No more vicious than golden retrievers, beagles or other popular dogs! In a recent study of 122 dog breeds by the American Temperament Testing Society (ATT), pit bulls achieved a passing rate of 83.9%. That's as good or better than beagles ... 78.2%, and golden retrievers ... 83.2%.
In the ATT test, a dog is put through a series of confrontational situations. Any sign of panic or aggression leads to failure of the test. The achievement of pit bulls in this study disproves once and for all the old tired belief that pit bulls are inherently aggressive to people.
Like any breed of dog, a healthy pit bull that is properly raised will remain loving and friendly. In the past 20 years, we've seen some sad examples of poorly bred and badly treated dogs that are the byproducts of irresponsible 'backyard breeders' and cruel and abusive homes. These improperly raised, unsocialized creatures can show temperaments far removed from the traditional authentic pit bull. Don't confuse these unfortunate misbreds with the huge majority of well-loved dogs in this country that remain solid in temperament, affectionate, trustworthy and friendly to their dying day.
Here is a list of the dogs that rating was worse then the pit bull whom had a rating of 83.5%.
Afghan Hound 72%
Airedale Terrier 76.5%
Akita 73.1%
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog 66.7%
American Bulldog 82.3%
American Water Spaniel 80%
Anatolian Shepherd 80.8%
Australian Cattle Dog 78.1%
Australian Shephed 80.7%
Australian Terrier 81.3%
Beagle 79.7%
Bearded Collie 53.3%
Belgian Sheepdog 79.7%
Bichon Frise 77.8%
Black Russian Terrier 81.8%
Bloodhound 71.9%
Border Collie 79.7%
Bulldog 68.3%
Bullmastiff 75.9%
Cairn Terrier 70.5%
Cardigan Welsh Corgi 75.9%
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 79.1%
Chihuahua 71.4%
Chinese Shar Pei 70.1%
Chow Chow 69.3%
Cocker Spaniel 81.7%
Collie 79%
Dalmatian 81.6%
Doberman Pinscher 76.8%
Great Dane 78.9%
Greyhound 81%
Jack Russell 81.5%
Miniature Poodle 76.2%
Miniature Schnauzer 78.6%
Rottweiler 82.5%
Standard Schnauzer 66.1%
Toy Fox Terrier 75%
Toy Poodle 81.6%
