Ferguson is a huge weenie when it comes to backing up the growl with a bite. Even when he snaps, he keeps his mouth open so it turns into a nibble. It's like a game to him--who wants the bone more. This behavior is actually what got him in trouble with his previous owner. They had a larger dog, and it attacked him. He was nearly euthanized for his injuries, but a rescue took him in. I adopted him from them.