Compatible Breeds
 

My Male Sneakers at 4yo is holding at just over 13lbs, My Female Becca at 2yo, has just recently weighed in at a very solid 8.3lbs, and needs every ounce of it, to deal with our new puppy Ichabod. Sneakers is Ickey's teacher, and Becca is his Play Mate. Given his frame and level of exercise, I expect him to reach about 8lbs as well. I've had several breeds though out my life, and once upon owning a Yorkie, thought I'd never consider any other breed, however...

I've been seriously thinking about moving out to the country, maybe 5 to 10 acres, and am worried just how my "little" guys would fair in that environment. I had certainly considered fencing, but given the range of wild critters out there, I'm seriously thinking about getting at least one larger Dog, sort of "security" for the Pack, and the Labrador comes to mind. Regardless of what breed I'd choose, bringing it into the Pack as a Puppy, and letting it grow up with my resident animals, would be the best way I believe.

Has/does anyone have this type mix ?
What breed do you think would "live" well with Yorkie's ?
Or, is this a bad idea ?

I have a lab, however she was here first. Have you thought about adopting from a shelter an older dog 2-3 yrs) so they aren't in the puppy phase. You can introduce your pets and see if they get along, if so then they will be protected, and u wont have to worry about a nippy larger puppy. The lab puppy would be bigger than your small ones when you bring it home and quickly grow to 40+ lbs within a yr.

I've found that most large dog breeds do well with little dogs if taught that they are not toys & to be GENTLE. We lived out on 80 acre land for awhile .... we had a border collie that did well with our 12.5 pounds Yorkshire terrier, Clyde. We also did not have fencing AT ALL.

If you're just careful with the little guys I can't imagine you'd have much problems. The one rule I had to remember was to always be aware that there are other animals out there looking at your dogs like dinner.

Like the person above me stated, puppies are definitely going to go through "those stages" were they are clumsy and rambunctious and there will definitely be opportunity during these times for the pup to accidentally plow into one of your smaller guys. If you're definitely set on a puppy I think you could make it work, though.

I've noticed however, that there are certain larger breeds that tend to "swat" more at small dogs. The Boxer in particular. I have nothing against that breed of dog. I <3 Boxer's... and I'm not saying ALL Boxer's do this ... but just in my experience with dogs there are certain breeds that like to try and use their paws more during play. For smaller dogs that means getting stomped on.

I have a bichon frise. My yorkie and bichon are both females. My bichon Kirby is 8 years old and Khloe just turned 1 year. They are opposites however. Kirby is laid back and sweet. Khloe is spicy and a go getter. They get along fine. When Kirby has enough of Khloe she lets her know with a growl. Khloe has this habit of pulling on Kirby's fluffy bichon ears but she respects big sister. I admit both girls are spoiled and they do compete for attention but I spread the love around.

I can only tell you that a lab puppy is one super charged little pile of energy! The Lab is a good pet IF it is given the kind of exercise it needs to be a good family member. Personally, I would not want to raise one around a Yorkie. I don't think one would deliberately hurt a little dog but they are strong and full of energy. Getting one from a good Lab rescue might be a better idea. Labs are often re homed because people did not realize how much is involved in raising a dog that is bred to run out in the fields. They are wonderful loyal dogs if given the right environment.

We had a Lab several years ago. When he was about 9 months old he accidently knocked one of my prize show kittens off the back of our couch. The poor thing had to miss an upcoming show because he was still hurting come show time. He eventually healed up but it was traumatic for him and me. Gunther didn't mean to hurt him. He was only playing but a big strong animal can accidently injure a small animal.

I agree! Jackson does not tend to like bully breeds (and Boxers, etc) for that reason. The swatting, big paws, not gentle or respectful of space (often ramming into things, and people, LOL)... those kind of dogs Jackson is not big on, and he pretty much gets along with everybody. But he will snark at those goofy, paw swatting, clueless kind of dogs, hehe.

Labs are GREAT once they are older. The puppy phase can be hard. Goldens, to me, have always seemed more gentle even as pups. I love both breeds, but Goldens appeal to me more for that reason. Both tend to do very well with little dogs though in my experience. And honestly, sometimes the biggest tend to be most gentle giants (Mastiffs, Danes, etc). I think getting a puppy from a good breeder and raising it with small dogs would work out well, but also an adult who is already tested around small dogs would be fantastic.

Question: I Want Big Dog to watch out for my Yorkies, what kind of dog would work ? I raised and trained Labs in the 1980s. They are wonderful,strong, active, obedient and very trainable. Labs make good family pets if you can spend the time training them until they out grow the long puppy stage. They shed like crazy too and need daily brushing. Labs need exercise, they love to play ball, frizbee, and swimming. Our Lab thinks she is small like the Yorkies. She wants on my lap !
Pups copy other dogs and what is acceptable for a small bob tail Yorkie, does not work out so well with a sweeper, swishing, tail and 80 pound wiggling butt of a Lab. Hubby has a Lab, Lily Girl. Honestly she is not the best fit with the Yorkies.
I would suggest a dog that is already grown might be a good option. Herding breeds seem to enjoy the guarding role and don't mind being different from the little dogs. Talk to people, study breeds before adding to your family. Best wishes and happy new year.

You've gotten lots of good advice; I personally wouldn't let my Yorkies run free even in a fenced yard in the country even with a larger dog. Like many have said, lab puppies can be very challenging and this phase lasts around 3 years. Also, remember that labs don’t really exercise on their own, you have to teach them to fetch and throw the ball for them, so be prepared to spend lots of your day, playing with them, they need lots of exercise.

Which larger breed is the question? You mentioned getting a larger breed for guard purposes. Well clarify that to yourself. Guarding against what or whom?

You do have some larger sized Yorkies, but still predatory birds could be an issue, and one which a dog any dog might not be able to guard against. Even with two very large dogs in the water with Razzle, the turkey vultures still circled in closer and closer to Razzman in the water. I got him out of there fast, and guess what those vultures circled away from us! The two larger dogs had no idea there was any danger circling in from above.

It seems to me what you want is a breed that has high defense drive, but lowish prey drive. Ie you don't want your big dog to look at your Yorkies as prey.

Also even with a large guard breed you just can't rely on them to always keep your Yorkies safe. Some coyotes have been known to distract the larger dog, and then go after the small one.

Also if you are walking as a pack, understand there might be situations which you might have to choose between protecting your Yorkies and trying to protect your large guard breed dog. Eg: we were on vacation this past summer, and my friend and I were walking 6 Yorkies and one large guard dog. Two of the Yorkies were off lead and leading the pack on the walk. My guard dog and my Yorkie were on lead. Out of the bush comes crashing a Rottie mix, who went straight for the two off Lead Yorkies. Very dangerous situation. Magic roared and stopped the Rottie in his tracks; for he had not realized there were other dogs present. My Yorkie went defensive too, aggressively barking, I picked Razz up. Now what? If that Rottie brought it forward to my Magic, I was severely hampered to help break up a dog fight. As was my friend with her five Yorkies back under control. In the country I had relaxed my guard. In the city where I live, I never walk Razz and Magic together, for just this reason.

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying don't do it, but just think about potential situations et al.

IN terms of Labs - they do require high exercise and really are still pretty clumsy and puppish for at least three years.

Also consider are you going to keep this dog as an outside guard dog? That makes a huge difference in what breed to consider. Many large breeds do NOT do so well as being only outside dogs. They require the love and companionship of their owners. In other words to live in the home with you and your pack. For example my guard breed does not (BRT). Many of this breed do not have HUGE prey drive, as they were designed to guard humans, and of course their pack - which they do very very well. But like all working breeds require a large commitment of time for training and socialization.

I think as I would love to live in the country; I would have an outside run for Yorkies to run in, and another for elimination. Those runs would be covered above (ie birds of prey).

A large breed dog will deter many threats just by their presence but not all threats!

Another true story, I was working my large boy off lead early morning in a park nearby. Luckily for us I did catch some movement off about 50 yards or so away. It was 2- 3 coyotes circling the perimeter of where we were working. I thought oh boy we might be in trouble here! Luckily Magic had not seen them yet as he was focussed looking at me for his next command. I called him to me, leashed him, then hit the PANIC button for my car. The loud sound scared those coyotes away. We returned to our car, and of course there was no training that morning for little Razzman.

I do think that some things to consider when purchasing a large breed dog are:
A) do I have the time and willingness to train this dog?
B) Do I have the time and willingness to provide the necessary exercise for the breed?
C) While I bought this dog for their guarding qualities - do I have the understanding on how to keep them safe? By this I mean you don't want to un-necessarily expose them to danger.
D) Should my dog get involved in a "fight" do I know how to assist?
E) Can I afford the food, expense and vet bills for a large breed dog
F) And finally when or if a life and death situation occurs -my dog might be severly injured and or killed. Think about this for a moment. You bought breed X because they are good at guarding and protecting. They WILL do it. And all the training in the world, if their owner was seriously threatened and or their pack, their natural instinct will take over. They will lay down their life for you and yours. It behooves you to make sure you can both emotionally and finacially bear the brunt of this encounter.

Some food for thought ...........

I'll be honest, I didn't have time to read all the replies because i'm at work, but I would just like to suggest a golden retriever or any shepherd, herding dog.

Have a Golden and yorkies. My yorkies were raised by my Previous Golden Lucky and boss my current one, Buddy around. Buddy will look scary barking and growling is the yorkies do but he is all bark and not bite. Cozy my mama yorkie will protect her pack at all costs! A lot of other animals could harm your yorkies. I live in the country and all Buddy at 95 pounds is allowed outside with out 100% supervision- I have invisible fence for him.

A Golden or any larger breed puppy does not know their own strength and supervision is a must!

I don't think our Lab would have ever protected us or the other animals in the house. We always said he would have helped a thief out the door with all our belongings! He was just such a friendly, loving dog. Our Collie on the other hand scared quite a few visitors back off the porch when they approached the house! She was very protective but was fine once she was told the person was alright and we let them in. (After we convinced the people that she was really friendly!)

Herding dogs are much more protective than most hunting dogs in my opinion. But that is what herding dogs are bred for. They do have to be trained to know what they are protecting and tend to look for things to herd. I had to bring our Collie in when the kids were playing football in the backyard because she would try to herd the kids around. They did not appreciate her refereeing their game! One may want to actually try herding your Yorkies!

It would be a hard decision for me to make. Like gemy said it is not a fool proof solution for protection of your smaller dogs. I live out in the country in a very forested area. I really have never had a problem with the wild life but I keep Gracie on a close leash when we walk and stay pretty close to her when we are in the backyard. Really the big prey birds are the biggest threat here and I don't think a big dog would be much help against a bird attack. They strike fast and seemingly out of no where.

WOW, I hardly know what to say, save I really love this Forum (actually of course, the people in it). What valuable comments have be let, your expertise, and apparent commitment to resolving several very important concerns (more than I realized) have given me a great deal to think about.

Doing multiple quotes here would be a nightmare, and I'm not sure if I know how to do that anyway :eek:. So, I'll just do it by topic, and pardon me if I may miss referencing someone's reply directly.

The age of the newbie...
I have always had/supported seniority within the Pack (an Alpha/Pecking Order) and had never thought to bring in an older animal, specially a bigger one. However, you make a very good point about an older Dog being more settled and calm. Yorkie puppies are exuberant to the point of being obnoxious, and having a 20+lb terror in the pack, is something I'm not sure MY Male Sneakers could deal with. My Female Becca on the other hand, takes ALL problems with a grain of salt, giving Ichabod complete freedom to pull her ears and tail as much as he wants, and just squashes Ickey down and lays on top of him, when She's had enough. But, IF an older animal was selected, how does one keep it from thinking the smaller ones aren't "dinner"? Though I am retired, and very conscious of all of their whereabouts, I can't watch them 24HrD.

Demeanor and a sacrificial situation...
The demeanor part lends back to who's eating who, how does one select an animal which will step forward when danger presents it's self, and nurtures the Pack on other occasions. In reference to the age, wouldn't bring in a Puppy, and having him grow with/into the Pack, be more likely to separate those issues ? Would then an older Golden as you mentioned, be more likely to "fit in", yet "stand up" for the Pack ?
I totally CRINGED, when you mentioned the "big Dog" putting it's self in harms way for "us". I know myself, and love it that my Yorkies are PB's. But even if I got a total Hines57 out of the Pound, I'd love that Dog just as much as if he were a direct descendant of the Duke and Duchess of Yorkshire. And I know that ALL of you, know exactly what I mean.
I do take the Pack hunting along the Bayou almost daily, BUT, I'm right there with them. Out in the country, with a new set of creatures available (I've herd of Coyote Packs recently) makes me want to rethink this...almost. But, the desire for that 24/7 alertness and ability to protect comes down to would I sacrifice one, for the good of the rest ? I'd have to reluctantly say yes to that. I think of that like an Insurance Policy, with a heartbreaking almost unbearable premium.

Upkeep and attention.
HA, my Vet was ecstatic hearing of me getting Ichabod, and he'd probably throw a Party if I got another. :D But yea, I'm sure I could financially fit in the maintenance and health care well enough. As far as training, that's pretty ongoing, and, I rely on my adult animals to help me with that. I have been totally impressed, as to how well Ichabod learns from Sneakers and Becca, and, we are (have been) together just about 24/7, throughout each one of their lives. However, with me getting older, and the area they would be permitted to run in (even with Fencing) makes me very aware of my limitations. I too had thought of a protected Dog Run, but, I won't/haven't even Crated my guys, wanting them to run and play freely, when they want to. I think my policy of "Let them be Dogs", is seriously conflicted under rural circumstances.

So, "some food for thought", definitely, and a very well thought out list of such important issues ! But other questions arise...

If the Lab and or Golden are an "ok" size, what's the limit ?
A Dane, or another breed that big ?
Would gender be an issue ?

My lab is the snuggler too. I pick up Joey and he just lays at the foot of the chair or he'd, the lab will share my pillow or squash me if I'm in the chair. She was crate trained for this reason lol

Wow a Dane is the second largest tallest dog in doggiedome. They were originally bred to hunt boar. You would need to research this breed to see how they would do with a small dog(s). Bred to hunt, off the top means that they are probably more Prey driven type of dog. A male Dane can go up to 170 lbs of dog. Females smaller, but you are looking at an adult dog that can weigh in at 130+. That is a lot of dog! With a country estate you would have the necessary running room for the dog.

What is more important (usually) than gender is the breed of dog, and how gender might or might not play into things. And of course proper temperament testing, so the breeder and ultimately you know what temperament your puppy/dog might have, as an adult. For example in our large working breed, basically our females although smaller tend to be much more guardy and "touchy". This means their buttons are closer to On than Off. And again this depends on the lines they come from.

In terms of limit - well actually none. As Britster indicated generally speaking large dogs on a whole seem much more laid back them a typical Yorkie. Their size kind of speaks for them.

Personally I don't see Labs or Goldens as large dogs. Sort of for me on the larger end of Medium sized dogs.

Once again it is all about the temperament of the breed and particular dog in question. And what as I posted earlier you are prepared to do.

Almost all large breed dogs that acclimaltize themselves to your pack, will defend it; and step back to either nuture or ignore bad behaviour on your Yorkies part.

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