Good input everyone -- thanks! I will have to be a little less reserved about asking people, that's really the only way to promote the breed.
I used to go to the dog park, but stopped. When he was a puppy, everyone loved him. The minute he grew into his adult body, that was it, he was a "vicious" dog, even though he was still a puppy (and still is I think!
) One of the last times we went, my dog was chasing another man's dog (to play of course), the guy got so upset and started screaming that my dog was going to kill his dog...literally screaming...and he threw the cup of water he was carrying at my dog...didn't even come close, but totally psycho. I got a hold of my dog and the guy was yelling why would I bring a vicious killer to the dog park, blah, blah, blah, so I yelled back that he was fine and that he was just prejudiced against the breed. Whatever, good riddance to the dog park and stupid owners like that.
Anyhow...I do take him to the dog stores when I can and such, and the workers are always nice. When we're on walks, people mostly avoid us, so that's fine...I won't chase after them...
He loves going to the vet...I really should take him there to visit more...the people there are great with him. I guess I have to be a little more bold with people (to a certain extent of course) and just ask!