Temperament
Driven, Intelligent, Alert, Protective.
Health problems to know about
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Cataracts
- Hypothyroidism
Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.
Daily care
Needs two hours or more of exercise a day plus real mental work: tracking, bitework sports, obedience or herding. Brush weekly, more during the twice-yearly moult. Early, broad socialisation matters.
A good fit for
Experienced owners who train every day, dog-sport and working homes, people who want a partner more than a pet.
Probably not ideal for
First-time owners, homes that want a relaxed companion, flats, families with very young children.
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.
