I'm with you Karen! I carry 2 scars on my face, one from a bassett hound and one from a dachshund, both owned by me and both the nicest dogs you'd ever meet. I never had problems with Rotts, Dobies or Pit Bulls but they use all 3 and more here in NM for dog fighting ( illegal as all get out but they still do it - which btw cock fighting IS legal in NM, just as an FYI). So the breed as a group gets the bum rap.

I agree that Goldens as a rule are very gentle, sweet creatures but I never take chances with dogs, you just never know how THEY see YOU! especially if you're on a bike moving Away from them. There was a loose Bull Terrier on the bike path yesterday, seemed friendly enough but very skittish so I just got off the bike and put it between me and the guard rail and kept hold of my water bottle. The Terrier kept trying to circle in behind me and I just wasn't sure what he wanted. He eventually gave it up, guess I was just walking too slow for him!