I find people's perceptions of dogs interesting. I had a huge black Greyhound, which looks nothing like a Dobie, Rottie or any other "guard" type breed and people would steer clear of him and so many people misnamed his breed. I adopted him right off the track, when I first got him his shoulders were huge and I guess, yeah he looked threatening, but he was an utter lazy ass and a sweetheart.

The fact that you were assaulted like that is horrible, but yes, for the most parts our dog's are big fluff nuts who most likely will just wag their tails looking for pets and treats.