velvet hippo

Etymology
Presumably an allusion to the large size and short coat of pit bull-type dogs or their reputation for aggression and unpredictability.

Noun

 * 1)  A pit bull terrier.
 * 2) * 2014, Rebecca Corry, "Dog Moms Making A Difference: Rebecca Corry", American Dog, Winter 2014, page 22:
 * My real life angel is my very own velvet hippo named Angel, and she is magical.

Synonyms

 * pibble, pit , pit bull, pittie , shitbull