Selection for Behavioural Characteristics

As soon as we enter any discussion about assessing behavior we are immediately hit by several challenges:

1. Terminology: behaviour, personality, temperament, instinct... or ??
2. Are we interested in evaluating an individual dog? Or are we trying to determine aspects of a breed?
3. If we are doing a 'test' what is the purpose?
   - for the general interest of an owner?
   - because of a behavioural 'problem' or clinical condition?
   - to assess an individual dog for fitness - in general or for a specific activity (e.g. therapy dog)?
   - to determine whether the dog should be bred?
   - to evaluate heritability of traits within a breed or a litter?

Focus, terminology, approach, tests and testing and more may vary by country or area; breed and other factors.