I think what we all have to remember is your dog big or small is a stranger to others and I for one always lift Ricky & Lucy Tu when we come up to larger dogs. If I do not know the dog or the owner, my first reaction is "an ounce of prevention'" Ricky & Lucy's Vet insists that I keep a harness on both of them which allows for quick pick up from danger. As he constantly reminds us, it only takes one bite from a big dog to kill ours. It doesn't mean we are prejudice against big dogs, just responsible owners.