Ok let's see. A quick google indicates that there are 76,811,305 pet dogs in the united states. A forbes article estimates there are 4.5 million dog bites per year, and about 800,000 of those require any sort of medical attention, and 30-50 of those are fatal. According to the CDC that's about the same as annual childhood deaths from the flu

For comparison:

48,830 people died from gun-related injuries in the U.S., according to the CDC

Guns are also a leading cause of death in children and adolescents specifically

or what about

There are nearly 43,000 fatal [vehicle] crashes a year [in the US]

Also consider the positive effects of having a pet, which is proven to increase happiness

Then you also have to consider that many dog bites and attacks happen due to strays (~15% according to that same Forbes article), provocation, negligence, or abuse. The average family, if they are remotely dog literate, has very little to worry about. It seems to me a fear or hatred of these animals stems from ignorance, as does hatred and fear of many things.