Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly
Temperament
Aloof, Protective, Independent, Strong-willed.
Health problems to know about
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Entropion and ectropion
Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.
Daily care
Daily walks on lead and a high, secure fence. Brush weekly, and daily during the big once-a-year moult. Early socialisation is essential.
A good fit for
Experienced owners with land, cool climates, people who want a guardian, not an obedience dog.
Probably not ideal for
First-time owners, flats, close neighbours (night barking), homes with young children.
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.
