Temperament
Dignified, Loyal, Independent, Protective.
Health problems to know about
- Dermoid sinus
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Bloat (GDV)
- Hypothyroidism
- Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.
Daily care
At least two hours of exercise a day, with off-lead running only in secure areas because of the prey drive. Weekly brush. Calm, reward-based training; harsh handling backfires.
A good fit for
Experienced, active owners, families with older children, and homes with a large, secure garden.
Probably not ideal for
First-time owners, flats, homes with cats or small pets, and people out for more than about four hours at a time.
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.
