Temperament
Protective, Calm, Independent, Devoted.
Health problems to know about
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat (GDV)
- Entropion
- Ear infections
- Hot spots (skin infections)
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. Separate the cords by hand as they form and pick out debris after walks; a bath and full dry can take a day. Many pet owners keep the coat clipped. Firm, early socialisation is essential.
A good fit for
Experienced owners with land and secure fencing who want a guardian and accept the grooming load.
Probably not ideal for
Flats, first-time owners, homes with toddlers who will pull cords, busy households with frequent visitors.
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.
