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Rules everyone should know 

• Ask the owner's permission before you approach or pet a strange dog, even one on a leash. 
• Before you pet a dog, extend a hand so that he can sniff you. 
• Do not leave a young child alone with a dog. The child's excitement and erratic movements can mimic those of a dog's natural prey. 
• Before you enter a yard to check a meter or retrieve a softball, bang on the fence or side of the building to see if a dog responds. 
• Take care in small or narrow spaces, such as alleys, hallways and elevators, which can heighten a dog's territorial or protective tendencies.
• After you enter a dog's territory, do not immediately approach the dog.
• Do not approach a mother dog who is nursing her pups.
• Do not approach any dog that is laying down peacefully, or sleeping.
• Fast-moving outdoor athletes, such as cyclists, joggers, rollerbladers and skateboarders, should keep a safe distance between themselves and dog walkers. 
• If an unleashed dog approaches, do not try to outrun him. Instead, stand still until something else catches his interest.
• Do not overexcite a dog, such as by playing with it too long or too roughly.
• Do not stare a threatening dog in the eyes. Instead, turn sideways, slowly withdraw and put an object such as a tree or park bench between you and the dog.

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Which dogs are most likely to bite? 

In a 1991 study, the dogs that bit most often were the Akita, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Cocker Spaniel, Collie, Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd. More recently, the most dangerous dogs are thought to be Pit Bulls, Akitas and Rottweilers. 

Interestingly, there is no definitive study that establishes which dogs are most likely to bite. This is probably because any abused, uncared-for dog might bite anyone at any time. Furthermore, bite statistics are not very useful without knowing the circumstances under which the bite occurred. 

However, there is consensus that the bites of certain dogs are likely to be more harmful than others. The Pit Bull is by far the most dangerous by this standard. Its jaws have the most crushing strength, and they lock shut on their prey. Pit Bulls attack without warning or reason, and will continue biting as long as they wish; they have been known to continue an attack even after being beaten with two-by-four wood beams and struck with gunfire. 

Various cities throughout the United States have attempted to pass laws banning the ownership of Pit Bulls. Those laws have not been successful for a variety of technical reasons.