I always try to remain respectful of the power of animals. But when it comes to dogs, I've never heard of a Golden Retriever or a chocolate lab mauling someone. Startle response bites, sure.

I could just be another dolt who's been taken in by fear mongering towards pitties, I don't know the statistics. But I try to keep in mind the potential for what they could do, same for Dobermans, Germans, Akitas etc. Also, the aggressive little ankle biters, but I'll usually just pick them up and they don't know what to do.