Temperament
Affectionate, Calm, Faithful, Alert.
Health problems to know about
- Splenic torsion
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.
Daily care
About an hour of walking a day, plus steady, positive training from puppyhood while the dog is still liftable. Weekly brushing, more during seasonal moults.
A good fit for
Families with older children, a large house and garden, and time for a slow-maturing dog that wants to be near its people.
Probably not ideal for
Flats, owners who cannot handle 40 kg or more of dog on a lead, and anyone wanting a long-lived breed: many reach only 8 to 11 years.
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.
