Are pit bulls mean?
Like all dogs, pit bulls are individuals and can make first-rate family pets. In tests conducted by the American Temperament Test Society, which tests and evaluates the temperaments of several hundred breeds of dogs, the American pit-bull terrier scored 85.3 percent. By comparison, the golden retriever scored 84.6 percent and the average score of all tested breeds was 81.5 percent. The tests focus on and measure different aspects of temperament, such as stability, shyness, aggressiveness and friendliness, as well as the dog’s instinct for protectiveness toward his/her handler and/or self-preservation in the face of a threat. As anyone who loves a pit bull can tell you, these dogs are affectionate, devoted and incredibly smart. They were once America’s favorite dog, endearing themselves to the likes of Helen Keller, Thomas Edison, Humphrey Bogart and Theodore Roosevelt. Pit-bull-type dogs have also been employed by U.S. customs and have served as police K-9 dogs.
