ChunkyBeastracin,
You said that you have seen pit bulls etc. that are very gentle and you have seen Chihuahuas that want to tear your ankle off.
Main difference is that the pit bull is capable of tearing your ankle off but the Chihuahua is not.
It's mostly about insurance. Sign up for homeowners insurance and see if they don't ask you what kind of dog you have.
Statistics prove they are right about potentially vicious dogs.