Pit Bulls & Bully Breeds to be tested at the NW Working Dogs Expo!

May 21, 2010 - PRLog -- "Once again, the biggest draw for the bully breeds at our Expo is the ATTS", says Virginia Dunn, head of NW Working Dogs.  "We're looking forward to having the pits, amstaffs, and other bullies come out and have their instincts tested.  We're expecting a large turnout!"

ATTS stands for the American Temperament Test Society, a national organization that performs instinct testing for dogs of ll breeds.  Their motto is 'A Sound Mind In A Sound Body'.

"With breed-specific legislation running rampant against pit bulls and bully breeds, it's imperative that owners take an offensive stance.", says Virginia.  "Training and temperament testing are valuable tools that owners should use to prove their dogs.  Last year we had 35 entries in the ATTS Temperament Test.  Well over a third of them were pits.  We hope to do even better this year."

The term "Bully" not only applies to American Pitbulls and American Staffordship Terriers, but so many others, including Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs, Cane Corsos, Dogue Argentinos, etc.  The current climate for bully breeds is precarious.  However, Dunn states that through training, testing and competing, responsible owners have the opportunity to prove what amazing and wonderful dogs these breeds can be.  “This is an excellent way to educate the public, and dispel the myths and climate of fear currently plaguing the American Pit Bull and other bully breeds.  We hope all owners will embrace these opportunities!"

There are many other activities that dogs, pure bred or mixed, can participate in at the Expo.  Purebred dogs can strut their stuff in conformation at the IABCA (International All Breed Canine Association) show.  Canine Good Citizen testing, obedience, protection work, and breed suitability testing are also being offered.  

"While the Expo is for all dogs regardless of breed, we're very excited to have so many bully breeds represented.", says Dunn.


The NW Working Dogs Expo is being held on June 12th & 13th at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in St. Helens, OR.  It is open to the public as well as all breeds.  Activities include the Protection Dogs International (PDI) NW Regional Trials, IABCA Conformation Show, ATTS Temperament Testing, Canine Good Citizen Testing, Breed Suitability Tests, the Raffle 4 Rescue, and more.  The complete list of activities can be found at http://www.nwworkingdogs.com
Vending and sponsorship opportunities are available for this exciting event.

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NW Working Dogs is a group of breeders, trainers, and dog enthusiasts dedicated to helping dogs become well trained effective family guardians and protectors. We train in obedience and personal protection, compete in Protection Dogs International (PDI), and hold the annual NW Working Dogs Expo, a comprehensive dog event that brings together working / protection trials, conformation, and temperament testing. Find out more about NW Working Dogs or ask about joining us by visiting our website at: www.nwworkingdogs.com