"Studies indicate that pit bull-type dogs were involved in approximately a third of human DBRF (i.e., dog bite related fatalities) reported during the 12-year period from 1981 through1992, and Rottweilers were responsible for about half of human DBRF reported during the 4 years from 1993 through 1996....[T]he data indicate that Rottweilers and pit bull-type dogs accounted for 67% of human DBRF in the United States between 1997 and 1998. It is extremely unlikely that they accounted for anywhere near 60% of dogs in the United States during that same period and, thus, there appears to be a breed-specific problem with fatalities." (Sacks JJ, Sinclair L, Gilchrist J, Golab GC, Lockwood R. Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998. JAVMA 2000;217:836-840.)
http://www.dogbitelaw.com/breeds-causing-DBRFs.pdf
There are some numbers for you. The only ignorance I see is when a small dog ends up dead and neighbor's owner says, "My pit never could have done that, he's a sweetheart." It has the means to do it. There is a BIG difference between Canine homicides and dog bites. The media makes a big deal out of it because it is a big deal because it's what your neighbor is doing by letting one run loose. I feel so sorry in any neighborhood where people are scared to let their child play or their dog outside. I am so glad my neighbor doesn't pet sit for that pit anymore. I even told my husband that I didn't trust that dog, and then an hour later it gets in my yard and attacks my dog.