I think you have answered all our comments very well, politely and to the point making your point strongly.

I hope you have been able to take on board some of the comments though,as i think some are very valid, i am not sure that people need to educate themselves about every breed of dog, it is not something i would do, being a cat person myself,so it is up to you the dog owner to perhaps do so, again you stated that you were not rude, so i think you handled the situation in a good manner, good for you.

In New Zealand pit bulls are listed as a dangerous breed now,so i guess there has to be a reason for it, i do think the media has taken a lot of it out of context and made the public including myself fearful of them, i guess to be honest i would be more inclined to go up to a poodle and pat it than a pit bull anyday.

Again i would always ask the person is it ok to pet your sweet dog, i did this at the vets one day to a cute little dog,and she warned me not to, as he was very bitey to strangers, no problem there.

I think you just have to be aware how a lot of people do feel towards pit bulls in particular and you educate them as best you can,the ball is in your court really.

P.S the trouble down under here is lot of pit bulls are owned by gangs here, and used for dog fighting, so poor things are given a bad rap because of that as well,very sad indeed.