The AKC ATT test stands for the American Kennel Club Temperament Test. It’s a standardized evaluation designed to assess a dog’s temperament — how it responds to various stimuli and situations — in a controlled, non-threatening environment.
Purpose of the ATT
The ATT helps determine if a dog possesses the temperament expected of a well-socialized companion, focusing on:
- Emotional stability
- Confidence
- Sociability
- Trainability
- Self-preservation instincts
- Ability to recover from stress
What’s Tested?
Dogs are exposed to six categories of stimuli:
- Social (meeting a friendly stranger)
- Auditory (loud/unusual noises)
- Visual (sudden appearance of objects)
- Tactile (walking on different surfaces)
- Proprioceptive (maintaining balance/movement coordination)
- Unexpected stimuli (surprising but non-threatening)
Handlers are encouraged to interact naturally with their dogs — not to correct or over-control them.
Passing Criteria
To pass, the dog must show:
- Confidence or appropriate curiosity
- Willingness to recover from startles
- No signs of aggression or panic
- Ability to continue after being startled
Dogs that cower, flee, or act aggressively do not pass.
Who Can Take It?
- Dogs must be at least 12 months old
- Any breed or mixed breed can participate
- Dogs do need to have an AKC-registration (Purebred, Canine Partners or PAL registration)
Title Earned
- After 2 qualifying ATT tests under 2 different evaluators, dogs earn the ATT title.
- Example: Dog Name, ATT
Up-to-date vaccinations are required for this class.
The cost of this class is $100, or $90 if you’ve taken a class with us before. Contact us for more information! Class Sign-up Information Download Registration Form Map & Directions to Classes