Temperament
Affectionate, Confident, Loyal, Tenacious.
Health problems to know about
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Cerebellar ataxia (NCL-A, DNA test)
- Skin allergies and demodicosis
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- Juvenile laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy (ALPP, DNA test)
Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.
Daily care
An hour or more of vigorous exercise daily, with tug, fetch and sturdy toys. Socialise early and supervise with other dogs. Check local, rental and travel rules before you commit.
A good fit for
Experienced owners, active families, people who want a loyal, short-coated companion.
Probably not ideal for
Homes with small pets, multi-dog households without a supervision plan, places where breed-specific laws apply.
Sources
Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.
