Are all pit bulls vicious and are all labradors 'good boys?'

Well, science says 'no.' And now they might have the evidence to back up those claims.

Veterinarian Tom Reeping has dealt with thousands of dogs during his career at Crago Veterinary Clinic in Boardman and he says one thing is true...stereotypes of breed behavior are just not true.

"We've seen a lot of pit bulls that are the friendliest, most socialable dogs around and then we've seen some golden retrievers and labs who would take your hand off. I think the way owners raise them is 98% of it," said Reeping.

Well, he's close. According to a new scientific study that looked at the DNA of over 2,000 dogs, breed type explains just 9% of their behavior variation.

According to the Journal Science study, dog breeds are not helpful in predicting the behavior of any individual canine.
Sure, some dogs are smarter than others as far as how easily they can be trained, but no evidence was found that aggressiveness has anything to due with genetics.

Still, local shelters are always full of pitbull mixes. People who work at Angels for Animals say those are frequently what wind up there for adoption.

"Everyone thinks they were bred for dog-fighting so they think they are aggressive when I just don't see it. I've seen some dogs come in here in really bad shape, clearly mistreated and they are clearly so happy to have someone to love them and gives them care," said Samantha Edwards at Angels.

The study doesn't really offer advice for people who are looking for a dog they just want people to know that every dog is going to be different. It's going to have its own likes and dislikes and it's own personality. How it is raised depends on you.