MORE dogs would be declared ''potentially dangerous'' and pets would be subjected to ''temperament testing'' as part of tough new proposals to reduce dog attacks.

The Australian Veterinary Association's proposal would also force the police, doctors and councils to report dog bites to a national database.

In its report Dangerous Dogs - a Sensible Solution, to be sent to state and territory governments, the association calls for ''temperament testing'' of dogs to help owners choose suitable pets and to guide breeders to improve the temperament of puppies.

Any dog from a chihuahua to a pit bull-cross could be classified potentially dangerous if it ''ran at large'' and was impounded more than twice in one year.

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Dogs that inflicted a single bite wound after being provoked would be deemed potentially dangerous and have to wear a warning collar and enrol in a behaviour program.