Mr C I have to share my feelings on this .....from my personal experience it's NOT really based on misconceptions etc....it's based on the type of people who generally own such dogs and the lack of care or training they receive. I've met quite a few nasty rotts AND pitbulls. My favorite saying is.....EVERY dog is a nice dog......as long as they are getting their way. That's not really what makes a dog nice imo......it's how he handles strange situations, stress, pain, etc....Then if he really is a nice dog you won't have any trouble knowing it.

Quick story: We treated a rottie shot through the chest by a police officer when the dog approached his child (dog was unattended) in a park. You may say that's overreaction but I don't......when are you SUPPOSED to decide the dog isn't friendly? AFTER it's bitten you or your five year old child?

PS....super nice dog.....did fine.....but it's the owner's responsibility imo to keep people safe ......not the public at large.