ive been thinking and it seems like its a better situation to introduce a pug puppy to a home already with an older big dog than vice versa.
im only assuming this because puppies (big or small) tend to play rougher and not know the difference between playing and fighting...so its natural to think that a puppy (of a bigger breed) might do more harm to a pug
am i generalizing too much? or is my situation doomed for disaster?
btw- thanks for all the replies/suggestions, keep em coming PV =)
My old landlord (who I used to live below) had a black lab. Great dog but not with my Poe. All she wanted to do was play but it was far too rough, and she never let up. Needless to say they couldn't be out in the yard at the same time......ever.
It’s great that you’re being cautious, but honestly, it depends a lot on the personality of the dogs. We have a rescued lab-mix, and our pug plays WAY rougher than she does. If anyone ever needs cautioned to chill out, it’s Weasley the pug. She’s larger but more laid back, and he’s smaller but spazzier, so it seems to be a good combo.
I have a Border Collie cross who is the sweetest most even tmepered dog I've ever owned and I have a Pom. I don't recommend Poms. It really depends on the dog, I think. Some will be tolerant and some won't.
I agree that it depends on the temperment of the dog. But also, the bigger dog needs to comprehend the fact that the Pug will always be smaller, and therefore needs to "think and act like a Pug."
Taking Rodney to different dog parks really lets me see this in action. It doesn't always depend on what type of dog he comes across, it depends on how well trained and obedient that dog is. Plus, let's face it, if it is a puppy it will defintely want to "play fight" a lot more.
The two examples I have thought of were from dog parks. One time Rodney came across a HUGE siberian husky/malamute and this dog was the kindest big dog I have ever met at a park. You could tell right away that the dog was used to being around smaller dogs - and even laid down immediately next to Rodney so Rodney could get a good sniff. This dog was amazing.
In comparison, I was at another park where there was a more "wild" husky and he scared the crap out of Rodney. I had to pick Rodney up and protect him because he was very intimidated by this other, more hyper and excited dog. How differently one dog can act from another - even within the same breed.
So IMO it depends on the temperment on the dog. Try to make sure the dog your roommate gets will be VERY laid back. Also, if other people have said don't leave them alone - ever - then maybe you shouldn't.
my parents have a German Shorthair Pointer and he LOVES Franklin.
but then again, Franklin is usually the one doing the harrassing and not knowing when to back off and leave Hershey alone. They have "marking contests" in the backyard too, which is TOO funny, and Hershey has such loooong legs, he runs like crazy and poor franklin can't keep up, so Franklin just lays down and waits until Hersheys comes around again, chases him for a second and flops back down again.The ONLY time I've ever seen Hershey get mad or rough with Franklin was when Franklin stole Hersheys' pig ear. (lol, the one and ONLY time Franklin has ever tried that stunt)
I think it depends on the dog too though, a lady in my neighborhood has a Golden Retriever that completely hates Franklin and would probably eat him if ever given the chance (sweet as can be to humans, just doesn't like other dogs). Same thing goes for the psycho-poodle down the street.
but I honestly think that its a mutual hatred there, Franklin LOATHES the furry little cult leader.
Several folks have Rotties, Newfs and Mastiffs. Your friend might want to foster - that way if things work out, adoption is possible, and if not, you can adopt the dog out without too many bad feelings, and some knowledge about the dogs. But I agree, it depends on the individual dog - and an older dog might be more mellow. Peg
I think it is a personal choice preference. There are so many dogs out there that get along with pugs! I go to the dog park, and Rigg's is best friends with every dog there! My fiancee's parents had a lab, and they did not get along at all! They now have a retreiver, and they are the best of friends. I have a boxer, and him and Rigg's are inseperable!!
I love both breeds, and will stand behind them to no end! I would recomend a boxer, and a pug any day!! Best of luck!
We have a husky who is so mellow and relaxed that I've been known to refer to him as brain dead. When we adopted Weezer, he never even reacted very much. A year and a half later, when we adopted Dylan, he looked at me as if to say, "Another one?" He sort of sighed and that was it! So I have to agree with the folks who said it depends more on the individual dog than on the breed. If you (or your friend) goes through rescue, he or she can make it clear what kind of temperament and personality they want. Nice friend to accomodate your dog's needs so well!
I second (or third) the idea of getting an older dog if you want a larger breed. The vast majority of the larger breeds are way too boisterous for a small dog when they're young and haven't figured out how hard is too hard. Most dogs figure out pretty fast how hard is too hard, but I don't want them to learn it on my dog!