The temperament of most dogs is a function of training/nurture. Some breeds are indeed naturally more protective, but not mean. Did you know the Pit Bull used to be called the Nanny Dog because it was so good and gentle with children?
Unfortunately, lots of irresponsible people own and breed these dogs, with either abuse or the intent to make them mean. It's a shame, and the dogs suffer for it. We had to change our homeowner's insurance after 30 years, from Nationwide to Allstate. Nationwide decided to discontinue coverage in NC for anybody owning a high risk dog. The list included Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Chows, and I think a few more.
We've had 2 Rottweilers, both adopted. Both previous owners were nice. And both dogs were the sweetest, kindest, funniest dogs. Never got rough with the cats. Never bit anybody. But always barked when somebody came up the driveway. Exactly what we wanted. Intimidating, (by reputation), to anybody who didn't know them, gentle and sweet to anybody who knew them, but with a natural protective streak we were confident would come out if someone tried to do us harm.
Sorry your boy got a bad Pit Bull. My wife won't adopt one because she's afraid for the cats. It's a shame. They really are, by nature, sweet dogs.
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