I would definately rather own a Staffordshire than a tiny, bitey, annoying, yappy, etc. poodle... Those poodles are land sharks, like many, many small dogs, especially Chihuahuas, those things are vicious as all get out. As for the sad rap that Staffords get as a breed, people don't realize what good pets they are when BRED RIGHT, and not out of control and you end up with inbreeding and bad tempered, unsocialized animals. I would definately trust a Stafford around children than a poodle. Poodles bite and are NOT tolerant of a child, at least all of the ones I've seen. Sorry, I had to vent. It just makes me a little upset when people hear "pit bull" and think they are all mean and vicious.

Back on the "hots" subject, I agree with ya'll that it is the owner's responsibility, and if they get bitten, they get bitten. They are the people who chose to own that particular snake and they need to understand the consequences of owning it.