[IdomeoreTew]

I second going to the shelter and volunteering in order to deal with your fears. At the shelter I go to, there are tons of "pit bulls" and they range from tiny to humongous; super calm to super energetic; some couldn't care less about being walked, some just want to cuddle in your lap. sometimes the teeny ones are harder to walk than the big ones that just want to be petted and cuddle.
Don't get a dog that you are afraid of before you even bring it home!