Interesting...I could go into a little rant here (which I won't) but this has always been something that irritates me. I unfortunately live in a part of town with a large muslim community, and their views on dogs is particularly ridiculous. I've actually had children cry and cling to their mother in fear of my little bichon who was in my arms at the time.
Men will yell and jump out of my way like I was walking a rabid pit bull for pete's sake. Pitiful.