rottweiler and cats? Can it work>

[aqua...@my-deja.com]

I've been thinking about getting a rottweiler. My heart set on it,
actually. I understand they are big, stubborn, dominant breeds (though
I can't imagine them being more stubborn than my ACD), but I've fallen
in love with several I've known, and would like to get one myself. My
concern though is my cats, they are my babies. I am hoping/wondering if
raising a rottweiler as a puppy with the cats will keep them safe.

>From what I've read thus far, that does seem to be the answer (along
with good training, of course) but the problem is that my cats HATE
dogs. We already have an australian cattle dog, and only one of the
cats will tolerate her for any length of time. The others run away or
smack her on the nose. I guess I'm wondering if being raised in the
same house as cats is enough, or if I need to have dog-friendly cats to
make it work.

As a side question - I am a small person, and will likely be smaller
than my rott when full its grown. Is this a recipe for disaster or will
good obedience training be enough?