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Since 1977, the American Temperament Test Society has been conducting its Dog Temperament Test for canine breeds. The Temperament Test for dogs measures “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 simulates a walk through a neighborhood or park where daily life situations occur. The dog experiences visual (sudden sights like opening umbrellas), auditory (sounds like gunshots and hidden noises), and tactile (walking on different types of surfaces) stimuli. The exercise also tests their behavior toward friendly, neutral, and hostile strangers. A dog fails the test if it shows unprovoked aggression, panic without recovery, or intense fear and avoidance. Other dogs are not present during the dog temperament test, so it does not take into account dog-on-dog aggression.
As of December 2017, 34,686 dogs have been tested; 29,017 have passed and 5,669 have failed, making the pass rate 83.7%.
Here are the top 10 dog breeds that have the highest pass rates:
- French Bulldog — 96.2% passed out of 52 dogs tested.
- Boerboel — 94.7% passed out of 57 dogs tested.
- Belgian Malinois — 94.1% passed out of 440 dogs tested.
- English Cocker Spaniel — 93.3% passed out of 75 dogs tested.
- Labrador Retriever — 92.2% passed out of 842 dogs tested.
- Flat-Coated Retriever — 92% passed out of 87 dogs tested.
- German Pinscher — 91.90% passed out of 37 dogs tested.
- Pug — 91.7% passed out of 48 dogs tested.
- Curly-Coated Retriever — 91.7% passed out of 181 dogs tested.
- Bull Terrier — 91.6% passed out of 83 dogs tested.
Also included in this visualization are the American Kennel Club’s Most Popular Dog Breeds rankings for 2018. The most popular dog breeds are as follows:
- Labrador Retriever
- German Shepherd Dog
- Golden Retriever
- French Bulldog
- Bulldog
- Poodle
- Rottweiler
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Boxer
As you can see, many of the most popular breeds also rank high on the dog Temperament Test! This may be why these breeds are so beloved, and it may also be influenced by responsible breeding practices. However, it is also important to note that mixed breeds (like most rescues) score well on the dog Temperament Test. If you are looking to welcome a dog into your family, consider rescuing or purchasing from a responsible breeder, do your research! Some dogs are relatively low energy and most like to laze around the house. Other breeds need more stimulation by going for longer walks, working on doggy puzzles or even going to a dog park. Every home is unique and some breeds work better than others for each individual family.
Find more about the author: Kim Hart