I agree with Romy and RG, that I was never bitten by the family dog (or any dog for that matter) when I was a kid, despite me and my friends all having large, guardian breed dogs (boxer, GSD, rottweiler) that we would be alone with fairly young (can't exactly remember when). That said, I don't think it's out of place for a dog to lightly snap at someone who's being obnoxious, after giving warning (any other animal is allowed to "retaliate" within reason, why not a dog?).
But bites that occur within the normal scope of human activity, bites where a dog holds on, etc. aren't the same at all. And especially when that dog is tall enough to reach a kid's face (baby-toddler-small child). I know when Romey's tooth BANGED AGAINST MY LEG it left a huge bruise. And that wasn't even a bite! What would it look like if a medium sized dog grabbed a 4-year-old's face? if the dog didn't let go? I don't know if I'd "never forgive myself" but I'd feel pretty **** guilty if my kid was injured by something that I KNEW was a liability.
But bites that occur within the normal scope of human activity, bites where a dog holds on, etc. aren't the same at all. And especially when that dog is tall enough to reach a kid's face (baby-toddler-small child). I know when Romey's tooth BANGED AGAINST MY LEG it left a huge bruise. And that wasn't even a bite! What would it look like if a medium sized dog grabbed a 4-year-old's face? if the dog didn't let go? I don't know if I'd "never forgive myself" but I'd feel pretty **** guilty if my kid was injured by something that I KNEW was a liability.