Dog Behavior Evaluation

The evaluation of the behavior, part of its personality, of a dog is a decisive tool for all those who deal with dogs. There is a need for a behavioral assessment that should aim to contribute toward a better knowledge that increases our understanding and knowledge about the behavior of any specific dog as well as the breed of a dog. The literature has shown that the most efficient and widely used behavioral evaluation method of individual dogs is that of the Swedish Kennel Club which is based on eight steps and is described in detail. In terms of the behavioral evaluation of dog breeds the method presented was the one proposed by Tortora, which is based on a two-prong framework having ten behavioral dimensions for differentiating the temperament of a breed and five categories representing the level or intensity of the corresponding behavioral dimension. Finally, the chapter in response to the need for all persons involved with dogs to have available a list of all the breeds with a short description of them, which exist actively, are internationally recognized, and largely exist in most countries, presented such a list following the categorization of the International Cynological Federation (FCI).