Is your normal instinct if you see a large animal with very large teeth is to run away?

I think I lost that instict whenever I see my mastiff I want to run up to him and give him a big hug. His theeth are large and scary and I'm not scareded a bit by them. He is such a wonderful dog. His teeth are over an inch and a half long and we have to use a human belt for a dog collar, because they don't sell dog collars in his size. Is there anyone else that just is not scared of large animals with big teeth?

Is your normal instinct if you see a large animal with very large teeth is to run away?
No it is not to run away but it is to pay attention.


I can read the face of an animal, especially a large hound just like I read the face of a human and tell friend from foe fast.





Most big dogs are more friend than foe anyway. Only those afraid and in pain are usually real trouble and they can be turned with a little kindness.





The real mean ones, like bullies, are the ones that will attack you from behind looking for a cheap shot. The rule with them, like all cowards; is never turn your back. At least if they come at you straight you have a fighting chance to control the situation.





My experience with dogs is that the vast majority of them are more rational than people and need to be provoked to be really dangerous to us.





BTW I adore mastiffs they are the BIGGEST babies.
Reply:Well yes.
Reply:the great pyrenees is another breed with very large teeth, and they smile a lot so it can look very scary, but they are the most lovable breed of dog! Like your mastiff. Known for mostly being a friend of man.


However, if you do not know an animal and it shows you its teeth (big or little) you should be careful!
Reply:If the animal was bearing its teeth at me, then yes my instinct would be to run. If its just the fact that the animal has big teeth, but was being non aggressive, then no, probably not.
Reply:You're probably not scared of him because you now he wouldn't hurt you.. on purpose atleast. I have a big, clumsy dog.. lol.





If he was roaming the streets and you didn't know him you might be afraid of him
Reply:LOL, I was raised around big dogs. My entire life, we've had Mastiffs, Roman Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Wolf Hybrids, etc, and so they just don't scare me. Neither do most animals, really. It actually has gotten me in trouble before. Multiple times.





For example: When I was four years old, I ran in the house holding a juvenile three-foot rattlesnake, asking if I could keep it. My mom told me "No. Now turn around very slowly, walk back outside, put it down, then come right back in." I was SO mad she made me give up 'my new pet.' :-p. Still looking back on that I am shocked that I didn't get bit.





Or, when I was five years old, my parents lost me in a junk yard, and the junk yard owner started freaking out. They had a huge Beauceron as a guard dog that wasn't exactly kid friendly.





My mom, knowing my temperament, asked where they could find the dog. Sure enough, when they found me I was cuddled up to him, giving him a belly rub.





Conclusion: Living with large, so-called 'aggressive' animals for as long as I can remember has made me a tad TOO fearless around those guys. But such is life ;)