I've owned two pit bulls, which were/are my last two dogs. The first was a black lab and pit mix, while I just got a full blooded pit 2 months ago.
The previous dog had to be put down, not because of her attacking anyone, but because she became paralyzed from what would be the equivalent on humans, the waist down. She was the sweetest and smartest dog I've ever owned. She loved every single person she met unless they physically came after someone she knew/liked (an example being a friend punching me in the arm, jokingly, she'd jump and wouldn't attack, but gave you a look like, "don't do that").
From that experience, I really wanted to get another pit mix or full pit. Before obtaining him, I heard some information about pit bulls being considered one of the best family dogs in previous times (obviously the previous statement is not considered anymore as many pits appeared in old marriage paintings, as a symbol of loyalty). And from owning him for over two months now, as a puppy, I can truly see why (my pit mix that I previously talked about was around 2 years old when I got her, so this is my first experience with one as a puppy). I have to say, I haven't been able to raise any other breed of dog so easily as my new pit. He's intelligent, loves to play, and every person and other animal he meets, he's extremely curious and excited to meet them.
I will admit, he does seemingly have instinct pertaining to "attacking". A friend of mine got my new pits brother from the litter, and this is the same man that I do exhaust and brake work with. Naturally, I'd bring my pit over to play with his brother, and most of you would probably find it scary to watch them "play". They're both going for the others neck, biting and jumping around. But as you watch them, you realize they do not mean another harm. Their tails are wagging around like they're as happy as can be, and they only "nip" at one another when they "bite". Not enough to break the skin whatsoever. Their version of having a great time, enough said.
Now move on to the death rates by pit bulls and what not, sure, they are definitely capable. As others have said, it's the owner and the environment.
Lol as I wrote my last statement, I thought of an example of how my new pit learned a bad trait that he no longer has as of now. A friend of mine has a Pomeranian dog, and it is protective over things that are "his", and would growl at my dog when he would just simply walk by. My dog learned that growling trait, and would growl at his brother at first when they would play. This is a perfect example of "the owner and environment" argument I just made. I began to teach him that that was a bad thing, and sure enough, he stopped.
On to the "attacks" that are reported, I could've probably made literally 100 calls to animal control about ankle-biting dogs. People do realize that Chihuahuas are considered one of the most "aggressive" dogs on the planet, right? This is where the numbers come in to play. Sure you hear about deaths caused by pit bulls, because they're capable. That doesn't mean they're naturally the most "aggressive" and dangerous breed in the world. If a Chihuahua had the size, ability, as well as will, of a pit bull, it could actually be much more dangerous.
I could go on, but I'm not, just some food for thought.
