We just put down our beloved Frankie, my son's dog. He was wonderful and I miss him so much.
Yes, I think they've gotten a bad rap. But they have tremendous jaw strength and throughout his life my son used caution and common sense with him.
Son also told me that you can't get them at a regular shelter(at least not around here). He is currently looking for another and the rules are really strict before they adopt them out.
He got Frankie in California and said it was the same there as here in Columbus.
I wouldn't get one myself b/c my neighbors would probably freak out and I wouldn't want to have any problems. But I loved Frankie to pieces and see now why my son loves them so much. They are wonderful dogs.