20/10/2025
Can different dogs of different sizes be friends???
Balanced energy ☮️
Do both dogs have calm, confident and balanced energy? You want them to be able to exist peacefully alongside each other with no tension or forced interactions.
Control ✋
Do you have reliable control over both dogs? Being able to interrupt or prevent play altogether is especially important with big + small pairings.
Play styles ⚖️
Big and small dogs often have totally different energy levels, physical capabilities and play styles.
For example, Dobby the Dobermann is an energetic, adolescent intact male and Sully the Sausage struggled with high arousal levels and also lives with chronic pain. Both of them might want to play but it’s up to us to decide if that’s suitable and safe, especially when they’re young and more likely to get a bit silly 🤪
Body language & advocacy 🤝
Can your dog read social cues and just as importantly, can you? Look for soft, loose movement, mutual pauses and equal give + take. Understanding body language is key to knowing when to step in, set boundaries and advocate for your dog.
My take 💭
Personally, I’ll only have my small pups around dogs I know they’ll feel comfortable with and owners who know their s**t 😉
