@mommamia22, yes there are halachos regarding animals, and this may also be the reason frum jews don’t really have them.
They are muktzah on shabbos. Can’t move them. Taking them on a walk might be different, but moving them with your hands is assur. Yes, I’m sure there are people who say otherwise, but I’m talking halacha here.
To answer the original question, while I don’t believe they are to be feared, there is good reason not to have them. We (as frum jews) believe in spending our money, efforts, time on things to help us in our growth. I’m not saying you can’t enjoy ice cream. But why bring an animal into the house when you have so much more to be doing? Teach your kids some more. If you have free time, study yourself. Give some money to tzedakah. It’s just a misuse of our valuable resources.
Anyway, Jews not having dogs will understandably cause Jews to be afraid of them as well. They don’t get to experience their pleasant side.
Just my two cents.