Okay... YOU asked for my take on this (in the first post). So, I guess I'll give it even though it disagrees with most.
Some breeds of dogs are bred with a specific purpose, or for particular traits. For example, Border Collies, Australian shepherds, Blue heelers, and many others are bred for their ability to work stock. Even within these breds there are different traits that are "hard wired". Border Collies are headers, i. e. the go for the head-throat area. Whereas heelers and Aussies go for the heels. Sure you can train a Border Collie to drive, but it takes training and is not their natural or hard wired instinct.
The same breeding philosophy applies to the spectrum of bird dogs. From retrievers, to pointers, to labs, to spaniels, and so forth they all are hard wired bird dogs. The abilities and behavior varies by breed, but it is a hard wired or instinctual behavior.
Well... the same principle applies to fighting dogs. They are bred to fight and kill other dogs, or even people. They were bred for that specific ability. Some may be better at it than others, just like there is variation in Border Collies, but it is in their genetic heritage.
When I was in Lyndon, WA two weeks ago to see my newest grand daughter my Son-in-law's dad asked me what I thought about my daughter's pit bull. I said, "Well, since you asked, I'll give my opinion. " And I didn't let an opportunity for another "Pa lecture" slide. Basically, I said get rid of the dog because you are playing Russian roulette with you child. And secondarily, if not with the child, with your property because, you see those young kids walking home from school over there? Well, just imagine that one of these days your dog goes over to say hi, and the kid runs, and the dog reacts to a running kid, and ..... you get sued, and there goes your $400K house and property, pfffffftttt. Aint worth it, get rid of the dog. Don't get a Border Collie or any other stock dog because they are NOT family pets. Don't get a guard dog because in this little berg you don't need a guard dog. Get a family pet dog, say a Golden Retriever, a former bird dog that has all the "bird" bred out and a lot of lov'n bred in.
Sure, I'll grant socialization and upbring can play a part. I had a large Doberman for 13 years. He was raised in the back country and absolutely loved people. But he also inadvertantly intimidated people. Intimidated people can react to aggressive breeds in ways that could trigger an unwanted results.
Bottomline, unless you plan on fighting pit bulls, round them all up and... ... well, I guess I don't want to PO more of you than I already have.

:-laf
Flamesuit on... . zip zip.
