I had a pitbull/lab mix. Got her at the Humane Society, only puppy there that no one wanted. We took her and then had her assessed (at the time our daughter was 7 and I was afraid for her after the puppy "smiled" at her). We had to put her down last year at the age of 15, and there isn't a day that I don't miss her. The most amazing dog. Didn't bark, loved everyone, including the two cats that came after her. I think as long as they are trained, loved and treated right, this dog will be the most loving, loyal, enjoyable pet. They do get a bad rap, because most owners get them for the wrong reasons. Any dog can become mean, it's all in the way they are handled (loved). Good luck.