Are people actually scared and intimidated by bulldogs?

They're the most loving, affectionate, and friendly dogs out there. When I hear people say they're afraid they might attack it sort of baffles my mind. I guess they are big and more built but whenever I see a bulldog in public I immediately want to go over to it and pet because it's so cute. It's one of the few dogs I know that instantly is very friendly. They love attention and it's hard breathing gets me excited.