Strong nerves. A Pitbull that shrinks or panics when confronted with loud noises or unfamiliar situations is showing weak nerves. Pitbulls with proper temperament will show strong nerves in unfamiliar situation and their reactions to strange sounds, while at first might be fearful, will quickly turn to investigation the noise.

Friendly and outgoing. Even with strangers they have never met they will show an out-going nature and be willing to engage in fun with a total stranger without caution. In short, they love all people.

I would like to note that a dog that shows fear towards any person was either not socialized correctly or in the case of a rescue dog may have been abused. Even when abused, a correct Pitbull will still except strangers without much fuss though.

Submissive, but not overly so. A correct Pitbull should be willing to submit to you willingly and not be over bearing or overly shy or nervous.

This is a common trait of the breed despite popular belief they have a "hard temperament" which implies they are dominant towards people. Some individuals are dominant. The majority of individuals are submissive in their nature towards people. Especially their people.

High Energy. This is not true of all Pitbulls. However, as a breed, the majority of individuals are packed to the rim with an abundance of energy. Lots of long walks and hard exercise is the order of the day for a Pit Bull owner.

Highly intelligent. I like to say they can think on their feet. Because a proper Pit Bull will learn new obedience behaviors, tricks and even bad behaviors quickly without much effort.

Their energy for learning new things is almost unstoppable.

Proper Pit Bulls (American Pit Bull Terriers) are eager to please their people, they love just about everyone, and combined with their high energy are great dogs for an active owner or active family.

They are not protective by nature as many people believe. I got into an altercation a few years ago with two men on the street who threatened me and were going to try and steal my girls. I dropped their leashes and as I was locked in a fight with both of them they ran home (this happened about 100 yards from my house) and I found them hiding under my truck.

Dogs are not naturally protective

The top dog is the one who protects them from trouble. Not the other way around. These are just some of the proper pitbull temperament traits.