I have worked with Animal Control, and dog rescues for quit a few years. I have seen a lot of Pits, many of them are the sweetest dog you have ever seen. But like Jimzee said, the owners usually can be traced to the problem dogs. Dogs (all dogs) need to be socialized. Putting a spiked collar on them, allowing them to act aggressively w/o enforcing correct behavior, isolation, etc. is going to bring out the worst in any dog. Pits have above average intelligence (mo), and will do what they are taught. I have fostered many pits, I have one now that was returned because of dog aggression, he is currently living with my own two dogs w/o the slightest problem. Most animal rescues will check the potential dog owners out, backyard breeders, and AC will give anybody a dog that is a lot of the problem itself. I urge anyone who loves dogs to volunteer at your local animal shelter, you can learn so much, do a lot of good, and have a good time.