Wow. Thanks everyone for your responses. I kinda feel like I'm asking you to do research for me!

You all had very interesting points, Mike I'll definitely be using some of your suggestions. Connie, thanks for changing the post heading, and John thanks for the journal articles Also, thanks for the links to those 'Find the Pit Bull' quizzes.

Just so you all know, the APBT, Dogo Argentino, Presa Canario, Fila Braseiliero and Japanese Tosa are all banned in NSW.

As for the Chow comments, I've never actually seen one in real life. I think it might be too hot here for them? I'm a part-time vet-nurse and the most dangerous dog I've ever encountered there was a Sharpei; we had to clear the waiting room of all dogs and people when the owners brought it in for neutering... it was only 6 months old! Then there are Cocker Spaniels, they can be quiet psycho when they want. The only animal that's ever attacked me was a cat, just yesterday in fact, for trusting it enough not to scruff it... never again

Any way back to the study; has anyone heard of Calgary's (in Canada) laws regarding dangerous dogs?

http://www.defendingdog.com/id38.html

Jackie, I'm in Southern CA and have known several Chows. They, like most dogs, are ok in the right hands. The trouble is that too many people buy a cute puppy (and Chow pups are adorable!) without knowing what the breed is all about. Chows are very territorial and generally not friendly to people outside their immediate human pack. And often only friendly to one person within the family.

bump

Um, update...

I'm way ahead of everyone else in my group I've got plenty of questions now thanks guys. Now I just have to do up a risk assessment form, insurance confirmation and human ethics form.

I won't finish the entire project till October/November, but when I do, would you like to know the results?

Chows, for the most part have very little threat display. They may growl but often times they just bite. That's been my experience having seen a few. I did see one in AKC OB a number of yrs ago that was jus as happy as a Lab pup. The owner said her dog surprised a lot of people with that attitude.

We (at least I) would be very happy to see the results.

As puppies, Chows are a joy. When they mature, between 1.5-2 yrs, is when the real territoriality and possessiveness sets in. It's worse if the dog is never taken on outings or socialized, such as our friends' dog Mule that I described earlier. Our Chow was socialized, but started making displays at 2 years, so I sent him to live with a distant cousin in a remote area before he got a chance to bite someone.
As a young dog, Mule was close to their entire family (Dad, Mom, Sis, Lil Bro.). Sis went away to college, and guess what? Mule never allowed her in the backyard again.
On their own turf, they do present a bit of a display. At least, Mule and my Chow did.