We have bred dogs to focus and optimize traits which were present in the original animal: herding, guarding, retrieving, etc. In each breed, there are instincts which are heightened and behavioral characteristics which can be predicted. I used to raise, and still own, Dobermans. This is another breed that often enjoys a bad reputation for aggressiveness. In fact, Dobes are protective. Aggressive members of the breed are usually timid fear biters. Any dog in the show ring who shows any tendency toward this is immediately disqualified and should be culled from the breeding population. And a well brought-up Doberman is a lovely canine citizen -- intelligent, joyful, at worst aloof with strangers but usually friendly, and extremely obedient. A poorly raised Doberman is a nightmare -- big, strong, full of energy, destructive and annoying.
The group of breeds commonly referred to as pit bulls includes a lot of dogs that were bred for various sorts of fighting contests. Nevertheless, the vast majority of these dogs can be lovely animals and family pets . . . if individuals with strong aggressive tendencies are culled from the gene pool, and if the dogs are raised with consistent, fair discipline. All of the "pit bulls" I have met that belonged to reasonable people were reasonable dogs; the one which attacked me and knocked me down and went for my throat belonged to a decidedly low-life group of people, and had been encouraged in this behavior by them. It was not the fault of the dog.
Sorry you had this bad experience. Clearly the girls who had custody of this dog should not have handled it in public, as they did not have control of the animal. If they were also the owners and responsible for the dog's training, shame on them.
