Temperament & behavior
AKC temperament summary: playful / affectionate / calm. Adaptability 3/5, affection with family 5/5, openness to strangers 3/5, barking 1/5 (only to alert β naturally quiet housemate), watchdog/protective nature 3/5.
Likes, dislikes & how they play
π What they love
- Long brisk walks, hikes, or jogs
- Interactive games β fetch, tug, chase
- Being in the middle of family life
- Puzzle toys, scent games, training challenges
π« What they hate
- Skipping daily exercise (energy turns into mischief)
- Long days home alone
- Being bored without a job to do
- Rough, chaotic handling
Games with rules suit this breed best: fetch, tug, and chase, ideally woven into training. Add puzzle feeders and scent games for the brain β a mentally tired dog is a well-behaved dog.
Shedding & grooming
Shedding: Low-Moderate. Shedding 2/5, coat-grooming frequency 1/5, coat length varies. Light shedder β most hair stays on the dog.
Minimal grooming: a quick weekly brush, nails monthly, ears checked occasionally.
Aggression tendencies β the honest read
| Toward | Tendency |
|---|---|
| Strangers | Polite once introduced β may be aloof at first |
| Other dogs | Typically loves other dogs |
No meaningful guard-dog tendency; individual socialization and training still shape adult behavior.
Exercise needs
60β90 per day per day. Energy level 4/5, mental-stimulation needs 4/5. Physical walks alone will not tire this dog β add brain work.
Good with�
- Kids: Excellent with children β famously patient
- Other pets: Typically loves other dogs
- First-time owners: Possible with a training commitment from day one
Health risks to know upfront
- Eye disorders β reputable breeders screen annually
- Deafness in some lines β BAER testing used by responsible breeders
- Heart conditions β cardiac screening recommended
Is this breed right for you?
Active people who genuinely enjoy daily exercise.
Before choosing, read the complete pre-dog checklist β most mismatches are preventable with one honest evening of planning.
