My SIL volunteered at the city of Cleveland animal shelter when she lived there ~ 5 years ago. My wife and I went with her a couple of times to help out when we visited. They usually had a large collection of pit bulls and Rotweilers that had been abused and involved in dog fights. Some were in the "Biters" area - dogs that wouldn't be adoptable. A few of those were extremely aggressive and very angry (there were a couple that seemed to be out of a Stephen King novel).
I remember one pit bull in particular that had about a 2" rip in its lower lip and assorted other injuries, standing quietly in its small cage. It seemed, understandably, quite melancholy. But it seemed to be quite a sweet dog too. I pet it through the bars for a few minutes before we had to leave. :-(
My SIL said that many times a young man would come in looking for a large dog to adopt, and if it was a pit bull so much the better. The implication was that the dog would most often be a power statement in such occasions.
I'd like to think that the Presa Canario became less popular after Whipple's death, but the cynical side of me says that's unlikely.
:-(
Cheers,
Scott.