"It's not necessary that the dog perceived the child as a threat"
I'm not sure why either but as stated earlier my Lab is terrified of little people including small kids.
"The hunt/kill instinct can be awakened in any predator"
I agree. Small kids can make funny noises and move around in a way that could excite the dog. Dogs are still animals and they cannot talk and tell us what they are thinking. Education and supervision are the key.
As an owner of larger dogs i agree that small dogs still bite but i would rather a small scar than a gaping wound.
