We have an older German Shepard that has been our only house dog for several years. We have found a Daschund mix at the Shelter that we would like to adopt. Can these two breeds live together in harmony?

Shepherds can become over-protective of their family and territory, especially if not socialized correctly.

Some German Shepherds are dominant or aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex.
Some have strong instincts to chase and seize fleeing animals. If anything went wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, or handling, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals. Some are energetic, others placid, some hard-headed and some sweet-natured, others Serious, and some good-natured goofballs, or introverted, and there are German Shepherds who love everyone.

There are plenty of adult German Shepherds who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you have such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.

We have an older German Shepard that has been our only house dog for several years. We have found a Daschund mix at the Shelter that we would like to adopt. Can these two breeds live together in harmony?



I've had 2, sometimes 3, dogs at all times over the years, all sorts of breeds (mainly GSD and Labs), almost all rescues, all sizes, never had a problem. I've always supervised them, very closely when they first met, first lived together. I've had very protective dogs and very mellow dogs and they've always put their own pack order together.

An older big dog should have mellowed out and if you watch, hopefully play won't get too aggressive or rowdy.

At the moment I have a 125# GSD who is a follower; my second dog, a GSD mix, 85#, is the leader.

I've never had a fight or even a disagreement and I've had old dogs and young dogs together. I always made certain that the older dog didn't think he/she was being replaced.

I've also taken in any number of foster dogs over the years and that's never been a problem.