Temperament & behavior
AKC temperament summary: alert / happy / vivacious. Adaptability 4/5, affection with family 4/5, openness to strangers 4/5, barking 5/5 (very vocal — barking is a lifestyle), watchdog/protective nature 4/5.
Likes, dislikes & how they play
💙 What they love
- Long brisk walks, hikes, or jogs
- Interactive games — fetch, tug, chase
- Being in the middle of family life
- Having a job: watching over home and people
- Puzzle toys, scent games, training challenges
🚫 What they hate
- Skipping daily exercise (energy turns into mischief)
- Long days home alone
- Nothing much — they narrate life anyway
Games with rules suit this breed best: fetch, tug, and chase, ideally woven into training. Add puzzle feeders and scent games for the brain — a mentally tired dog is a well-behaved dog.
Shedding & grooming
Shedding: Low-Moderate. Shedding 2/5, coat-grooming frequency 2/5, coat length varies. Light shedder — most hair stays on the dog.
Easy-care coat: brush once or twice a week, bathe occasionally, nails monthly.
Aggression tendencies — the honest read
| Toward | Tendency |
|---|---|
| Strangers | Typically friendly with visitors |
| Other dogs | Typically loves other dogs |
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: Excellent with children — famously patient
- Other pets: Typically loves other dogs
- First-time owners: Better with experienced or well-prepared owners
Health risks to know upfront
- Hip dysplasia — confirm breeder screens breeding stock (OFA/PennHIP)
- Elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation (slipping kneecap)
- Eye disorders — reputable breeders screen annually
- Heart conditions — cardiac screening recommended
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.
