Oh, come on, man. That's like saying a border collie wasn't bred to herd. A Doberman wasn't bred as a police dog, a Rottie wasn't bred to work, and a Rhodesian Ridgeback wasn't bred to track lions. These dog breeds have all been selected for particular traits. It's why Great Danes think they're lap dogs. It's why Chihuahuas actually taste good (I'm kidding about that one, though I'm willing to give EnChihuahua a try), and why any heeler breed is damned good at heeling. How come bloodhounds have such a sensitive nose, eh?
I've owned and handled the following breeds:
Rottweiler
Shetland sheepdog
Australian sheepdog
Border collie
Labrador retreiver
Irish setter (STUPIDEST DOG ON EARTH!)
Great Dane
Pomeranian
Chihuahua
Bulldog, English
Bull terrier, English (the ones the that ugly nose)
American Pit bull terrier
American Staffordshire terrier
German Shepherd
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Beagle
And more mutts than I can count.
Anyone care to guess which dogs were toughest to work with? A hint: Any smart animal is going to be more difficult to work with, especially if it has a will of its own (and many of them do).
That was special, just for the rattlesnake handler, wasn't it?
Not "dog" aggressive, animal aggressive. All pit breeds were initially bred to help butchers in handling large animals, such as cattle. They have also been bred for "moxie", never-give-upedness. Now, how many of you who insist pits aren't dangerous have handled cattle, in particular uncut bulls? Ever been in the same enclosure with such an animal? Horses DO NOT count, they aren't even close in temperament. Rottweilers, as a breed, go back to Roman times. They were bred to work and guard. And they're quite good at that.
The other issue, the real issue in my book, with specific regard to bull and pit breeds, is that getting a little "nip" from one of them is like being "tasted" by a great white shark. How often do cocker spaniels lock onto someone, requiring force such as crowbars or a shot to the head to release them? I have yet to find such an instance.