Stumbled upon the ATTS Site more by accident :-

About Canine Temperament-
Because of breed-specific dog legislation and negative publicity associated with many breeds of dogs, temperament testing has assumed an important role for today's dog fancier. The ATTS Temperament Test provides breeders a means for evaluating temperament and gives pet owners insight into their dog's behavior. It can have an impact on breeding programs and in educating owners about their dog's behavioral strengths and weaknesses as well as providing a positive influence on dog legislation.

What is temperament?
W. Handel, German Police Dog Trainer, in his article, "The Psychological Basis of Temperament Testing," defines temperament as:

"the sum total of all inborn and acquired physical and mental traits and talents which determines, forms and regulates behavior in the environment"
The ATTS test focuses on and measures different aspects of temperament such as stability, shyness, aggressiveness, and friendliness as well as the dog's instinct for protectiveness towards its handler and/or self-preservation in the face of a threat. The test is designed for the betterment of all breeds of dogs and takes into consideration each breed's inherent tendencies.

The test simulates a casual walk through the park or neighborhood where everyday life situations are encountered. During this walk, the dog experiences visual, auditory and tactile stimuli. Neutral, friendly and threatening situations are encountered, calling into play the dog's ability to distinguish between non-threatening situations and those calling for watchful and protective reactions.

A full list of all breed statistics can be foundon the site -www.atts.org/
Any one have any views ??
Lel
I think its a little vague as they dont say what environments these dogs have come from - are the ordinary homes / shelters /good owners / bad owners etc .....

Lel,

Took a quick look at it and it was interesting, but I think the test would not be totally reliable in testing temperament.

A GSD dog I owned with fear aggression would have passed this test. Weirdly dressed people approaching in an aggressive manner would not have phased her in the least. She reacted to anyone (child to adult) looking at her and making eye contact. The weird dress and unusual aggressive manner of the tester would have been enough to distract her and keep her calm.

I do not think this test is appropriate for all breeds, which this organisation appears to imply. The fact that any Cairn passed this test came as a surprise to me, given protection is not one of their breed characteristics and most are too thrilled to be meeting a stranger to care much about self protection. Plus, I guess any dog who has a fear of thunder or fireworks would fail, given two gun shots are part of the test.

Stacey

Hi Lel

As you say where did the tested dogs come from. I assume its from assorted backgrounds. If so and this test can be taken as accurate then it only proves what some of us knew already. Bullys of any kind are just as well balanced mentally as any other so called safe breed. If not more so.
Not sure if I think the testing is 100% though.

Mick

As I say , I found it by accidet when on a APBT site and that was one of the Links .
Some breeds only had a small number tested while other breeds had a large number tested so as you say not very conclusive really .
Lel

>>W. Handel, German Police Dog Trainer<<

He's known in Germany for his dislike of Bull Breeds.

Sarah

They didnt rate too badly though in those statistics
Lel

Pressure, Lel, pressure :D. Plus, nobody in Germany's canine world topples over and lies at your feet just because you are a police dog handler, on the contrary :D.

Sarah