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Comment by soco | Hacker News Reader

One factor which also needs to be taken into account is the potential damage. What damage can do a Chihuahua let loose, and what a German shepherd? It's quite a difference. And even in training and handling - I own a toy poodle and if he wants to get nasty I can pull him away with one finger. While if a shepherd wanted to jump at somebody, well, paying constant attention and the right footwork are essential.

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Once can see how situations with pocketbook dogs can escalate - the aggressive creature has a go at someone's dog who then sees the need to defend himself or latches onto a pedestrian's ankle. No one wants that.

And when you express concern at the irresponsible owner it's you who is the bad guy. Not the neglectful owner, because in America intent counts. You could have restrained your anger, but look at the poor little dog, it doesn't know what it is doing. (No, it doesn't, it never learned and it never occurred to anyone around it that it should learn.)

Everyone immediately perceives that large dogs require constant attention and handling skills, but the less immediate but very real dangers from small dogs are downplayed.

I see your argument but is this (biting around) really happening or it's your worry? My experience (one data point!) with dogs I've seen is that they're totally concerned with their quarrel, not bothered at all with passersby...

My concern is that the overterritorial Chihuahua comes busting out of a door while I am walking my 100-pound Labrador and then gets a hold of his leg. He has a peaceful demeanor, but there are limits. Or the unsocialized creature gets a hold of my ankle while walking to the park without dog.

There's nothing good that can come out of this. The likely outcome is a dead small dog and a vet/physician bill. I'm not risking a hand injury over someone else's animal, hand injuries can be disabling.

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