Mine was more trustworthy around children than the Lab I have now, but the fact that people like you are so afraid (that really isn't meant as an insult) is the reason I won't get another.I've met a lot of Pits and NEVER met one I'd trust around a small child.
If you need to ask, you've got your answer. Get a nice LITTLe dog.
If you do go with a male pit that will make a big difference.. We will have the dog neutered immediately, which I would imagine would cut down on any sort of aggressive behavior a bit.
Just research the breed and plan on having some good debates to defend your dog now and then. I have advocated for the breed many times over the years. I have had 42 Pit Bull Terriers. I have bought them from trunks of cars and fresh out of basements. I've seen ripped ears, broken legs, some nasty stuff. Dog fighting is gross, I hate it. I have worked with three different rescue leagues. Out of 42 rescue dogs I put one down because of people aggression, he couldn't hear.
As for the animal aggression a Pit Bull won't be unless turned on to fighting. But do know that if a dog attacks yours, he will win. Aslong as they don't know to fight they won't. But you have to remember this is the most athletic creature on the planet. They have taken on every other breed of dog and have won. They have taken full size bulls down by the nose. They have been baited against Lions, Tigers, Bears, and to this day are known to be a great tool in wild bore hunting.
I am confident that Dallas would never harm Haley or Ariana, however if a stranger appoaches one of them he is not nearly as freindly.
If you like him and can handle him I would say go for it. Understand that they do take alot of attention and like anything else in life, if you want something good (a dog) you have to work for it (or with it).
"He wont even pull the girls off their feet, but he drags me all over."