Pitbull-Type Dogs Achieve Excellent Temperament Scores

According to the latest ATTS breed temperament test data, the unique breeds commonly assigned to the broad "pitbull-type" category (including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier) continue to achieve excellent temperament scores - scoring in the top 23% of all breeds tested. Not only do pitbull-type dogs have excellent temperament scores, they are also successful as service dogs, therapy dogs, K9 police dogs, and as family pets - validating their status as outstanding canine citizens in millions of U.S. households. Furthermore, the ATTS (American Temperament Test Society, Inc.) data reflects similar conclusions found in scientific studies about the positive temperament of pitbull-type dogs while also providing further evidence that the behavior, trainability, and overall disposition (all factors related to temperament) of pitbull-type dogs is excellent. The temperament test scores and the summaries of several scientific studies on breed aggression and temperament are provided below.

Scientific Studies

Breed Aggression Study
Journal of Applied Animal Behaviour Science​
Human directed aggression in domestic dogs: Occurrence in different contexts and risk factors
Conclusions: Breed does not determine aggression. Factors relevant to aggression include un-neutered dogs and dogs subjected to punishment-based training methods.
​Source: Link to study
Breed Aggression and Temperament Study
Journal of Veterinary Behavior​
Comparison of golden retrievers and dogs affected by breed-specific legislation regarding aggressive behavior
Conclusions: Breed does not determine aggression. There were no differences in aggression between the legislated breeds and the control group (golden retrievers).
​Source: Link to study

ATTS Temperament TEST Scores and Data

  • American Pit Bull Terrier score: 87.4%
  • American Staffordshire Terrier score: 85.5%
  • ​Staffordshire Bull Terrier score: 90.9%
  • Average score for the 3 individual pitbull-type breeds (listed above): 87.9%
  • Average score for the 130 breeds included in this statistic: 82.7%
  • Number of breeds (out of 130) that scored lower than the average score for pitbull-type breeds: 100
  • Average score of 87.9% for the pitbull-type breeds is in the top 30 of 130 breeds tested (or top 23%).
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.
- American Temperament Test Society (ATTS)

"America's Dog"

​While all dogs are individuals, the temperament test data, scientific studies, and the growing popularity of pitbull-type dogs all confirm that as a group, pitbull-type dogs are overwhelmingly successful as loving companions in millions of U.S. households. In fact, pitbull-type dogs have been popular in the U.S. going as far back as World Wars 1 and 2 when they were declared "America's Dog" and prominently featured as national mascots on military recruitment posters. Their excellent temperament and growing popularity are just a few of the many reasons why it's really no surprise that discriminatory dog policies (such as breed-specific legislation or BSL) that target "pitbull-type" dogs are becoming exceedingly unpopular and are a trend in decline.

Notes

  • This statistic includes the 130 breeds with a test size of 25 or more dogs using the latest available ATTS breed temperament data.
  • Highest score for an individual breed (not pitbull-type): 96.2%
  • Lowest score for an individual breed (not pitbull-type): 56.9%
  • Source: ATTS breed temperament test data is available at: https://atts.org/breed-statistics/
  • Note: To date, the American Bully (the 4th breed commonly assigned to the broad pitbull-type category) has not been included in ATTS testing; therefore, this breed's score is currently unavailable. The American Bully should not be confused with the American Bulldog (ATTS score: 86.9%) which is a unique breed that is not considered a "pitbull-type" breed.
Updated: June 6, 2020