An interesting thread is evident in many of the above posts. There seem to be two (at least) groups of posters as to dogs’ behavior and whether or not to be afraid of them. Some say leash your dog, keep it away from me and my kids, (or lawn, driveway, etc), control it, etc. Many in this group had a bad experience with a supposedly “gentle” dog.
The other group, primarily dog owners, say their dogs are friendly, gentle, loving, and could never hurt anyone, and never have hurt anyone, at least recently.
Put me into the first group.