This is Buddy. He came to us 14 months ago when his owner became homeless. He is a pit/bull mastiff mix or American Bandogge as that sub-breed is called. He may not look it in the pic but he weighs in at just under 90lbs and his chest measures ~15" across, so he is a pretty substantial boy.
Originally he was found chained up in an empty warehouse and was definitely used for fighting. He was sent to a place that evaluates and recues pits and it was determined he was safe around people, but not other animals.
It took a while before he trusted us, but now I can go give him a bear hug while he is eating and he doesn't even take notice, just wags his tale of destruction. A year ago he wouldn't eat unless nobody was around.
He is an absolute lover boy and always comes and wants to snuggle in the mornings. Definitely the most affectionate dog I have ever known.
The only issue with him is he doesn't bother with any of the butt-sniffing social protocols, if you are a smaller dog it's grab-ragdoll shake-plant on the ground and tear.
If the same size or bigger it's get low to the ground, stay silent and hit from underneath as hard as possible going for the throat.
I've had to break up a couple of fights or rather near mauling's. Thankfully he now views me as his absolute master and pretty much obeys me regardless of the situation, which is pretty important and we haven't had any issues for months.
the wife thinks I'm crazy playing tug-o-war with half of a tennis ball, but hey he hasn't bit me yet.
oh and he is also jealous of the fish and if I'm looking at the tank he comes and pushes himself between my chair and the tank. He has figured out the chair rolls and the stinker pushes me away from the computer when he want attention....LOL
But he hates water and whenever I'm working on the tank he lays in the hallway watching and waiting until the risk of being splashed is over.