I used to have a pit bull, he wasn't a terrier, he was a full-sized dog with a brindle coat---just gorgeous! I sort of adopted him after his owner dropped him off at a friend's house "temporarily" and never came back for him. He was not overly friendly but neither was he overly aggressive. He pretty much ignored my cats, which was good. He never barked when people would come to the door but he definitely went on full alert. Parts of the neighborhood where I used to live were not so good but I always felt perfectly safe while I was walking him because people tend to be afraid of pit bulls and would actually cross the street to avoid coming too close to him. I especially liked that he would always sleep either right outside the door to my bedroom or on the floor next to my bed. Unfortunately, I had to find another home for him because I was simply unable to give him the care and attention that dogs need, due to my work hours. He did not like staying in the back yard by himself for one thing and was quite the escape artist so I was constantly being awakened by irate neighbors who would report that my pit bull was running loose in the streets (I work at night so have to sleep during the day). Luckily I was able to find a good home for him with some folks I knew who already had a couple of pit bulls and plenty of space for him to roam.
Every pit I have ever met was very sweet and friendly. I agree, it's the owners, not the dogs, who should be held accountable.