(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)
Not for people who live in a neighborhood with other people or within 50 miles of other people. Two weeks ago one attacked a man and his wife riding by on a motorcycle. The man managed to lay down the bike with the dog clenched around his ankle and get the dog onto it's back and choke it to death. The man was chewed up pretty badly and his wife was bitten a few times too. This happened in Decatur Alabama. I looked for the story on line but never found it.
I no longer believe the dogs are safe at all.
>There may be some people who can handle them. But as dogs they're decidedly not for every one - certainly NOT for families with children.<
I agree. In addition, they are not the breed of choice for the first time, nor for "casual" (read that laizzez faire) pet owners. They must be carefully managed, and never, ever be allowed to roam without hands-on supervision.
The owners should be charged with manslaughter.