tell he is the boss.

True but the big dog can still hurt the little in play just one thing ppl need to be aware of. Not all dogs same breed same little have the same temperament. I'm going to get a larger dog but it's going to be a careful choice. JMO

I would suggest a medium sized dog like a border collie or Aussie. They are very sweet but protective. Their barks tend to keep coyotes away. They are both extremely smart dogs. They are both on the top 5. Very trainable.

Coyote Attacks Dog In Wheaton CBS Chicago

Just an example. No dog,fence or really anything is safe if you have Coyote. Just make sure you do everything to protect you best friend. They don't always let go.
I have neighbors who had there dogs attacked while one there leash. Just depends how hungry they are. They are so overrun where I'm at they fill the shooting range. The range shuts down because they can't be shot in that town..only if you have livestock there. They need to be trapped.

@SW Houston;

I forgot to mention that a pack mentality particularly with a guard breed can develop literally overnight.

One night sleeping in same home, eating together and voila - you are my pack.

The incident I referred to happened when Ilona and I were on vacation with 12 Yorkies and one Blackie - and it happened after a mere 24hrs together.

We also elected not to walk on that dirt road again. We exercised the dogs in the water and around the cottage. Why risk another encounter with an off lead Rottie mix?

The other suggestion I have for you; and this might mean well actually will mean more $$$ - if you want to get an older purebred large dog, look for in fact insist it is obedience trained already. All the guard breeds should be trained to a minimum CD=Companion Dog title. This means they can heel on and off lead, Come, STay, Stand for examination and are proven to be good citizens. It takes a whole lot of rehab to rescue even an 18mth large breed dog that has had no TRAINING.

Also there are places in the States that you can send your dog to Obedience camp. Pricey but.... After three weeks your dog is returned to you fully trained - and then it is your responsibility to keep up with the training.

:thumbup: We had a Border Collie, and he didn't grow up around small dogs .... but we introduced a mutt (8 pounds), a purebred Yorkshire terrier (6 pounds), a 15 pound Scottish terrier, and one 12.5 Yorkshire terrier that lived with us (not all at the same time) and our Border Collie did wonderful. Especially for growing up in a life as a only dog. Boomer did well with strangers as well.

These dogs are perfect country living dogs. They are so smart and loyal. Boomer had some great instincts. He was very protective. They also are very agile and graceful, and they are larger dogs without the feeling of being TO large.

If I was going to get another bigger dog AND had little dogs it would be the Border Collie. If I didn't have little dogs it would be the German Shepherd.

Again, I thank all of you for your insightful comments...

gemy, YES !, I have personally witnessed that seemingly instantaneous acceptance into a Pack. They somehow seem to know "AHH, home, I'm happy now", and, "Companions and play, let's have fun". :D

So, the general consensus seems to be...

A medium sized Dog, like the...
Border Collie Page or
Australian Shepherd Page

Then, a Female, which might provide a closer relationship with smaller Dogs. ie: "Her Puppies" attitude.

Then, the issue of age...
Somehow, I just can't get past the idea that it should be a Puppy when getting it initially. That's probably because that's always been the way I've introduced a newbie into my Pack previously.

I have always respected seniority issues within the Pack, and encouraged my Males toward an Alpha role, though the Yorkshire is predominantly matriarchal. My Female Becca is the consummate Alpha Female, and though her regular role is the maintenance of relationships, will get right in my Male's face, if he gets too rough with the puppy. However, when a defense issue arises, she always calls in the "big guns", and assumes a supportive role. I can see this as a positive indicator, concerning her ability to allow another Female to step up to the defense of the Pack.

As you can see, I am very conscious of the "mental health" of the Pack. Maybe overly so.

Herding References:
AKC Breeds by Group - Herding Group