What you want is Staffy/Pit cross if you live in a council or ex council place 
let's not get in to that debate.
unfortunately from experience the only time my dog is on the lead is if one the above mentioned dogs are in the area (Including akita's, dobermans, mastiffs and any thing with 'bull' in its name).
I understand people have dogs for home security, but keep it on the lead FFS. I never worry if i see a springer or lab. However strangely me and the dog are ok with rottweiller and German sheppherds.
Its sad that some owners are so irresponsible. I do feel owners should have licences. Breeders even more so.
why should staffy owners or anything with bull in its name keep there dog on a lead but you dont 
its not the dog its the way its been brought up an treated
Without meaning to offend anyone, I can't fathom why people have certain breeds.
I have a cavalier. She's the wettest little thing. We adopted her as an ex kc breeder. possibly lick you to death. But why do people shout at me in the field because my dogs off the lead? When I can control her. Yet you have the unruly boxer showing its teeth at mine?
The only bad experiences have been with certain dogs. Not what iv read on tv or in the papers, but my experience. Look at dogs trust and 90% of the dogs in there are what I'm talking about.
And it makes me sad because you are right. It's the mostly the owners fault.
Back to the brief. Also research red/Gordon setters. Lovely dogs. My girlfriend grew up with one before her retriever and said she was the perfect companion.
