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Q:

Can a Doberman or Rottweiler get along well with a Shih Tzu or Chihuahua?

Hey everyone,

I've been thinking about getting a second dog to keep my current Shih Tzu company during the day while I'm at work. However, I'm not quite sure if getting a bigger breed such as a Doberman or Rottweiler would be a good idea. I'm worried they might accidentally harm my Shih Tzu or Chihuahua (which is also a possibility) due to their size and strength.

I've heard stories of these breeds being gentle and loving with smaller dogs, but I'm not sure if it's the norm or just an exception. Has anyone had experience with introducing a larger breed to a smaller one? Can they get along well? Should I just stick to small breeds for the safety of my current dog?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

All Replies

dach.leonie

Hello,

I have a Chihuahua and a friend of mine has a Doberman. I was initially quite worried about introducing the two dogs because of the striking size difference. However, I was really surprised by how well they got along!

Honestly, the small dog was actually more challenging than the big one because of its tendency to bark and snap at other dogs. But the Doberman remained calm and gentle, and eventually won over the small dog's trust.

I think the most important thing is to ensure that both dogs are well-behaved and socialized, and to supervise them continuously. While there's no guarantee that two dogs will get along, I don't think breed necessarily determines whether two dogs can coexist peacefully.

In my experience, introducing a large breed to a small dog isn't always an issue, as long as both dogs are well-behaved and trained. So, I would recommend that you take your time with the introduction, and closely monitor the interactions between your Shih Tzu and any new dog you bring into your home.

Hope this helps!

bode.chad

Hey,

I have a Doberman and a Shih Tzu and I can tell you that size should not be the determining factor when introducing dogs to each other. While it is true that the larger breeds can cause unintentional harm to the smaller breeds, I think that breed stereotypes should not be the deciding factor.

When we introduced our Doberman to our Shih Tzu, they immediately hit it off. The Doberman was incredibly gentle and patient with our smaller dog and never once showed aggression or dominance. They remained best friends for the rest of their lives.

Of course, it's always important to supervise the interactions between your dogs and know your dog's personalities, limitations, and triggers. Socializing your dog from a young age can also go a long way in ensuring a positive introduction.

In summary, I strongly believe that the personalities and temperaments of the dogs are what matters most when introducing them to each other, not their size or breed. With patience, time, and proper socialization, any two dogs can live together harmoniously, regardless of their size or breed.

grimes.tara

Hello everyone,

I have a Rottweiler and a Chihuahua, and they're the best of friends! When we first introduced them, we were a bit nervous due to the size difference between the two breeds.

However, to our pleasant surprise, our Rottweiler was incredibly gentle and patient with our Chihuahua. She understood that she was much larger than him and adapted her behavior accordingly.

That being said, we always make sure to supervise their interactions and ensure that their safety is the top priority. Even though our Rottweiler is very gentle, accidents can happen, and it's important that we keep a watchful eye on them to prevent any mishaps.

I think that any two dogs, no matter their size or breed, can get along as long as they're properly socialized and trained. While breed tendencies can be a factor, I don't think it should be the main consideration when bringing dogs together.

In conclusion, I think that if you're patient and take the time to introduce your dogs slowly and carefully, they can definitely learn to get along, regardless of their size or breed.

jaydon.hagenes

Hi there,

I have a Rottweiler and a Chihuahua, and contrary to what some might believe, they get along wonderfully! Of course, it wasn't always easy in the beginning. The Chihuahua was very territorial and constantly barked at my Rottweiler, which initially caused some tension.

However, we made sure to take things very slowly and introduce them gradually under careful supervision. We would allow them to interact for just a few minutes each day, slowly increasing the duration of each session. Eventually, they grew fond of each other and became best of friends.

I believe that it all comes down to the temperament and disposition of the individual dog. Dogs are intelligent beings capable of learning and adapting, and with proper training and socialization, dogs of all breeds can get along just fine.

So, while it's always important to be cautious when introducing new dogs, I don't think breed should be a major factor in deciding whether or not two dogs can coexist peacefully. With patience, positive reinforcement, and gradual introduction, dogs of different sizes and breeds can learn to live happily together.

Hope this helps!

michaela61

Hey there,

I have personal experience with a similar situation. When my Shih Tzu was around a year old, we introduced her to our friend's Rottweiler. At first, I was hesitant because of the size difference, but to my surprise, they got along great.

The Rottweiler was incredibly gentle with our Shih Tzu and even let her boss him around. Of course, we made sure to supervise their interactions at all times and never left them alone together. But after a few playdates, they became inseparable buddies.

I think it's important to remember that every dog is different, and breed stereotypes shouldn't be the determining factor when considering introducing dogs of different sizes. Instead, it's all about their individual personalities and temperaments.

That being said, it's always important to slowly introduce new dogs to each other and never leave them unsupervised until you're confident they can coexist peacefully. Socializing your dog from a young age and teaching them proper behavior around other dogs can also go a long way in ensuring a positive introduction.

Best of luck with your decision!

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