I would consider a pit bull coming full speed at me the same way I would if a bear were doing the same thing. The bear might be in bluff and pit bull might just be excited to play but I’m not taking any chances. If I have a firearm, I’m shooting with full prejudice.
I would protect my dogs in any way I can too. I just came in from walking my dogs when two neighborhood dogs got loose and wanted to come up to my dogs. Fortunately they weren’t looking for a fight; just curious. One of mine wanted to play with them.
I took out my pepper spray and was ready for them had it gone another way. On the way back I spotted the owner looking for them and how they got out. The dogs were very friendly and nice. I’m glad I didn’t have to spray them.
The important thing for me was being prepared. I choose pepper spray because then I don’t have to worry about the owner coming over and shooting my dogs because I shot his and because I want that stray dog to go home to its human even if that human needs to wash the dogs eyes out with milk. Hopefully that human will also take precautions so it doesn’t get out again. When I first moved into my new place some years ago; the yard wasn’t nearly as secure as I thought it was and my dogs got out a couple of times until I could secure it. They came home and I’m glad no one shot them.
Frankly; I would feel worse about killing a dog than I would about killing a person who threatened me or mine.