adding a tiny paw?

[lulu]

 i am considering the possibility of adding a little paw to our family. i currently have a golden retriever, and a collie mix. i dont know much about little breeds, though i am beginning to research them. just wondering how many of you have little paws with your big paws? and if you do, what kinds of little paws do you have? and how do they get along with your big paws. my dogs play really good with each other, they rough house a lot, but when they get introduced to a little paw, they are always a lot more gentle. like they are aware of how much bigger  they are. so, what kid of little paw breeds do you all reccomend?
thanks,
Leah

[mynameislola]

We have a Chihuahua mix, Stella, and a Shih Tzu, Timmy, as little paws and a Newfoundland, Cody, as the big paw.  The little dogs have their own room and yard for when I cannot monitor them.  I got the little ones first and backed up the smallest one when she insisted she was alpha.  Luckily the Newfie was OK with that.

I'd look for an adult dog, something sturdy like a Westie.  Female might be better if yo already have a male.

Create lots of places the little one can hide under and behind.  Our Stella runs from hiding place to hiding place and taunts the Newfie from safety.  Timmy is a grouch and will stop the other dogs if they attempt to play near him.

[Binky]

We have a Great Pyrenees and two Papillons (both fantastic breeds!) and everyone gets along pretty well.  Our smallest, Chicklet at 3.5 lbs, is the alpha and it is funny to see Binky, the Pyr, give into whatever Chicklet wants!  We did have the small paws first but Binky is pretty gentle with anything smaller than she is, especially puppies.  Good luck!

[horsepoor21]

I have a Newfoundland and a Newfie-border collie mix , and then for our small paw we have an 8 pound Miniature Schnauzer . She's a tough little gal and joins right in on all their rough housing . I did get her when she was already a year old though so she was already "sturdy" . My Mom also brings her three small paws over ( a dachschund , a Papillon and a Cocker Spaniel ) and they all do great around them , my newfieX was there when all of them were puppies and he was very gentle with themĀ 

[kathryn]

I had a Boston Terrier with my three.  Unfortunately Marty was fatally injured in a dominance fight with one of my Malinois girls.  I think that it can work just fine depending on the temperament of your dogs.  I got Marty when she was apprx 2yo and she resided with my Rotti/Shepherd and 2 Lab/Dalmations just fine for years.  Hope you find the little paw that you are looking for.