Caring about this isn’t just about avoiding danger. It’s about meeting amazing dogs you might otherwise avoid. When you understand that fear is often based on looks, you open the door to some truly wonderful friendships.
Imagine walking into a dog park and seeing a Doberman. Instead of panicking, you can smile and think, “That dog probably loves belly rubs and stealing socks.” Most of the time, you’ll be right. And you might make a new furry friend.
It also makes you a smarter dog owner or neighbor. You’ll know that any dog, even a fluffy Bichon Frise, can be dangerous if it’s neglected or abused. Blaming a breed is like blaming a car for speeding. It’s the driver that matters.
Scariest Black Man
A Little Story to Smile About
My friend Sarah has a German Shepherd named Max. Everyone in her apartment building was terrified of him at first. He’s big, dark, and has a deep bark. But one day, Sarah was carrying groceries, and Max saw a baby squirrel fall out of a tree. He froze, looked at the tiny creature, then gently picked it up with his mouth and carried it to Sarah without a scratch. That’s the dog behind the reputation.
I also met a Doberman at a coffee shop who was scared of the automatic doors. He kept backing away from them, whining. His owner had to carry him through. That 70-pound, sleek, “scary” dog was actually a big baby in a sleek suit.
