Unfortunately, there's always a story of a pitbull attack in Philadelphia, some by getting loose, others by family dogs. Recently a 2 year old girl had part of her scalp ripped away (survived) while visiting her cousin's house. ]Personally, I also agree that it's most likely the owners. I could put my hand in my neighbor's pit's mouth, grab his huge head and give eskimo kisses and do anything to him. He was great around kids, babies, everything. He was in terrible pain on his last day on earth, but when I went over to kiss him goodbye, his owner said it was the first time all day he stood up and he put his head on my lap. He was protective, but obedient. I was the only person outside family who could just walk into their house. I firmly believe it's all in your aura and personality with any dog. But yes, as with any dog, unless it suffers from an neurological disorder, it's tempermant lays on the owner. I've never ever met a mean pitbull. Early training and socialzation with any dog is crucial. I hang my head in shame to say that my Cody, being a Lab/Golden mix was undersocialized (my fault-I didn't know) and could be unpredictable (but never bit anyone). Sorry to go on. I just get angry when certain breeds are blamed for having a bad reputation.