Shellie: Have you heard of this pit bull temperament test?

[dolfan]

Some group called the American Temperament Test Society? They have a test that supposedly puts the pit bull's temperament at better than a golden retriever and a miniature schnauzer.

I represent an owner of a pit bull in a case where it attacked a tiny little old, decrepit dog. My client's dog is by all accounts docile, never had similar incident before, and there are other circumstances that would take too long to explain. If my client's dog were any other breed, I'd think this was a slam dunk in their favor, but public opinion being what it is (and mine included in that) I've got an obstacle to overcome.

If you're aware of any studies on pit bull temperament, I'd like to get citations .... very soon.

Thanks.

[one love]

I think if you get an honest breed of most so called "viscous" dogs it is based on how they are raised. If they have been mixed breed you could have problems. I have come to realize the most viscous dogs are little ones. Kinda like some of the worst tempermented people are little guys.
I have a rottweiler and he is such a good dog. Perfect with my kids and very calm. When I walk him if i tighten on his leash he knows to look around and be cautious. You just must remember that they are "pack animals" they must know who the leader of the pack is or they will assume that possition. I was told my dog would eat my kids and all kind of garbage. Some are still waiting for that to happen. They are good dogs. Pitbulls have a little different temperment but can be very good dogs. Now If I go outside and someone strange is coming to me I will see him jumping up and down at the glass door. But if he is with me and Im comfortable so is he. He loves all the neighborhood kids and very loving. Though I would not suggest coming in my house univited

[Shellie]

I have heard of such tests. There is a wealth of info on the web. I have a link to one site that shows pit bulls use in law enforcement.

The media has done much to shape people's minds about pit bulls. You will usually hear someone that screams about pit bulls telling you a story about what they heard on the news or about this one dog they knew.

Put that into perspective with the number of pit bulls that run the earth and you start to realize just how little pit bull "attacks' you know about.

Then, if you take into account the people that confuse a lot of other dogs with Pits, you heighten the mania.

The fact remains that dogs are dogs. I've never met a breed that did not have an aggressive dog in it.