i thought this would be an interesting topic. i know that people who own pit bulls seem to be fiercely insistent that they are harmless and gentle. i, myself am afraid of them because of all of the stories i have heard about them attacking and seriously injuring or killing people. i have known people who have them and have seen them hanging from tire swings for long periods of time to show the strength of their jaws and how tenacious they are when it comes to biting something and not letting go. i just would never have one of these dogs around smaller children. i think rottweilers are another breed i would just prefer to keep away from my children if not all children. i know that they can show loyalty and docility but the fact is they are animals that are bred a certain way and you just can't predict what they will do. i'm not a dog hater or anything, i'm just afraid of what certain dogs are capable of because of their breeding and temperments and i worry about people who refuse to see any possibility of danger with these breeds. i know that other dog breeds can attack but with dogs like these, the chance of a child surviving that attack seems a lot more remote. i looked some stuff up on this just for my own information. this is some of what the aspca says about pit bulls:

Pit bulls are descendants of the original English bull-baiting dog-dogs who were bred to attack bulls, bears and other large animals around the face and head. They were taught to hang on without releasing their grip, until they were exhausted from fighting and from loss of blood. Although animal baiting was banned in the 1800s, people decided to try fighting their dogs against each other instead.

As the "sport" of dog fighting developed, enthusiasts bred a lighter, more athletic canine. These dogs made their way to North America, the ancestors of today's pit bulls. The problems started when these dogs gained the attention of people looking for a macho dog-and to meet their demands, unscrupulous and uncaring breeders are producing puppies that are not only aggressive to other dogs, but to people, too.

Aggression to other dogs is a serious issue with this breed. Early socialization is essential for pit puppies, though your best efforts may not override a dog's genetics. Regardless of early experience, some pits will become dog-aggressive when they reach maturity. A pit bull who doesn't like other dogs cannot be let loose in dog runs or other public places. Some are also dangerous around cats, so please choose carefully if you have other pets.

- Due to their strength and exuberance, pit bulls are best placed with families with older children.