[L98Fiero]

"The disposition of dogs is an indiviual thing, just as in humans. I know of Rottweilers that are very docile and friendly, and cocker spaniels that are mean and nasty."

I know a lot of breeders who my disagree with you on that "disposition of dogs" comment. I'm still looking for that "Cocker Spaniel mauls toddler" story ot the "Daschund sends animal control officer to hospital" story.

I love dogs but there is no way I would own a Pit. I don't trust them and the liability is way too high.

[t-1000]

"I love dogs but there is no way I would own a Pit. I don't trust them and the liability is way too high."

I agree. People spend way too much time trying to humanize pets. Dogs, cats, whatever are not human and therefore do not think like humans.
All animals, including humans, rely on instinct for survival. The less evolved the brain of the animal the more it relies on instinct to survive. This is because the animals does not have the cognitive ability to reason. This is why some animals run if they encounter something they don't understand. Humans assess or reason and then run if need be. We don't run out of the room if a book falls on the floor behind us.

Back to Rots. The thing about rots is their bloodline and inherent instincts.
Much like sharks, lions, and other aggressive animals rots are preprogrammed to seize the moment if one presents itself.
So a rot may go through his whole life never biting a human. Then one day a unique opportunity presents itself.
Instinct takes over and the rot attacks.
It simple can not help itself. It is programmed into hits genes.

[Mathews]

Check the facts. Cocker's were at the top of the biting dog list as of the middle of this year.

[grellis]

While recently visiting the in-laws, their two cockers repeatedly tried to bite my kids. My kids have grown up with dogs and have never done anything provocative around one. I can't stand cockers. By the second day of the visit I wouldn't let the kids anywhere near them.