As a former dog groomer I have dealt with everything from a toy spaniel that would tear out your throat if only he could reach, to a rescued ex-fighting pit that was just happy to actually be loved and didn't even flinch the day I cut a nail too short. I've been loved by and/or bit by dogs every every breeed and size, both purebred and mixed. I firmly believe that while some breeds do have a basic temperment type the biggest influence in what kind of animal the become is environmental. If we think about it we can probably find plenty of examples both to support breed specific fears and to refute them. Dogs are not people but one thing they have in common with us is individual personalities IMO.

Occasional there does occur true nutso cracker dogs that are just not right in the head (just like with people!) but I think most behavior/temperment issues are our fault and can be modified by someone who actually has a clue about dogs. Unfortunately I think the bulk of dog owners really are clueless.

Merimask you are 100% right that the worst thing that can happen to breed is popularity. A lot of decent pure breeds have been virtually ruined by crappy puppy mills and back yard breeders. There are tons of additions to the examples she cited there. Things like hemophilia in Irish Setters and sudden unpredictable violent outbursts in some spaniel breeds. Do not buy dogs from pet stores or amatuer breeders folks!

Kimmie