Temperament
Loyal, Intelligent, Even-tempered, Alert.
Health problems to know about
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Progressive retinal atrophy (rcd3)
- Hip dysplasia
Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.
Daily care
Around an hour of exercise a day plus training games. Brush a few times a week; shedding is heavy in season. Keep them lean and limit jumping to protect the long back.
A good fit for
Active families with older children, first-time owners who enjoy training, and people wanting a sturdy dog in a compact size.
Probably not ideal for
Owners who mind barking or hair, homes with running toddlers (they may herd and nip), and anyone wanting a lap dog.
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.
