I love that cartoon, the self image of dogs is so different than how we see them. I've known some who were small and prissy looking but must of thought of themselves as warriors and other big dogs that just wanted to get along with everyone. My male never wanted to get into it with anyone or any other dog but his sister, though smaller, was up in the face of every dog she met when she was younger. Now, she only goes after them if they invade her space. Her space changes though so they never know if they can walk by her or need to walk around her. She went for our Dobie when we first got her and would not stop. I was terrified that Cuba would just pick her up and shake her but for some doggie reason Cuba seemed to agree with Chica that Chica was dominant and she just lay down and let her lunge at her. They psych each other out, I'm convinced of it. It kind of works with people too, if you really have the attitude that you can take anyone on and kick butt, they tend to back down.
