i have always had big dogs my whole life but to be honest my pit bull Pudge is the sweetest and gentlest dog i've ever known. he is a big dog and he does look scary as all get out at times but he wouldn't hurt a flea. i have three small inside dogs that weigh under five lbs. each plus two cats and he loves them to pieces. i do know that he would protect my dtrs. with his life if need be. my next door neighbor's lab is one of the most vicious dogs i have ever seen in my life...it is always trying to eat up my little dogs and chases my cats up trees. when my dtrs. get off the bus it stands in their driveway and growls and snarls at them. i don't let Pudge loose if their dog is loose because I seriously think he would try to hurt that dog just because of the way it acts towards my family and other pets. i've even had to take my chi to the vet numerous times because their dog will come in my yard and maul her every chance it can. i am begging my hubby to put up a fence in the backyard so i don't have to worry about my children or animals being mauled by their dog. i'm scared to make a complaint because they will say that i have a mean pit bull (which i don't)