The Land of Misfit Dogs

We've accumulated quite of few puppy dogs in the past 3 or 4 years. I brought two from Texas, my other half had one, and we've added two in the past 4 years. Each dog has its own little, minor imperfection that we accept, acknowledge and deal with daily.
Mr. Haji (left) has a personality disorder: he thinks he's a bad ass big dog.
He lives outside with the big dogs because he lacks the formal training and/ or social graces to be underfoot inside. He can be the sweetest little thing, wagging his tail so hard you think he's going to take off at any minute. Then, the next minte there will be a gnashing of teeth and growling very reminiscent of a wild animal. I can't imagine what events shaped his personality to make him this defensive!