[Cha Cha]

It saddens me to see Rotties getting a bad rap. They are among my favorite of dog breeds. My first experience with them was when I was a child and I grew up to have a lot of experience with them.

Ours were lazy, docile, easy going dogs that just didn't get too excited about things, and fiercely loyal. Our first one was already in our family when my first daughter was born. When my daughter became a toddler we'd go outside for walks around the property (in the country). That dog guarded her like a hawk. She would move with my daughter always staying at her side or a little ways behind. When we would stop to check out something, the dog layed down and waited while she watched over her. When we moved along, the dog got up and mozied on behind.

Having said that, Rotties are not as "tolerant" as other large breeds of dogs. They don't like their hair pulled, their skin pinched, or their feet stepped on like children often do. We took extreme measures to make sure our baby didn't use the dog as a tiny tykes jungle gym. They put up with it, but I could tell they didn't like it, so for the dog's sake and the child's sake, we set limits. I think truely knowing your dog is part of responsible ownership as well. They require an incredible amount of time and training, and reassurance of where their position in the family is. They are not the kind of dog you can bring into your home and just expect it to be a pet. They must have training and stimulation and showed where their place is, or they will create their own position in the family.

Rotties have a strong pack drive, not prey drive. Their human family is part of their pack, and being the loyal pack member they are they will protect that pack. This is often why guests are not necessarily greeted with wagging tails and long tongues. It is more a wait and see if you mean harm, cautious greeting.

The fact is, regardless of breed of dog, you still have the same situation when any one of them turns aggressive. Size alone is the advantage with any lg. vs. sm. dog. It is uncommon for a mature dog (who is otherwise non aggressive) to injure a puppy, but as the puppy matures and begins to establish his position in the pack the dynamics do change. In my opinion, your Rottie needs more time and training.