Temperament & behavior
AKC temperament summary: alert / intelligent / courageous. Adaptability 3/5, affection with family 3/5, openness to strangers 3/5, barking 3/5 (moderate — announces visitors, then settles), watchdog/protective nature 4/5.
Likes, dislikes & how they play
💙 What they love
- Long brisk walks, hikes, or jogs
- Having a job: watching over home and people
- Puzzle toys, scent games, training challenges
🚫 What they hate
- Skipping daily exercise (energy turns into mischief)
- Being bored without a job to do
- Rough, chaotic handling
- Missed walks and skipped routines
Think athletic: running, hiking, and long fetch sessions. Mental work (scenting, trick training) matters as much as the physical miles.
Shedding & grooming
Shedding: Moderate. Shedding 3/5, coat-grooming frequency 2/5, coat length varies. Moderate, steady shedding.
Easy-care coat: brush once or twice a week, bathe occasionally, nails monthly.
Aggression tendencies — the honest read
| Toward | Tendency |
|---|---|
| Strangers | Polite once introduced — may be aloof at first |
| Other dogs | Usually fine with other dogs (supervised intros) |
A real guarding instinct comes standard; channel it through socialization and basic obedience rather than encouraging suspicion.
Exercise needs
60–90 per day per day. Energy level 4/5, mental-stimulation needs 4/5. Physical walks alone will not tire this dog — add brain work.
Good with…?
- Kids: Good with gentle, respectful kids (supervise)
- Other pets: Usually fine with other dogs (supervised intros)
- First-time owners: Yes — forgiving of beginner mistakes
Health risks to know upfront
- Hip dysplasia — confirm breeder screens breeding stock (OFA/PennHIP)
- Elbow dysplasia
- Eye disorders — reputable breeders screen annually
- Epilepsy / seizure disorders in some lines
- Dental disease — brush regularly; small jaws crowd teeth
Is this breed right for you?
Active people who genuinely enjoy daily exercise; commitment to socializing a natural guardian.
Before choosing, read the complete pre-dog checklist — most mismatches are preventable with one honest evening of planning.
