The first dog I owned in DC I had to do a ton of research..lived in an 800sq ft apartment, middle of the District, and thought some small breed of dog would e recommended. Was actually the opposite, as long as I was willing to devote the time to twice daily walk/exercise with the dog. So, my first black lab was rescued!
Having said that, it is amazing to me that shelters/ rescues continue to insist on fenced backyards for dogs. To me, that is the worst thing in the world for larger breeds, as owners get lazy and these poor critters never get any real exercise, and that fuels so much aggressive behavior . These pits I guess were in a crate/pen for a month before this incident, backyard aint a whole lot better.
Always notice disposition of most dogs that are "city" dogs as opposed to suburban dogs. City dogs generally get two walks a day, tons of interaction with other dogs and people, and are just generally calmer and more easy going than dogs who's only execise is taking a poop in a fenced in backyard.