People are very ignorant about dogs these days.
Collies are a herding breed and those types of dogs are notorious for being easily irritated by children. The dog's instincts require it to seek physical control. They will try to "corral" the child. Same with German Shepards.
People are just plain ignorant about dog breeds and their instinctive behaviors these days. Ask any apologist for pitbulls.
I agree, but 45 years ago, my Grandfather, whose dog it was, didn’t know that. Any large dog can easily kill a small child. Personally, if it were my kid, I wouldn’t take the risk.