Frequently Asked Questions
about American Temperament Test Society, Inc. (ATTS)

1. How do I find out about scheduled tests?

Write or call:
American Temperament Test Society, Inc.
PO Box 800130
Balch Springs, TX 75180
(972) 557-2887
Note: The telephone is connected to a 24-hour answering machine to take your calls at any time.

Subscribe to the K9EVENTS e-mail list on the internet, or check the Upcoming Tests section of this web site.

2. What is the entry fee?

$25.00 per dog entered.

3. Who may enter an ATTS temperament test?

• All pure-bred dogs
• All spayed or neutered mixed-breed dogs.
• Mixed-breed dogs which are not spayed or neutered may enter and be tested but WILL NOT receive a certificate.

4. What is the minimum age at which a dog may be tested?

Minimum testing age is 18 months.

5. What equipment do I need for my dog to enter a temperament test?

• A slip collar.
• A six-foot leash.

6. What, if any, preparation does my dog need?

No special preparation or training beyond normal socialization and exposure to normal living is necessary.

7. What is required on the entry form?

• All information on the entry form must be filled out.
• The entry form must be signed.
• The entry form must contain BOTH front and back to be valid.
• Entry fee payable to the host club must accompany the entry.
• Information on the entry form MUST be legible.

8. To whom should entry form be sent?
Send entry form to the host club or organization.

9. When may I expect to receive dog's certificate?

• Certificates are issued within 10 to 12 weeks after test results are received at ATTS headquarters in New Jersey.
• Certificate errors due to illegible information on the entry form as submitted require a $10.00 correction fee.
• Failure of an entry fee check to clear will result in withholding of the certificate until proof of payment is submitted.

10. May I retest my dog?

• A dog may be retested after a 5-month waiting period.
• A dog may attempt the temperament test only twice.
• Retest of any dog requires full entry fee.
• ATTS may on rare occasions request a retest of a dog. This requires no entry fee.

11. How have you ensured that no one breed is being discriminated against?

There are three evaluators assigned to each ATTS Temperament Test, including one Chief Tester. Each Chief Tester has undergone several years of training and has passed two examinations in addition to having fulfilled other requirements, i.e. worked as subtest station worker, evaluated the required number of dogs, worked as Test Secretary or Test Organizer. All breeds are treated the same and we do not advocate one breed over another.

12. Where do funds come from and how do you ensure those funds do not apply any pressure towards the outcome of the tests?

The funds we receive are from the entry fees paid for each dog taking the test. There is no outside funding. Each Chief Tester receives a small stipend for each test he/she officiates, regardless of the number of dogs tested or the breeds involved.