The problem with pits is not that they bite. ALL dogs will bite, given motivation/reason to do so. The problem is the physiology of the pit's bite. Their jaw structure and the power behind their facial musculature. THAT is what makes their bites more of a problem than that of other dogs. It's not their training, it's not bad owners, it's not bad dogs. It's just anatomy/physiology of canines, nothing more or less.
The reason it's newsworthy - is because of the owners of these animals. Not because of the dogs themselves. The dogs are doing what dogs do, in whatever circumstances they are placed in, given whatever training they're given (or lack thereof). An improperly-trained chihuahua will bite more often than an improperly-trained pit bull. Here's why: because no one thinks of a chihuahua as a "dangerous breed" so when they bite, it's often dismissed as "oh chihuahuas are tiny, no harm, here's $50 for the stitches, my bad, woopsie, who's a good widdle doggie, YOU are a good widdle doggie!"
And so they will bite again, and again, because their owners refuse to acknowledge that dogs biting is a bad thing, no matter what breed they are or how cute or small they are.
If a pit bites someone, the DOG is vilified. It's not the dog. It's the owner. Always.
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