Temperament
Friendly, Steady, Affectionate, Bright.
Health problems to know about
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Ear infections
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Allergies
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 exercise a day, ideally with swimming or retrieving. The coat mats easily: brush and comb thoroughly every week and clip every couple of months. Dry the ears after swims.
A good fit for
Active families, people who like water and walks, owners wanting a dog that sheds little.
Probably not ideal for
People who won't groom, very house-proud owners (beards hold water and mud), and anyone in a hurry to get a puppy.
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.
