Temperament
Energetic, Loyal, Watchful, Hard-working.
Health problems to know about
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA)
- Hypothyroidism (autoimmune thyroiditis)
- Congenital hypothyroidism with goitre (CHG)
- Addison's disease
Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.
Daily care
An hour or more of activity a day, ideally with swimming, herding or dog sports to use that brain. The coat is not brushed: it is left to cord or clipped short once or twice a year, and washed without rubbing. Early socialisation helps, as they are wary of strangers.
A good fit for
Active owners who want a working partner for water, agility or long country walks, and who will put in early socialisation.
Probably not ideal for
Flats, homes with little time for exercise, people wanting a dog that is instantly friendly with every visitor.
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.
