What is a good small dog (under 50 lbs) that will get along with the dog I already had?

Question

She is a 3 yrs old, and is 85 lbs. She HAS to be the alpha dog.

I am looking for a breed that is compatible with other dogs...Basically a breed to look for when I rescue a dog.

Oh yea, nothing in the toy group.

I dislike very small dogs.

No yorkies, or chihuahuas...

My other dog is 85 lbs...it will run over dogs less than 15 lbs

My dog is fixed, and LOVES other dogs...The thing that I am worried about is that she might get jealous...

Answer 1

cavalier

Answer 2

Well, generally for a question like this I say that any breed can get along with your dog... it depends on the individual.

However, you do seem to have a bit more detail. It still holds that it is the INDIVIDUAL that's important. You can't just choose a breed and expect it to be the perfect individual of that breed. But nonetheless, there are a few pointers.

First, I'd suggest you steer clear of any terriers. They are feisty and won't back down from a fight. They're great dogs (I have one), but if you're strongly looking for a dog known to get along and be more on the submissive side, stay away from terriers. This includes toy terriers (Yorkie, Toy Fox Terrier, Silky) and some other similar breeds, such as Chihuahuas.

If you really want a terrier, there are a few breeds that were traditionally hunted in packs that may work for you. Manchester Terrier, Dandie Dinmont... possibly a few others.

Pack dogs in general are good for getting along with other dogs. However, most pack dogs are hounds and most hounds can be noisy and often require a bit of exercise. So, if that's OK with you, definitely look into the Beagle, Basenji, Basset Hound, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, American Foxhound (may be too large), Harrier, Whippet.

Since you're rescuing a dog, you can see how the dog relates to your dog before bringing it home. I'd recommend that you buy and read Calming Signals. This will help you read the other dog if he's sending calming and/or submissive signals to your dog.

You know your dog, but I would suggest that you not get a dog that is TOO submissive. If your dog is big and playful he might frighten the other dog.

No matter how submissive you get the other dog, it's probable that your dog will get jealous. That the facts of life. Kids and dogs get jealous when they all of a sudden have to share mom or dad. However, just love both of them. Give priority to the dominant dog to reinforce the pack order, but don't give more. So, give the dominant dog his food or pets first, but don't give the new dog any less.

Good luck!

Answer 3

With an 85 pound dog...not knowing her personality...I'd get A) a male, because female dogs (even spayed) tend to drive the Alpha female thing into the ground. I've known 3 people who have had female dogs...introduced another female into the household and they've ended up breaking up some pretty viscious fights. One actually ended in the death of both dogs.
Dramatic...I know, but that is a true story. Remember...you're bringing a dog on to HER property. That's different than just introducing them on neutral turf. She may not appreciate some 'new girl' coming into her territory.

and

B) You'll need a dog that's sturdy enough to play with her without getting hurt, so not TOO small. Something like maybe an Australian Shepherd?

Answer 4

Corgies, pugs, yorkies but becareful sometimes they get jealous, minature doberman pinchers, poodles, even the middle sized breed or the standards. Or Grey hounds are good too but make sure you get it from a rescue that knows their dogs. Salukis are great too. Very very sweet dogs. Italian greyhounds (mini versions of the big guys) are good too but fragile. port water dogs. small husky. sometimes you can find some dogs of the big breeds that just didn't get that big. And find out if shes better with males or females. Most shelters are willing or will insist on a meeting between the dogs before you take one home, you can always ask if they don't ask you, that way you can be sure that it'll be okay. Both dogs will be kept on a leash at first meeting to make sure that if anything happens the can be pulled apart, and only a people who can stop both dogs should be holding the leashes.

Answer 5

They way you socialize your dogs will have much more to do with how they get along than what breed the new dog is. That may sound silly, but if you do the right things the first few weeks then you can almost... ALMOST... guarantee that the dogs will be friendly.

Seriously, your best bet is to find a rescue shelter that mentions things like "personality" and "compatibility." People that place animals for a "living" seem to have an uncanny ability to match people and animals up... or animals and animals in your case.

Do your research and make sure you have a few opinions on how to introduce a new dog.

Answer 6

You have it all wrong. You have to be the Alpha in the pack. The rest of the dogs will all be equal and under you. I have four dogs and I am top dog and they are all equal. They range from a little Chi/Rat Terrier mix, a Beagle and two ABPT's. So little dogs and bigger dogs can get along fine. If you really want a smaller dog, 25 lbs, go for a Beagle. Easy going and get along with everyone. I would suggest you get a bit bigger dog to go with your big dog. An APBT, 50 to 60 lbs, puppy to grow up with your older dog. The older dog will always rule. My older little Chi/Rattie, 20 lbs, is top dog to the other dogs, a Pit at 55 lbs, the overgrown Beagle at 35 lbs and the 4 month Pit puppy at 25 lbs. Of course I am the Alpha and they all do what I say.

Answer 7

Firstly, 50 pounds isn't a small dog. : ) Secondly, I have a 15 pound jack russell that will put the horses in their place. Size doesn't really matter when your looking for compatability. Actually, I think small dogs have more of an attitude, like they have a complex or something, than larger dogs. Finally, I would just go to the pound or look on petfinder.com to find something you like. I've had 3 pound dogs and they've all be sweet, loving, and loyal. As well as getting along with all people and animals. I think it's because they were deprived of attention when they were younger. The one I have now that I got from the pound is a lab boxer mix who's 8 and a few years ago she was hit by a car, shattering her leg. We had to keep her laid up in a bean bag chair to keep her off her cast. She busted out one day and latter came hobbling home with what's now my cat. He looks just like her except for the tip on her tail. So I think the pound is your best bet for a loving pet to get along with your dog.

Answer 8

If you rescue one from the animal shelter, it will be so happy to have a home it would get along with your cat probably!Your present dog is the one you have to worry about. She may get jealous of the new dog,Always give them both equal attention but let her know she isn't being replaced.Don't get a dog that is much smaller then her because she might hurt it.One lots bigger would be safer but you don't want her hurt either. Maybe you can take your dog with you to help pick another pet.Watch her reaction to each dog and theirs to her. The shelter should allow it. Your dog is fixed isn't it?

Answer 9

Get a shelter mutt.

Most shelters have "family room" where you can bring your dog for a "meet and greet". Your dog can choose her own companion.

Call ahead to the shelter and ask for details and procedures. All shelters are different.

You can't really choose by breed. Breeds get along just fine, it's individual dogs that will have "personality issues".

For an alpha female, get a VERY submissive, neutered, male.

Answer 10

I am a dog groomer & in MY EXPERIENCE pugs seem to be a very good companion for other dogs. They're good with kids, they're active enough to be fun but not hyper. They're smart and have big personalities. Not too small, not too big - short haired (which means all they need is a bath). But whatever you do - spend some time with any dog (with your dog along, if possible) before you make any decisions. Good luck & props for adopting** = )
and I agree with the other lady - definitely a neutered male

Answer 11

What you need to do is bring your dog with you when you go to pick out another dog. The breed doesn't matter, dogs have individual personalities. They need to meet and have time to see how they feel about each other. Then you just go with whatever dog she gets along best with! Best of Luck!