The Game Test: A Historical Perspective on Gameness in the American Pit Bull Terrier

The Game Test has long been a controversial yet essential part of breeding and matching gamedogs. In this article, P.P. shares his perspective after 20 years managing a yard of 60 dogs. His goal is to clarify misconceptions, challenge exaggerated stories, and offer practical advice for those still learning the art of conditioning and evaluating the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT).

🏆 The Game Test: A Historical Perspective on Gameness in the American Pit Bull Terrier

Author: P.P. | Originally published in Bull Terrier Times Review | Preserved by APBT INFO for educational purposes

❓ What Is a Game Test?

A game test is a hard roll, typically lasting 30 minutes or more, where the dog is placed in a physically demanding situation. The purpose is to observe:

• How the dog behaves when tired and on the bottom.

• Whether he continues trying to win against a stronger opponent.

• His actions in the corner and during scratches.

• His stamina and fighting ability.

Important: The opponent should be of the same sex and slightly heavier, but not excessively. The goal is to test gameness—not to injure or destroy the dog.

🎯 Why Game Test a Dog?

There are two main reasons:

1. To evaluate match potential:

   • A skilled dog may not need extreme testing.

   • A less talented dog must prove stamina and gameness before betting.

2. To determine breeding value:

   • Only dogs that pass a reasonable game test should be bred.

   • Pedigree alone is not enough.

📅 When Should You Game Test?

• Minimum age: 2 years, mentally mature.

• Must be fully started with at least 4 rolls.

• Should be lean and healthy, but not conditioned like for a match.

• The goal is to see natural endurance and air—not artificially boosted performance.

⚠️ How to Test Without Ruining the Dog

• Use a strong wrestler, not a hard biter.

• Avoid mouth fighters to prevent tooth loss.

• Control the roll—this is not a match.

• Use a watch—don’t guess the time.

• Stop the test if the dog can’t fight back.

• Never test a dog more than once.

“Any fool can roll a game dog to death. It’s up to you not to take him too far.”

🧠 What to Look For in a Game Dog

1. Thinks he’s winning—even when losing.

2. Focuses on the opponent in the corner.

3. Scratches hard and straight without hesitation.

4. Stays in holds if possible.

📜 The Cajun Rules Perspective

Under Cajun Rules, scratching is everything. A dog can yelp, turn, or look bad—but if he scratches, he can win. Conversely, a dominant dog that fails to scratch loses. That’s why scratch behavior is critical.

🧪 The Danger of Over-Testing

• Dogs often get hurt when they can’t fight back.

• Long tests can ruin even great dogs.

• Some dogmen test other bloodlines harder than their own.

• Many stories about extreme tests are exaggerated or false.

“I’ve seen dogs tested four or five times. That’s crazy. They could’ve won four matches instead.”

🧠 Experience vs. Ego

• Some dogmen can judge gameness in 15–30 minutes.

• Others need to see a dog pushed to death’s door.

• If you lack experience, bring someone who knows what to look for.

• Don’t let ego or peer pressure ruin your dog.

The Game Test is not a guarantee of victory—it’s a tool to assess reasonable gameness. When done correctly, it preserves the dog’s health and future potential. When abused, it destroys dogs and distorts the legacy of the APBT.

“If you roll a lean, healthy dog into a slightly bigger one for 30–40 minutes, you’ll learn plenty—if you know what to look for.”

This article was originally published on GameDogs.com, one of the most influential archives in the gamedog community. Preserved here by APBT INFO to honor the legacy and educate future generations.