Hello, I wondered if I may ask a question from experienced people here?
I grew up with golden retrievers as our family dogs, and love bigger breeds especially gundog breeds.
However when I had my children I was concerned about making sure I didn't have a dog which required more exercise than we could provide, and our first family dog when the kids were all under five was our lovely Coton de Tulear,  Honey who recently passed away age almost sixteen.
We still have a Papillon age 13 and we have a chihuahua who is almost seven.
My kids are now grown up (17, 19 and 21) and all live at home and adore dogs. They walk a lot, every day, so technically could provide a good quality of life for a bigger dog now.
But they are very concerned for their beloved chihuahua , if they get another dog they don't want him to be injured in play for example.
So I just wondered, do people keep little dogs like Chihuahuas with bigger breeds? Do you let them play together or is it risky?
Thanks for advice or thoughts

I had a jack Russell/chihuahua cross with 2 golden retrievers and a RR. She ruled the roost.

I would just make sure there are areas in the house the oldies can go to to be away from the young upstart. Baby gates and crates will be your friend in this situation.

I have a young papillon (he’s 2 in June) and although he he’s an only dog we often walk our neighbour’s goldendoodle (she’s maybe a little bit bigger than a golden). She’s very gentle with him when they play.

He really likes bigger dogs and enjoys rough play with dogs who are up for it. Of course he gets stepped on accidentally sometimes but he just squeals and then goes right back in again so it can’t bother him too much!

Many people with my breed (Norwegian Elkhounds) have small breeds.

The ones I know personally have Minature Pinchers, Papillons, Pomeranians and various Terriers.

The Elkhounds do seem to moderate their play with littlies, and are also more tolerant of small dog syndrome, they tend to act as if it's beneath their dignity to respond.

Not surprising as they also tend to be more careful around small children and the infirm.

my first weimaraner grew up with a chihuahua as I spent a lot of time at my Nans every day and from a very young boisterous puppy she was with her daily.  The chihuahua was quite capable of telling her off and putting her in her place - and did so when she went too far.  The little dog had the advantage of being able to run under a sofa when she wanted to evade goofy leaping and would come out all snarly to set the score straight.  Never had any issues.

Ah, thanks so much everyone! Food for thought. (Off to look up Norwegian Elkhounds! Not a breed I know)

It depends on the specific breeds concerned. For eg, Italian greyhounds have such fragile thin legs that they can easily get broken in rough play with a big dog.

But if you combine a more robust small breed and/or have a large breed which isn't into rough play or high energy, then it could be ok.

My poor Yorkie gets body slammed by my young collies, but he loves it! Actually I think as long as the size difference isn’t too enormous (as in, you’re not considering a giant breed) then it will work out really nicely!