It is a breed of dog. Google "Nanny Dog" if you want more information.
You are probably already familiar with the breed though. This was the breed of several famous dogs: Pete from little Rascals, the dog on old RCA advertisements sitting next to the phonograph, the dog pictured on old WWII propaganda posters to symbolize the strength and loyalty of Americans (one of the most popular breeds at the time), etc. See link below for a more comprehensive list:
http://www.cesarsway.com/packgallery/packprofiles/Pit-Facts
More recently, they are used by the media as a tool to foment fear when there hasn't been a recent mass shooting. Fear sells even better than sex and violence and since minorities can now sue if they are the targeted for this purpose, defenseless dogs have become the next best option. Every year, there are an average of approximately 34 deaths caused by dogs of ALL breeds, just slightly less than the number of deaths caused by lightning strikes (40-50) and significantly less than black rifles (300-400) or drownings in swimming pools (several thousands).
Now, while these dogs are great pets for most people who taken the time to educate themselves about the breed before buying one, they are not for everybody. They are very powerful animals and REQUIRE lots of exercise and social contact with their people. Locking these dogs up on a chain or leaving them outside is ABUSE for this breed (or any other for that matter) and is highly cruel and irresponsible.
It should be noted, if you are looking for a dog to take to the dog park, this is not the breed for you. They were selectively bred for dog fighting so just as a bird dog hunts birds and a sheep dog herds sheep, this breed will fight other dogs (they may not start it, but they will likely stay till it's finished). They are also not recommended as guard dogs due to their fighting dog origin. Owners had to be able to separate dogs, even a they were in the midst of a fighting frenzy, without being bitten. For this reason, dogs prone to biting people were killed and NEVER bred because they were not profitable - other handlers refused to enter the "Pit" with a man biter. To reputable breeders, a fighting dog that bit his owner or the opponents handler was tantamount to a bird dog that wouldn't hunt. That said, just the sight of a friendly pit bull wagging its tail is often enough to send a criminal packing; and make gullible Kool-Aid drinking zombie types identify themselves (the only two positive benefits of the media's relentless attacks on the breed).
As with any abused animal, an abused Pit Bull can become dangerous and aggressive. So too can a dog from irresponsible breeding practices (but there is no such thing as an unpredictable dog, just ignorant people oblivious to a dogs body language). It is for this reason the breed accounts for more than its fair share of dog attacks. The media has shamelessly marketed this breed as the breed of choice for the monsters among us who shouldn't own a goldfish, much less a dog of any breed. Any breed popular among this irresponsible, cruel and abusive segment of the population people will account for more than its fair share of trouble (just like Saturday Night special handguns in the 70's). If these people traded their pit bulls for Labs, Labs would suddenly become the leading breed in the dog bite statistics (make guns illegal, knives, bats & ice piks take their place). Here in Tulsa, a small lab puppy recently killed a small child, not because it was a viscous puppy, but because it's idiot parents left the baby outside strapped in a car seat while they were passed out inside the house high on alcohol or some other drug.
Much like a firearm or any other powerful breed of dog, these dogs are perfectly safe in the hands of a caring responsible owner. As with firearms, some dogs may have a "Hair Trigger" (usually the result of human tampering) but they are still perfectly safe (and often better suited for a particular purpose) in the hands of a knowledgeable and responsible owner. Also like firearms, they can be dangerous in the hands of an ignorant (or abusive) or irresponsible owner and therefore should not be owned by just anyone. And finally, just like a firearm, anyone considering buying one should first be educated about the breed before hand so they can be a safe and responsible owner which will drastically reduce the chance of an accident.
I have two. I take both to restraunts with outdoor patios where we are usually overwhelmed by people who haven't "Drank the Kool Aid". Both love people and love all the attention they get. One I raised from a puppy and socialized from a young age with thousands of people and other dogs. He can be trusted with ANYBODY of ANY age at any time under any circumstances (Unless you attack a member of his family). The other is an abused rescue with a "Hair Trigger". I got him for free but would pay $3,000 for him and wouldn't sell him for less than $10,000. He is probably the most trainable, eager to please, dog I have ever seen, and I've seen thousands. He is friendly as can be once you have been welcomed in the house (wants to crawl in your lap and snuggle), but come in uninvited and you will need medical attention. He is a dog safest in the hands of an experienced dog owner much like a target pistol with a 2lb trigger is best left to an experienced shooter.
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