You get that kind of reaction with small dogs too. Everyone wants to pet my dachshund Max - he on the other hand is TERRIFIED of people, children especially. Now Carly, the shepard mix just loves people, especially children and they will go way out of their way to avoid her.

Not too long ago I was in Petco and a gal comes up with the biggest Rottie I had ever seen. She was 120 lbs and not very old, but she had the most beautiful face (like Angus). I asked the gal about her temperament and she told me "Big Baby-very loving". Since I couldn't resist the face I asked if I could pet her. Sure she says, but watch out she LOVES people. She sure did - she did the wiggle but thing and licky-licky and we were best buddies. The gal kept apologizing to me for the licking and drooling - like I really minded. I ended up sitting on the floor with the dog talking to her. It was so funny. But in the same day I had a small dog yap and snap at me.

Dogs are like people - they are all different. As in people it doesn't matter the race/breed - each is an individual. They should be treated as individuals.