The USABC TT is designed to evaluate an individual American Bulldog in order to determine whether that dog shows the proper characteristics of American Bulldog temperament.
The USABC can only determine the temperament of any individual dog on the day the test is given and is not certifying future temperament potential (due to environmental and/or training factors).
The dog must be at least 18 months of age to be evaluated. This evaluation is done with the dog on a fur-saver collar. Corrections are not to be given during this evaluation. Corrections will result in the failure of the dog.

This degree is earned on a pass/fail basis and is judged on the following factors:
1. The ability of the dog to distinguish threatening situations from non-threatening situations.
2. The willingness of the dog to trust their owner's judgment.
3. The willingness of the dog to protect himself and his owner.
4. The confidence level of the dog in unusual situations.
5. The ability of the dog to interact with the world in a safe and stable manner.

Test 1.

A. Dog and handler walk along track casually. Stranger approaches handler and shakes his hand and engages in light, brief conversation. Stranger leaves.

B. Dog and handler continue along their walk. Different stranger approaches in a very happy and upbeat manner. Stranger enthusiastically interacts with dog, petting him and speaking directly to him. Dog must display either neutral or friendly reaction to both strangers.

Test 2.

A. Dog and handler continue to walk casually along track. Assistant lightly tosses plastic milk jug filled with pebbles ten feet in front of handler and dog. Dog must display an inquisitive reaction without fear or aggression.

Test 3.

A. Dog and handler continue to walk along track. At a distance of 20 paces behind the team, Assistant fires 22 cal. Starter pistol.
Dog must display inquisitive or indifferent reaction without fear or aggression.

Test 4.

A. Dog and handler approach Assistant holding a folded umbrella. When team is between 5-6 feet away, Assistant opens umbrella.
Dog may display a startled reaction but must recover immediately without any excessive display of aggression.

Test 5.

A. Dog and handler continue to walk along track. The footing changes. Dog and handler must walk a 20 x 6 foot length of clear plastic (tarp or drop-cloth type).

B. Dog and handler must continue off plastic and directly on to a 10 foot length of unrolled chain-link fencing (no less than 3 foot wide).
Dog must trust owner's direction and quickly recover from any initial fear the dog displayed.

Test 6.
A. Dog and handler continue along track. Assistant approaches on bicycle from behind and passes ringing bell. Dog must be neutral.

Test 7.

A. Dog and handler continue along track, stopping at designated marker. At a distance of 40 feet ahead, Assistant crosses path wearing a raincoat and hood.

B. Assistant proceeds 15 feet toward the dog and handler, approaching in a suspicious manner (unusual gait, low pitched and angry muttering).

C. Assistant proceeds another ten feet toward dog, this time in a very threatening and aggressive manner.

Dog must not show any aggression for situation A.Dog must show an alert posture for situation B. Dog must show willingness to protect in situation C. Any display of cowardice will result in failure.

END OF TEST.