[lotsofpulp]

>Breed and size are less predictive of danger than level of training. An 8 pound Chihuahua can do serious damage if it's badly trained. A properly trained Rottweiler is absolutely bomb-proof. It's certainly capable of more damage, but it won't.

Level of damage is a component of danger. I am not worried about the damage an 8lb chihuahua will do to my kid, that can most likely be healed, and most people can stop the attack without weapons.

I am worried that the only way I can save my kid from a pit bull or similar dog is with a knife or gun, and even then, the damage will be severe.

> Pit bulls are no more dangerous than any other breed. They have a bad reputation because they are popular among dog-fighters, but pit bulls (and pit mixes) make excellent pets -- so long as they are trained.

The same can be said of tigers and hyenas and lions and chimps and bears.

[OkayPhysicist]

> The same can be said of tigers and hyenas and lions and chimps and bears.

When we spend 20,000 years breeding obedience into any of those, I'm sure they'll be fine in public, too.