I'm torn on this because I LOVE dogs (and animals in general).
The cool thing these days is to have a Pit, Rott, Shephard, Doberman, etc. You know, all the "tough" dogs and give it some macho name. I've seen this a billion times. I think people feel that if their dog is deemed tough and menacing, they will be perceived in the same way.
Don't get me wrong. I am NOT speaking out against these dogs. They need a loving home like any other pet. I just think there is so much emphasis on having a certain type of dog for image more than as a pet to love. That's just my two cents.
What kind of dog do I have you ask? A beagle from the Humane Society and she's a sweetie.