The dangerous dog

You've probably seen the big debate going on in the UK about a certain breed of dog. I don't remember what the breed is but I've just been watching people and children as owners of the breed and playing happily with the dog.

It seems to me the real problem is to separate the dog from the dangerous owner.
But I'm not an expert.
My neighbour has a huge dog which looks ferocious but when you go near him he's like a pussy cat. But he barks at me from afar sometimes and if he didn't recognize me I would be a bit wary of opening the gate.