Temperament
Gentle, Affectionate, Quiet, Sensitive.
Health problems to know about
- Mitral valve disease
- Pulmonic stenosis
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Skin tears and injuries from thin skin
- Immune-mediated disease
Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.
Daily care
About an hour of exercise a day, ideally with a sprint in a secure, fenced area. Keep a firm grip on the lead near small animals. The short coat needs little care, but most need a coat in cold weather.
A good fit for
Calm households, people who run, homes with considerate older children, owners at home for much of the day.
Probably not ideal for
Homes with cats or small pets unless the dog is tested with them, long days alone, places with no safe off-lead area.
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.
