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By Rachael O'Connor
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Internet viewers are obsessed with a tiny pug puppy showing an enormous rottweiler who's boss, after fears that the bigger dog could pose a danger to her.
Brittany Marsh, 30, lives in Columbus, Ohio, and is proud owner to 5-year-old rottweiler Harry, and new addition to the family Penny, a 14-week-old pug puppy.
"From the moment Penny came home, Harry has been so gentle and patient with her—truly the best big brother," Marsh told Newsweek. "They play hard, but he's always careful and lets her set the pace."
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Rottweilers, described as loyal, loving and confident by the American Kennel Club (AKC), are large dogs, weighing up to 135 pounds when fully grown. Pugs, meanwhile—known for their charming and mischievous nature—generally weigh no more than 18 pounds, and grow up to just 13 inches tall at the shoulder.
Marsh regularly shares videos of her two dogs interacting, but a recent clip drew a comment insisting that Harry was a danger to puppy Penny, which unfortunately is something Marsh has seen before.
"I know rottweilers can sometimes have an unfair reputation, but Harry is the perfect example of how loving, loyal, and sweet the breed really is when raised with care," she said.
Now millions have seen what Harry and Penny's play looks like, as Marsh hit back and showcased their bond in a viral video.
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In the video, posted to @that_pug_penny on July 30 and viewed more than 4.2 million times, Marsh responds to a commenter who had said: "The big dog is going to end up killing your pug, please be more responsible!"
In response, the clip shows Harry laying on the ground while puppy Penny continuously jumps up at him, trying to play by patting his head, almost jumping into his mouth, and trying to climb all over him.
And while Harry responds with growls and nips of his own, the rottweiler plays gently—and barks only when Penny herself jumps forward with a high-pitched yap.
Harry bares his teeth when Penny initiates play, but remains in a relaxed, lying-down position, with his ears flat on his head—all of this communicating that he is not a threat.
The AKC says that dogs will play-growl, which can sound scary as they tend to exaggerate the sound while playing. However, pinned-back ears, raised hackles, and low warning growls with closed mouths are all signs that a dog is not playing, but giving an alert. Owners should take care to watch their pets when they play, particularly if one is a larger breed, as they may not understand their size in comparison to other canines.
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TikTok users responded in great numbers, with one commenter joking: "As a qualified vet this is actually really dangerous for both of them to be in the same environment because they could end up taking over the world with the power of friendship."
"The funny thing is I've never seen a household where the pug wasn't in charge," another posted. "No matter the size of the other dogs. Pugs run it."
And a third agreed that the initial commenter "has never lived in a big dog/small dog house. That pug is the mob boss, and the rottie is the loyal henchman."
"Just because the dog is big doesn't mean it's aggressive," one comment read, while yet another added: "The rottie has accepted that its overlord is a small, curly-tailed tyrant."
Marsh said she has found the response to her videos "really fun," saying it is great to "show the softer side of a breed that doesn't always get the best press."
"I never expected so many people to follow along, but I love that their friendship is bringing joy to others!" Marsh added.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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