I used to be afraid of dogs. Mostly the little yappy ones. Never met a pitbull that was not a sweetie. I trust bigger dogs more than the little ones. I figure they know they can hurt someone so they are extra gentle and sweet to make up for the scary size. The little dogs seem like they just bark or growl at everything out of fear. I will cross the street if I see a lady with a dog that could fit in her purse but don't bat an eye when a big dog walks by.  The bigger the dog, the less nervous they make me. Little ones just seem unpredictable. Bigger ones just seem chill and without a care in the world. Maybe because people with bigger dogs see the need to train them.