Wow there sure have been some myths posted in this thread. If anyone is interested in learning the truth-
http://www.badrap.org/rescue/myths.cfm
also
www.pbrc.net is another great site for learning about pits.
I own a pit and a yorkie mix (both rescued). Currently I'm staying with my mom and she owns a yorkie mix as well. Laney (the pit) is the most docile dog I've owned. She was rescued at 5 wks old from the shelter. However pits are not for everyone. It is imperative they are socialized with other dogs, cats, people, kids, etc from the time they are little. From the day I got Laney I let her know I was the alpha. Moms yorkie x is also very dominant so I lucked up and ended up getting a very submissive pit. She lets the new puppy dominate her as well. The only problem i've had in 3 yrs is Schatzie (moms yorkie/chi) going after Laney. Laney probably could have hurt her had she wanted but she didnt. She just tried to run away.
If anyone is interested in getting a pit bull I would recommend getting an adult one from a rescue that has temperment tested the dog and knows its personality. It is common to have same-sex aggression in pit bulls because in the past thats what they were bred to do. With a puppy- even one from a reputable breeder- you can not fully determine if that puppy will be dog aggressive when it reaches maturity.
I have no worries about Laney being around kids. She loves them! She lets my neices and nephews and the kids I babysit for play with her and pet her and roll all over her. If I won't let her out when a kids in the house she lays at my bedroom door and crys. Of course I never leave her alone with the kids, but thats just common sense. All the dogs are seperated when I'm not in the house, but again with any dogs that is just common sense
Here are a few pics of my pitty girl playing with my yorkie/poodle mix. laney is about 45 lbs, which some people think is small for a pit, but its actually standard size. Alot of the huge "pits" have had boxer, mastiff, presa, Am Bull or some other large bully looking breed mixed in to make the dogs bigger.