I don't think it's the dogs per se that should be regulated, but I do agree that potential owners should go through some sort of training/course, even if it's for certification, to be allowed to own one of the breeds with bad reps..

I, for one, am not afraid of ANY dog, and will refuse to show fear to one. I will be leery or wary of one, apprenhensive, but not afraid.. (Japanese Peacocks are another story, though =) )

Pits, Rotties, Chows (I owned one), GSDs (mother used to breed them), Presas, Staffs.. are all wonderful LOVING warm dogs, if in the correct environment... as with all living things on this planet.. The problem with them now is they have a status symbol tagged on them, and people are wanting them because they look fierce... Well, I'm sorry, but there's a Pomeranian in the building named Buddy that I am more wary of than Rex the Boxer. Buddy would have no problem tearing your hand to bits if you so much as look at him wrong.

My neighbour has a husky/wolf named Lundy, who, by the previous owner, was kept OUTDOORS for 8 years on a 10' chain, was never allowed inside, had no shots, was not spayed and ate whatever she could catch. She was about to be put down because of the wolf in her and she was snapping at everyone, but Doreen rescued her... After a big bath and grooming (done by me), Lundy is the most loving dog... once they are in the proper situation, they can change...

A friend of my fathers had a GSD he wanted to train for a guard dog and took up to a place (since closed) on the escarpment.. One day he decided to go up unexpectedly to see what they did...

His beloved pet was on a 4' chain, with a big, meaty, bloody Porterhouse steak set at exact 4' 5". He looked around, and other dogs were being slapped in the face with raw steaks and with open hands.. He went in, took his dog, doubled back and took the steak, and left.. he barbecued the steak when he got home and gave it to his dog..

No dog is BRED nor is it IN THEIR NATURE to be like that... and it is the owner who should be put down, not the dog..