YOUR DOG'S INTELLIGENCE

When choosing a dog, breed intelligence and temperament, among other things, are important considerations. If you already have a dog, how does your breed measure up?

Intelligence can be measured in more ways than one. Problem solving ability and instinctive ability are important qualities in a dog but, when tested in obedience alone, a dog trainers'survey produced some interesting results. When dog breeds were temperament tested by the American Temperament Testing Society, even more surprising results were recorded.

Alfons Ertel established the American Temperament Testing Society (ATTS) in 1977. The test simulates a casual walk through a park and focuses on stability, shyness, aggressiveness, and friendliness as well as the dog's instinct for protectiveness toward its handler, and/or self-preservation. The test is for all breeds and is uniform throughout the country. Approximately one thousand test events have been held, with 26,615 dogs tested as of December 2005 and 21,615 dogs have earned TT titles.