I feel like I've argued for APBT rights for the better half of my life. In the end you have to accept the fact that there are more stupid people with pit bulls than there are responsible dog owners. OP has the right to consider breed specific legislation. Of course it isn't the dogs fault, if you put a golden retriever in the hands of a childish thug, I can guarantee it won't be the same dog you see at your neighbors picnic.

back on topic I'm sorry to hear about your dog bb, but it does sound like kennel cough, which he doesn't have to be in a kennel to get, he could have gotten it from just mingling with another dog. My advice would be to post on chihuahua forums to ask about vets in your area. People who own purebreds are usually far more particular about the vet's they use than your average dog owners.