Pitbulls Used to Be Considered the Perfect "Nanny Dogs" for Children --

[War Horse]

117. Emotions always get heated when this comes up

Some breeds can be more demanding in certain respects than others (an Akita Inu can do serious damage, sheep dogs require *a lot* of physical and mental stimulation, just to name a few).

And yes, the problem is more often than not the owners. Bad breeders don't exactly help, either. I get being defensive about your breed, and pit owners are often (understandably, as they get attacked the most) among the most defensive ones, but they aren't helping their case by pretending there aren't any problems related to the breed.

As a long time German Shepherd owner I know that they are very, very trainable, but you have to put the work in. They are insanely loyal, if treated well (often even if not treated so well...). Sometimes so much so that they'll go to great lengths to defend you, even against perceived threats. A large, adult GSD that snaps can also do quite a lot of damage.

All the GSDs I've had anything to do with have always been great around kids (my last one always tended to want to herd them, though. Some parents freaked out, but the kids thought it was fun). Still, I'm fully aware of the fact that they have maimed kids. One such incidence took place less than 500 yards from where I used to live up until a few years ago, in fact.

Many, many people are afraid of GSDs, so as an owner you have to respect that (up to a certain point - you have to put up with most of the hysteria, but not all of it).

All the pit type dogs I've known have been great around kids, and not aggressive towards humans at all, FWIW. Some of them have been extremely aggressive towards other dogs, though. The owners were very aware of that fact, though, and took no chances (a.k.a. responsible owners).