A new puppy

Question
Dlee,

I am considering an addition to my home with a new puppy. I currently have a two year old male boxer who is very loving and playful and I would love to provide a playmate for him. I live alone and have a fenced in backyard and currently my boxer, Trotter, is free to roam the house as well as let himself in and out through the doggy door. My question is: what breed and/or sex would be an appropriate match for Trotter? I was considering a Jack Russell Terrier but am concerned about the size, as sometimes my dog forgets how big he actually is when playing with other smaller dogs. Trotter listens well and is completely housebroken, he does not chew on anything but his toys and is fairly quite. I would like to get a breed that would complement his good behaviors and would prefer a quieter dog-like Trotter. Any advice??

Answer
Hello. The Jack Russell terrier is a big choice to make.... they are very willful, stubborn and dog aggressive just like boxers...I have two dog aggressive dogs...jack russell terrier and Boston terrier and I have difficulties with them sometimes because they will bicker over toys even if my Boston has five toys under her she will still want whatever anyone else has and now my dogs must be fed in there crates and only can have bones and rawhides while being crated as well as they fight over them. The jack is a challenge for sure and its also a fairly independent dog. They do love to play and my dogs don't hurt each other(I've a 75 pound Labrador retriever also) You are right to choose a small dog that has sturdy not fragile and can hold its own to a bigger dog I never recommend tiny toy dogs with large dogs as the toy is likely to be stepped on and injured. Meet some jacks before buying one thou some adult dogs not just puppies and see what you think of othere persoanility and temperament a good breeder should be able to let you meet the parent animals and see what you think before agreeing to anything. You will be best with a female dog...be sure your male is neutered thou as a large male and a small female dog will cause HUGE birthing problems(c-section) and likely death for the bitch. Also since the two breeds you want to mix are dominating and dog aggressive it would be best i both were spayed and neutered. I find my jack russel dominating my Labrador retriever all the time and she is 75 pounds he is 15 they are both fixed but because of the jacks temper it does try to dominate other dogs and often its owner. I can also recommend a Boston terrier they are easier to live with and are dog aggressive but love to play they are also small and have little to no tail and look like boxers in a smaller package with a flatter nose. These are also sturdy little dogs that aren't as breakable as toy dogs. If yon think the jack isn't right for you and would like more information on another breed you might be interested in please e-mail anytime.