Can large dogs, live with small dogs?

Many rescue groups often come to the hard decision of whether or not a large breed dog can be safely rehomed in a house that has a small dog resident. This is a valid question, and many things should be considered.

I personally have 2 chihuahuas under 10 pounds with a working pack of large breeds, so I believe it can be done, but I look for factors that may or may not fit before making a final decision. Be ready to admit if this is NOT a good fit, and do not let your heart lead your decision because it may not be right for every household. The factors that have to be thought about may not be something your everyday person will plan for or think about. I hope to cover them all in this article to make safer adoptions happen.

Often, small dog owners look to adopt a large breed for a couple reasons; One, they see a heartbreaking post on social media and feel they can save that “poor dog” no one else wants; Or two, they miss owning a big dog to romp around with, or join them on runs and outings.

Obviously the first reason happens very frequently in this day and age. With social media and the wonderful talents of PR folks out there, Fido the giant mixed breed that has been in the shelter system for over 120 days, looks very cute and cuddly in the photos and stories. People tend to think, “Well, my little dog could always jump on the back of the couch to get a break”, “My little dog doesn’t take lip from other dogs, it can hold its own”, or “dogs are pack animals, they would see my little dog as a puppy”. These thoughts are very human….and I hear them from clients every day. Yes dogs are pack animals, yes, tiny spot may be a tough little dog, and yes, while an escape to higher ground is possible, large dogs can also get to higher ground- just quicker.

Before adding a large dog as a companion to your small dog, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Does my small dog get along with other dogs? In most cases, small dogs are carried from place to place, giving them the false thought that they are the “top” dog. This makes small dogs bark intensely at other dogs they see in public or guests that come to visit. This also places a target on their backs to the other dogs who view this as the “forced alpha”, a small dog is a much easier target to take down to gain leadership if the potential addition has a drive to be the protector. If the new addition is a confident personality, or an over rambunctious energetic dog, your small forced alpha, may not appreciate it and try to correct the chaotic behavior.

2. Are you planning on allowing the dogs to work out the “pack order”? If so, stop and say no to a new addition. This never ends well between small and large dogs. You will have to decide to take charge, meaning both dogs have to follow the same rules. If big fido can’t get on furniture, small fido needs to be on the ground too. If big fido, is in the kennel, small fido should be kenneled. And this is very much the practice that is needed in the beginning. Any new addition should be kenneled overnight and when you are not home for at least the first 6 months, which means your little must be as well. Why? Because the new guy has to see you have control of the resident dog as well, or they will try to back you in getting that control.

3. Does my small dog guard its toys or food? A large dog being corrected by a small dog, normally only goes so far. If corrections are left to the small dog and