Ok I did some reading about Pits. They can be good family pets and protective of their family. They were originally bred for dog fighting. So they can be aggressive. I am sure "in the right hands" these dogs can be good pets. The issue is, how are these dogs with people and animals that are "outside' the family?

The reputation Pits are getting is a result of them breaking out of fences or however they get "free" to roam the neighborhood, and are attacking people and dogs.. And when they attack, they do serious damage. This is what concerns me with the Pits.

APBTs often display some level of dog aggression, especially towards strange dogs of the same sex or level of assertiveness. Early socialization and good training can mean that many individuals of the breed never display this trait. However, it must be remembered that this breed was traditionally developed for dog fighting purposes, and even APBTs that were previously sociable may develop dog aggression as they mature; as a breed they mature later than usual, between the ages of two and three years. A responsible APBT owner does not let their dog interact with strange dogs unsupervised, and knows how to avoid a dog fight. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Pit_Bull_Terrier

Pits are "powerful" dogs. I guess I would like to hear folks admit they can be dangerous. By what I read, it seems improper breeding is what is causing most of the problems of Pits being aggressive.

The folks renting our basement apartment are trying to move. I am kind of glad, because of the Pit. Even tho, as my son says, the dog is friendly. But you see, the owners do not want to "socialize" the dog with other dogs and people outside their family. And that concerns me. You should see me trying to work on my veggie garden, always watching the door, making sure when the door is open, the dog doesn't get past them. And I know they will have a hard time finding another house to rent because of the dog.

I don't hate the dogs. And would never want any harm come to them. Like some folks are afraid of snakes, That does not mean all snakes need to be destroyed. Because I am not comfortable with Pits does not mean I hate them. It just means I would not be a "good" owner of this type dog. I recognize that. I just wish more folks would recognize that they too would be poor owners.. maybe then the Pits might get a good reputation, instead of the bad one it now has.....

I say "thumbs up" to all the responsible owners of Pits. I think the dogs are beautiful..But as my son once said, if you know the snake bites, don't put your hand in the cage. Ooo gee, I sound soo double minded here. On one hand saying Pits can be good and on the other hand, running as fast from them as I can.

I just don't want to be thought of as a "Pit Bull" hater. I just have a healthy respect for them, which means for me, is best to stay away from them

Peace to all the Pit Bull lovers.. k
I am not debating, just expressing my concerns...