Dog Temperament Data
The American Temperament Test Society seeks to evaluate the temperaments of dogs using a standardized test. They have a description of the test that details the situations that they put dogs in. Now, there are obviously some issues with the tests, such as judgment of the judges, the relative excitability of each dog when undergoing a test (they know something is going on), and the type of person to submit their dog to such a test probably thinks that their dog is fairly well-behaved.
They also list the percentage of dogs that pass and fail the tests based on breed. Well, your friendly neighborhood SayUncle compiled the data (available by clicking the more link below) and discovered that based on relative temperament as percentage of pass or fail, pit bulls came in 116th out 202 breeds for having bad temperaments. A Dachshund has a worse temperament according to ATTS than a pit bull. In fact, a pit bull is comparable (scoring slightly better) in temperament to a golden retriever.
December 23rd, 2003 at 9:43 pm
The folks have a black lab and they inherited a pug. The two come in at 157 and 158. They’re two very laid back dogs, and their owners are two very laid back people.
But it’s like you said….if the folks take the time to socialize a dog, most dogs will turn out okay.
Except Chows. In my experience, a Chow Chow in a good mood is surly and territorial….but then, I’m biased by a childhood of being terrorized by the neighbor’s Chow.
December 27th, 2003 at 5:07 pm
Whereas my Chow, Fuzzy, is the sweetest dog you will ever meet. Even the vet loves her. This in spite of being confiscated off an abuse case.
There are NO bad dogs, only bad owners!
July 6th, 2004 at 3:02 pm
[…] ard other dogs can be curbed somewhat by socializing them. And, statistically speaking, a pit bull is comparable to a golden retriever in terms of temperament. Accor […]
July 16th, 2004 at 5:02 pm
[…] wners. So, he almost gets it. It is the fault of the owners. And your Dachshund has the worst temperament of any dog. | Link | | Category: Pets | Comments& […]
November 15th, 2007 at 10:07 am
[…] Pit bulls have a temperament rating similar to a Golden Retriever. […]