My point is that it doesn't matter what type of dog breed.  No one should trust a dog they don't know.  No one should say "they won't bite," because you don't really know what your family dog is capable of doing.  And this neighborhood should not turn on that man, his son, or his other family members.  That man has to live with the fact that he hurt someone's dog.  That will stay with him for the rest of his life.