Ya know, I get that all the time, because my big boy is a Lab/PIT mix. Face of a lab, body of a pit. I get so tired of people running away, nosing into our business ("How can you endanger others with that dog?"), and making a big fuss ("Oh, look at that mean dog, honey.")
Truth is, he has had two fights in 6 years with other dogs: once was a toy stealing episode in the dog park (another dog took his ball), and the other was a stray dog trying to set up shop in our yard here (chased him off and then came back). Zero people aggression, unless the person is up to no good (then he just barks). I have had people pull guns on him (in New Orleans) based on his barking at them.
I took the time to socialize and train him, but some just go by reputation or looks, and judge. Popular perception may be that Yorkies, being small dogs, are spoiled and yappy. My limited experience has shown me otherwise. So what I say to people when they "judge" T.J. is: "Oh, what makes you say a thing like that? Hmmmm..." and I lift my eyebrows and say: "Come along, sweetie" while looking over my shoulder as we walk off. Just bewilders the s*** out of them. Next time I see them, they usually wave and might even come over to pet him!
So don't let the petty jerks of the world get you down.
Matthew |