Quote Originally Posted by TFX
Folks, I think it all comes down to the individual dog, and to some extent the line of dogs. I have had dogs in my little family that are a bit too keyed up to be alone with my kids. The vast majority however, have been and are very gentle dogs. When my daughter was about 3, she spent lots of time in the whelping box with an old veteran of the pit and her get, but not totally unsupervised. I think it is a very desirable quality in a bulldog, just as I do a game dog who will play with puppies. Really what we are talking about here is nothing more than INTELLIGENCE.

The other side of the coin is that the kid needs to learn to be confident in the way they deal with the dogs. That is a tremendous confidence builder in the young person, and this association is part of a healthy, normal upbringing. We have all heard the adage "a boy and his dog". It didn't come from some psycho freak that fought everything that moved. I am not saying that type of dog should be altogether avoided for sporting purposes alone, but show me a well rounded dog that has equal talent and ability as the freak, and I will show you a dog that is more useful and enjoyable to own, and will likely stamp his or her offspring with those same desireable qualities in greater percentages.
This post hit the nail on the head( EVERY Dog is an individual). Not saying that anyone was wrong in their way of thinking either. I agree with all of the post in some little way. Everyone of them have vallid points. I think many different factors are at hand here. From the intense drive of one.To the never properly socialized, invironmentaly ect... To chilldren who are to young or have never been properly raised around bulldogs(dogs). INTELLIGENCE of dog and owner.lol, Along with dog knowledge and proper training of child and dog is just one of the key factor on this thing. Is it possible? Absolutly! Is it something everyone should do or can? I personaly don't think so. It takes TREMENDOUS dog knowlede to accomplish and have one of these types of dogs. Great with kids/animals/people who you would trust your own life with if excpected to, and who would give his life for his owner. It takes MANY years and luck to say you have one of this caliber. If you are even lucky enough to have one like this in your entire life time. This also comes down to selective breeding by the breeder of said dog. Good topic I'm really digging this forum. Not @ss kissing just stating.lol. You can tell by the thought out responses of all posters not to mention wisdom of some of you guys.