Big DOg or small dog? which would you choose?
@chipesterkhan (2925)
Philippines
January 14, 2011 3:41am CST
My girl friend's birthday is coming soon and she's been hinting at getting a new dog. A beagle to be exact.
Now I for one like the looks of a beagle. Plus they're easy going little dogs that are very loyal to their masters. They're quite sweet tempered too.
Problem is they cost quite a bit.
And I'm not too sure Max (her shih tzu) would like another cute dog as his companion. When we went to Baguio, Max was constantly tormented by a small dog until he became aggressive and started nipping at Shaquille (I forget the breed).
I wonder how a beagle would adjust to a slightly older dog. I mean Max can be quite mean at times and exhibits an alpha dog behavior at times. He tends to dominate people. I think Max doesn't know that he's a small, wait make that tiny dog.
There are times where I have to remind him that he is smaller than I am when he gets a bit frisky and starts to nip my ears by pushing him down and holding him down by the neck. This is a behavior dogs understand as being dominated by a bigger, stronger dog in the wild.
If Max gets a new companion and starts to bully it as a pup, the beagle might become reclusive and become aggressive towards other dogs (and god forbid, people) too.
So I'm thinking I should get a bigger dog to tame Max with. Like a Great Dane or a mastiff.
The terrifying thing there is that since these dogs tend to get a bit big, they might end up swallowing Max whole if he gets too nippy.
Whew! What a dilemma!
So if you were in my shoes... would you get a big dog or a small dog as a companion for a shih tzu?
6 responses
@sophiaraine (1113)
• Philippines
16 Jan 11
Shih tzus really are nasty! That's why I don't like shih tzus. They're not nice. They're just cute to look at. I'm craving for a beagle too actually. My problem with dogs is that it takes a lot of work. So even though I wanna own a dog, I'd rather choose pets that doesn't take a lot of work to take care of like snakes, iguanas, and chameleons, LOL.
I don't think that a Great Dane would be a good companion for Max. Great Danes are big and scary-looking, but they're very gentle. Max might just out-bark him. Haha.. If I'm in your shoes, I'd rather get what my gf wants, a beagle. You don't have to choose a different breed just because of Max. He should learn to accept new acquaintances. You can still teach him how to get along with other dogs. If he doesn't behave around other dogs and specific people, punish him. Don't baby him. Dogs are like kids, if you spoil them, they will most probably be brats. Punish! 
1 person likes this
@chipesterkhan (2925)
• Philippines
17 Jan 11
oh max is the biggest spoiled baby in their house
he won't stop til i put him on his back and scratch his belly
@chipesterkhan (2925)
• Philippines
17 Jan 11
hmm good idea tex
and if i walk that lab i'd be macho too
oh boy hehehe
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
14 Jan 11
Max is a shih tzu so how about getting another of the same breed. Alternatively you could get a beagle puppy if you save up a lot of money. I large breed like labrador would make a reliable sort of dog. A great dane or a bull mastiff are not suitable choice in my opinion.
I bought my male dog, Secret, in 2004 and then I had him neutered before I got my female dog, Magic, in 2006. They are both miniature poodles and they are great together. At first they sat at opposite ends of the sofa and soon became friendly to one another.
1 person likes this
@mendy811 (22)
• United States
15 Jan 11
Well to me its all about what kind of dog you get and its personality. Really doesnt matter size. I have three doggies. My beagle is the oldest. I brought in two smaller doggies to live (jack russell, and a daushaund). They didnt like each other at first because my beagle was all about showing she was boss. They learned to leave her alone until she was ready to come to them. And thats the way it happened. She evenutally came around and started playing with them. But dont get me wrong she still has the attitude of "im boss" but they havent gotten used to her now and they just ignore her. Miss queeen princess doggie.
@tchr4good (6)
• Indonesia
19 Jan 11
That is a dilemma I think. I'm worried if you get a bigger dog, it will hurt Max because its bigger size and power. What about buying a dog that has about the same size with Max but with stronger characteristic...let's say, Jack Russell Terrier??? Jack Russell is usually active, brave, and not easily intimidated by others. I think it will get along fine with Max. Good luck! :)
@skinpro321 (26)
• United States
16 Jan 11
When Rocco (male mini pinscher) was 10 years old I decided to get another dog. Rocco never really liked other dogs. He seemed to get mean and chase them. I would always have to separate another dog around him. But I decided to buy a female long haired dachshund. I had to keep them separated because Rocco wanted to kill molly. Well after a few days I just put them on the ground together to see what would happen. Molly took the leadership role right away. I noticed she was very dominant becasue she would only play with the biggest toy available lol. She was very aggressive with the toys. Right away molly started having food aggression and never allowed Rocco to play with her. that got worse... poor Rocco is 14yrs old now and he hasn't touched a toy since Molly came into his life :( She is the leader and she shoes it. I have tried every training approach and nothing works. I feed them on opposite sides of the kitchen. My boyfriend has a black lab and that does not stop her from attaching. She will jump on the couch to attach her face. She is a meanie weenie!!!! She doesn't realize how small she is. But, she is also very sweet at times. I avoid the situations I know will set her off. She loves people!!! Good luck with your choice!
