He really is a gently giant. I think pyrs are just wonderful dogs. He's out second one. We lost the first last year to a heart defect. the kids were just heartbroken without him. What is really just amazing is to see this huge dog being so gentle with the kids and then ready to tear something up in the next instant. My mother and I have not gotten along in years. she has some addiction problems and dh and I decided that the best thing for the kids was not to be around it. She showed up unexpectedly at the house the other day. Tucker just sat there and growled at her anytime she got near the kids. I finally had to put him up. When she asked why he was growling at her I told her "those are HIS kids to protect." He takes his job seriously even at 9 months! So far I've not had any issues with him when I tell him someone is ok. He sniffs them and goes and lays down....not that day though.