Hi there,
do you think these are compatable dogs to live together. I have a wonderful lab and want a much smaller dog as well. Thinking a pug or an Italian Greyhound - what doe you think???

With either breed you would have to be careful because of the size difference, if your lab is boisterous or overly playful he could really hurt a smaller dog.

my friend has a very docile older retreiver and a young pug and they get on together really well but I do agree with Moonbird, if your dog is boisterous the chances of injury to a smaller dog will be greatly increased

We have labradors and kittens and they are so gentle with them, so i cant imagine them hurting a pug :) Go for it, labs are renowned for their soft and gentle nature :)

I know someone with 4 labs (I think) and 2 pugs. All live very happily together :)

Why not speak to some breeders or go to a show to see some IGs and pugs and speak to the handlers there - When I met some IGs at Discover Dogs they looked pretty fragile to me and I wouldn't own one purely because I'm a tad clumsy! :lol:

When we were researching getting a doberman, we were suprised how many owners also had miniature dachshunds, manchester terriers and lancashire heelers- all small and delicate looking , but I can see why there might be an attraction (black and tan,same as the dobe), but knowing how giddy and hefty a dobe is (and ours still is at 6 and a half), I would've thought they would not make a good pairing - but obviously lots of people out there manage. What is more important is to know the temperament, health issues and exercise needs a particular breed might have and make sure you know what you're taking on. I've no experience of pugs but imagine they could have hereditary eye problems and breathing problems so it's worth checking with the breed clubs and asking all the right questions of breeders before you go ahead.

I prefer my dogs to have pointy noses- never really been attracted to squashed up faces. We were smitten with the Italian Greyhounds at Crufts last year Lotti- would have one tomorrow but for the cost, the lack of space here and the sulky daft dobermutt who would probably hate it on sight or tread all over it- at least cats can get out of her way quickly. They were SO friendly and fussy -and beautiful. Could easily have slipped one into my bag- they love their food and were both investigating the goodies we'd bought for Ailsa. They look delicate but don't appear to have as many health issues - you would need to make sure your labs learn how to behave around one though- but not a problem as labs are pretty quick at picking up on this.

Much as I love the IGs, my head and heart still long for an English Toy Terrier (oh yes, another toy black and tan breed!)

We not get a Pugabor...best of both worlds :loopy::hihi: (have a look half way down page)

http://www.foxislegundogs.co.uk/cgi-bin/fg1.cgi