The Galician Shepherd, AKA the Can de Palleiro, gets his name from the “palleiros” (haystacks) that he would traditionally sleep on while working the farms. In fact, “haystack dog” is a common nickname for this breed commonly used for herding and guarding cattle. These dogs are very rare, however since 2002 the parent club in Galicia, Spain has been actively working to preserve and grow the numbers of these beautiful dogs. Thankfully the program has been working as at the time of this article, there are over 2,200 registered dogs. Fanciers of the breed treasure their protective instincts, natural herding abilities, and noble natures. Prospective owners should be aware that they will likely need to import a dog from Spain if they want one – this extremely rare breed is basically unheard of in the United States.

Galicians are not too dissimilar to other Shepherd breeds with which they share comparable origins – namely German, Belgian or Dutch, although they are oftentimes more docile and are said to be more trainable. When well bred and raised correctly, they have very balanced temperaments and should never be randomly aggressive. While they are naturally protective, they are less likely to act on these impulses unless they deem the situation very dire. They are known for their courage while facing unusual situations, aloofness toward strangers and friendliness towards those they know. Like most dogs with naturally protective instincts, it is important that they are extensively socialized from a young age so that the correct temperament can develop.

The Galician needs a lot of exercise as he is an active and animated dog. Keep in mind that he is large and powerful, and does best in a home with a backyard. This family-centric dog can roughhouse with the kids or play a gentle game of fetch with Grandma, but he should also receive long daily walks in the neighborhood as well. While his energetic natures means he isn’t the best fit for an apartment, his trustworthy and loyal temperament makes him well-suited for companionship or even therapy work! It’s important to note that the Haystack does tend to have a higher prey drive than many of the other shepherd breeds so if he is to live with small animals, he must be thoroughly socialized to them whilst young.

The Galician Shepherd learns very quickly as he is certainly an intelligent dog, although he is also sensitive and does best with a mixture of high motivation combined with firm yet fair rules. He needs a job to do so that his mind stays engaged and obedience training is a great way to give him a job, as are other dog sports. He can and has been used in Spain as a search and rescue dog, police dog, guide dog, drug dog and explosive detection dog! He requires not only regular training and mental enrichment, but also a strong routine that he can count on. This breed doesn’t do well with a chaotic lifestyle as he needs stability and a firm foundation of rules that he can expect. While he can adapt to many different environments, his sensitive nature means that he needs a place of his own that he can go “relax” in such as a crate with an open door.

A study on the temperament of the Galician Shepherd was conducted at a certain point, comparing it to other related breeds. Results found that they are less likely to suffer separation anxiety, in addition to a series of correlated temperament traits. According to the study they seem to be less neurotic and generally more stable, in addition to being calmer and less likely to be hyperactive. They do share similar physical characteristics however, including a short thick coat and a rustic, “wolfy” appearance. The muzzle is narrow and triangular, the ears are large and erect, and the tail is thick and long. Color options include sand, chestnut, cinnamon, black, or “wolf” (sabled gray).

The average lifespan for the Galician Shepherd is 12-14 years and this breed tends to be very healthy, meaning they generally aren’t expensive to care for. There are no frequent health problems that are known in the breed such as hip dysplasia or other such ailments. They do require regular grooming, particularly a brushing a few times a week to rid the body of excess hair, but otherwise grooming their weatherproof coat is easy. The Galician can make a wonderful pet for the right family and certainly has a bright future, provided that the club can continue to promote them to an otherwise-unaware public!

Photo By Constanza Gerger

The Garafiano Shepherd Dog hails from the Canary Islands, and has been recognized in Spain since 2003. Used to herd goats on the steep and rocky terrain on the island of La Palma, the breed was built to be incredibly agile and was crucial to the shepherds of the area. Able to move their flocks through what many would call “impossible areas”, for centuries this breed was used and appreciated for their hard work. They also served as valiant and trustworthy companions while they worked. Unfortunately numbers of purebred Garafianos dropped in the 60’s when indiscriminate breeding took place, and the breed remains quite rare across the world. Thankfully the Spanish Association of the Garafiano Shepherd Dog emerged and has been doing all they can to keep the breed afloat. While there are numerous representatives of the breed in Spain, it is hoped that their numbers will continue to grow and their popularity will spread.

The general appearance of the Garafiano is that of a medium-sized, “wolfy” type of dog with a short neck, small head (in relation to the body), and a croup that is higher than the withers. He should have a large deep chest and be well-muscled. Eyes are set somewhat close together and are honey-colored. Ears are erect or semi-erect, and relatively small. The tail is carried like a sabre or slightly coiled, and is very bushy. He may or may not have double dewclaws on the back feet. The coat is medium-long in length and quite abundant, and appears in various shades of fawn or alobado (wolf-like). Occasionally a dog which is black or black with fawn legs will appear in a litter, but this is rare. Grooming isn’t difficult but it is necessary to keep up with the task, especially because this breed does shed.

Like most dogs bred to work, the Garafiano Shepherd has a lot of endurance and can work or be otherwise active for long periods of time. While he is capable of adapting to many different types of work, he does indeed need work of some sort to be happy – as well as a good deal of physical exercise! He has a lot of energy and definitely needs daily outlets for this energy – which can include such things as dog sports, hikes, long walks and/or jogging sessions. When his physical and mental needs are met, he is a gentle and calm companion in the home and can be an excellent pet. This is a friendly breed that gets along with other dogs as well as children. While he is never aggressive for no reason, he is suspicious of strangers and may be protective if the situation calls for it. By and large, however, this is a very docile breed that functions more as a watchdog (alerting) than an actual guard dog.

Garafiano Shepherd Dogs are confident and intelligent which makes them excellent at dog sports. They don’t tend to be overly assertive or pushy and they take to training quite well, learning quickly and with great ease. As mentioned above, training is a necessity for this breed in order to keep them happy and their brains occupied. Furthermore, training will also help to form a bond between owner and dog – and once this breed develops a bond it is incredibly deep and lasts forever. One thing to keep in mind is that the Garafiano is very sensitive. Training methods should reflect this sensitivity.

The Garafiano is a social breed that wants to be around his owners as much as possible! As such, he isn’t prone to breaking out of fences or wandering away (unless of course he’s trying to get closer to his owner). He’s always up for a game or a cuddle, but doesn’t handle being left alone very well. While this breed can be more vocal than other dogs in general, he can really raise a ruckus if he’s suffering from separation anxiety! This is a trait that can sometimes be mitigated with early training, but even still the Garafiano is not a good choice for someone who works all day. For obvious reasons (energy and loudness factor), he is also not a good candidate for apartment living. Overall this is a wonderful breed for the right person! He isn’t difficult to raise but does require an active person who can dedicate plenty of time to training, exercise and enrichment.

Photo By Canarian

The Gaucho Sheepdog (AKA the Ovelheiro Gaucho or Brazilian Collie) hails from Brazil, and seems to have evolved from dogs brought over by European immigrants which were then bred to local Brazilian dogs. While the exact history is unknown, it seems that a variety of herding breeds as well as the Estrela Mountain Dog are in the lineage. Used primarily for herding, this agile and physically robust breed would also stand guard over the flock while they grazed, protecting them from the potential foe of wild animals, stray dogs and strange humans. This breed is recognized by the Brazilian Confederation of Cynophilia but not by the FCI or other major kennel clubs worldwide, although international recognition is currently being pursued by breeders and fanciers.

Gifted with sweet temperaments, Gaucho are gentle with both humans and livestock. As such they are not good candidates as guard dogs although they can make useful watchdogs since they are quick to alert to the presence of strangers on the property. Overall they are friendly, social, lively and happy. They make very loyal and affectionate companions to their owners, and also tend to bond to their flock as well. It should come at no surprise that this breed gets along with children as they are patient and tolerant while still being playful, but supervision is recommended (mostly to make sure the kids don’t tease the dog). As with all herding breeds, they will undoubtedly try to herd the children so one must be prepared for that! Finally, this breed gets along well with other pets such as cats and/or other dogs.

Gaucho Sheepdogs usually learn obedience commands quickly and are known for their intelligence. When it comes to herding, they can do it naturally and need no (or very little) formal training! This is a breed that loves to work and it shows! Most could spend all day outside with their flock and would be quite happy with their life situation. They are also excellent at problem solving as they were bred to work both with, and without people. Very adaptable, this breed can be trained in any number of dog sports or activities (such as agility or therapy work) which is recommended if they are not used specifically for herding. This is a breed that must have a job to do in order to be happy.

The Gaucho Sheepdog lives an average of 14 years as long as he is given proper care. Proper care should include regular exercise! A walk every day should be seen as the minimum requirement, supplemented by brain games and training (mental stimulation). While this breed isn’t known for being hyper or needing insanity-levels of exercise like some related herding breeds, it is good healthy practice to make sure most days include a long walk or similar form of physical stimulation. Very adaptable, the Gaucho can live in most types of homes whether large or small, as long as his needs are met. The one thing that the Gaucho loves more than everything else is his owner, so prospective owners should be prepared for a “shadow” to follow them wherever they go!

The Gaucho is a large breed with a medium length, but somewhat abundant coat that can come in any color. The tail is set high yet carried low, except when moving when it may rise above the back. The ears can either be erect, semi-erect or hanging atop the triangular head. One will immediately notice that some are similar in appearance to a Border Collie while others look more like the old-type working Collie. While there is likely no Border Collie in the genetic makeup of this breed (Border Collies weren’t introduced to Brazil until after the Gaucho was already established), the Collie lineage is strong and can be seen in the phenotype of these dogs.

The Patagonian Sheepdog (AKA the Magellanic sheepdog, Barbucho, or Ovejero Magallanico) hails from Chile, where it has been used as a herding dog for years. Developed from sheepdogs brought from Britain in the late 1800’s and early 1900s (particularly the now extinct Old Welsh Grey), the breed was developed over time specifically to work sheep. At that time, breed standards weren’t as important as working qualities and therefore the Patagonian was lumped into the general group of “working collies”. This said, the Magallanes region (the specific region of the breeds’ origin) is somewhat of an island geographically, which kept the gene pool of this breed relatively untouched and intact. Today, the breed is recognized by the Kennel Club of Chile but otherwise is rare and unknown in most of the world. According to recent DNA research, the Patagonian is the most closely related modern dog to the original sheepdog of the United Kingdom.

Patagonian Sheepdogs are wickedly intelligent and have loyal natures – both qualities that lend themselves well to obedience training. While they have natural and innate abilities to herd animals, they learn other tasks quickly and enthusiastically. Furthermore, they tend to be submissive and soft when working with their human counterparts. This is a dog that needs a job to do in order to be happy!

The Patagonian Sheepdog was developed to withstand the sometimes-harsh climates of their region which means they aren’t fazed by snow or cold weather. They also have enough endurance to allow them to work long hours. In fact, it was common for small groups of these dogs to travel alongside their horseback-riding owners on long expeditions. Not only were they expected to keep up, but they also had to manage and guard up to a thousand sheep in the process! Furthermore, it was common for meals to be served only every few days so these dogs would be working tirelessly with little calories. While this situation would be frowned upon today, it has forged a breed that is exceptionally hardy and resilient!

The Patagonian Sheepdog is a medium sized dog. The coat can be either medium or long in length, but always hard to the touch and with an abundant undercoat. Most have a beard of hair on the chin. Long haired dogs were frequently sheared in the summer along with the sheep! Coat color can include black, bay, gray, gray tricolor, merle, various shades of brown, and various shades of blue tricolor. Any of these colors can appear with or without white. The eyes can be either dark, blue, mottled or marbled and should have a “lively look”. The ears normally hang to the sides of the head although a semi-erect ear is also allowed.

Patagonian Sheepdogs are agile, active and playful. They are affectionate to humans and especially loyal to their human families, and they prefer to stay close to their owner’s side whenever possible. They have a natural confidence and an innate curiosity about the world. While they make great pets to those whom can meet their needs, their herding instincts are unmistakable and they will try to herd other animals, children and full grown adults! Patagonians have a medium to high energy level, depending upon how much exercise they get each day. This is a great dog for an outdoor adventurer as they will be up for just about any physical activity you can throw at them! This said, when given proper exercise they iare content to lounge around the house. The smaller the home or the yard, the more exercise they need.

Photo By Gernikatar

The Mantiqueira Shepherd was created to herd sheep and cattle in the tough Mantiqueira Mountains of Brazil. Known for its agile working ability, good health and rustic constitution, this breed is a solid worker known for getting the job done in harsh conditions. It is speculated that the Belgian Tervuren, the Dutch Shepherd, the German Shepherd Dog and the White Swiss Shepherd Dog make up some of its ancestry, although various Spanish breeds may also be in the bloodlines (such as the Garafiano Shepherd, Basque Shepherd Dog and Can de Palleiro). As there is no official documentation, the exact makeup of the breed is unknown although it is fairly certain that they were created in the 19th century by dogs brought over by Europeans, and due to the difficulty of accessing the region in which they were bred, this new breed was virtually untainted. This herding dog is recognized by the Brazilian Cinophilia Confederation but not yet recognized by the FCI.

The Mantiqueira also has a talent for guarding property which was the secondary job of this breed. This is a loyal companion that develops a strong bond with their owner, and wants to keep their owners and possessions safe. Interestingly, Mantiqueiras traditionally had another job – protecting mule trains and the cargo carried by the mules. To do this they would often ride on the saddle of a horse, right behind their owner, as said owner transported the train of mules! Matiqueira Shepherds have strong work ethics and enjoy being given a job to do.

The Mantiqueira Shepherd can come in a variety of colors including white, black, blue (which is white and black mottled), various shades of gold, and black/tan (with either a black mantle or black with tan points). Some have a black mask. The coat itself can be short, medium-length or long, and either straight or curly. In all varieties the coat should be very dense. This is a medium sized breed with erect ears and a long triangular muzzle.

Unfortunately the Mantiqueira is currently facing extinction as their original job is becoming obsolete, and the population number is fairly small. It is hoped that the breed club will be able to keep them alive and generate enough interest to grow the gene pool and increase numbers before this lovely breed is lost to time!

By Canil Império da Mantiqueira

The Medji (AKA the Small Medimurje Dog) is a hundred-year-old Croatian rat hunting breed with a huge heart inside his tiny frame! He enjoys living life to the fullest, and his happy nature can be contagious to those around him! Although rodent duty was the first and primary job for this little dog, he was also used as a general farm dog and is currently classified in the herding category for the Croatian Kennel Club. Described in the standard as having features of a good guard dog without being aggressive (he will bark at new people but is otherwise friendly), he is loyal to his family (including kids) but reserved towards strangers. This is a very active breed that gets along well with other dogs but may not be a good match with free-roaming pocket pets such as mice or hamsters. This wonderful temperament combined with a compact size (and ability to live in an apartment) means that the breed is slowly gaining popularity in Croatia.

The Medji is easy to keep and fairly undemanding as long as his basic needs are met. He has a very level head and an exceptionally stable temperament. He loves to play and to shower his loved ones with affection. The breed is obedient, highly intelligent and easily trained. He can be successful in dog sports such as rally and agility, and is equally skilled at catching rodents. This has always been an adaptable breed and he can do almost any job asked of him, and tends to do so with a curious and excited nature. He has a working aptitude and enjoys being given a job to do!

The Medji comes in a variety of colors – including single-color, two-color or tri-color selections. Single colors include various shades of brown, as well as black, gray or yellow. Two-colors either combine two of the aforementioned colors or instead combine one of those colors with white. White should never account for more than one third of the body. Tri-color follows the same rules as the two-color patterns, although (obviously) with three colors. The high set tail is usually long and profusely feathered, although occasionally short-tailed dogs are born which are also permitted in the standard. Ears are erect, triangular and of a medium size. The body is rectangular with short legs. The coat is short, coarse and thick, and does shed regularly.

Photo By Canarian

The Basque Shepherd Dog (AKA the Perro de Pastor Vasco) hails from Spain where he has been traditionally utilized as a herding dog and a protector of sheep and other herd animals. He was also used to guard farmhouses. Originally developed on its own without much human intervention, the breed was eventually standardized and then recognized in 1995 by the Royal Canine Society of Spain but is probably much, much older. It is suspected that this breed is in the background of a more well-known breed here in the United States, the Australian Shepherd. Unfortunately, this rare breed is currently endangered with only 700-1000 individuals remaining today.

The Basque is sweet and loyal to his owners but territorial when around strangers until he gets to know them. Naturally protective, he can make a decent guard dog when danger is afoot although for the most part he is demonstratively affectionate and happy. In other words, he is not as serious as dogs whose primary purpose was to guard, and probably shouldn’t be counted on as a personal protection dog, but he can definitely do light-duty guarding duties. Naturally gentle, he can get along well with children, the elderly and other pets despite having extremely high energy and boundless enthusiasm! Note for prospective owners – your mileage may vary and always take your particular circumstances into account. Also take into account that younger dogs are less likely to be able to control their energy and a bit of maturity may be necessary before setting them loose around very small children.

The Basque Shepherd is a dog that needs active owners which can give him lots of outdoor exercise every day (for it can be quite the task to wear him out) but that doesn’t mean he can’t make a good pet! In Spain, he is already known to be a wonderful companion for those who have the room and the energy to meet his needs. It is common to see him on farms, and it is in this setting that he does best as it allows him room to exercise. Be prepared that in addition to a big yard, he needs daily outings which can include walks or even swimming sessions. He’s a high energy, high-exercise-needing dog and without enough physical stimulation he can develop frustrating behavior problems. Obviously, apartments are a no-go for this breed!

Basque Shepherd Dogs come in two separate varieties – Iletsua (rough coated) and Gorbeiakoa (soft coated, medium-length hair). Both can appear in blonde or fawn, while the Gorbeiakoa can also appear in a fire-red and the Iletsua can come in a cinnamon color. Both coat types require a medium amount of care and while it isn’t recommended to bathe super frequently, they do benefit from a good brush a few times a week. When it comes to size, Basques are generally medium in size although the Iletsuas are sometimes a little bigger. The average lifespan of both varieties is 12-15 years, particularly when vet care and routine grooming is taken care of including attention to dental hygiene. For the most part this is a healthy breed, although hip dysplasia, eye problems and cancer are things to watch out for.

Basques are highly intelligent and quick-learning but do require owners who will set and enforce household rules, for they will test boundaries. This is not a breed for the novice owner as they require lots of mental stimulation and ongoing training to keep them happy! When matched with the right owners, however, their talents know no bounds and they can become skillful competition dogs if so desired. They have been known to be very successful in dog sports such as obedience, flyball, herding, agility, tracking, freestyle and parkour! Whether the plan is to raise a competitive teammate or simply to have a well-behaved companion, it is always recommended to start early with training and socialization. Most love to please their owners but also have a naughty, impish side that can emerge when they are bored or they become tired of repetition. They will keep you on your toes!

Photo By Inigoruiz

The Leonese Sheepdog is a herding breed from Spain, and a likely ancestor of the Australian Shepherd. An extremely rare breed with only around 500 specimens, they are recognized by the Royal Canine Society of Spain but are otherwise relatively unknown. In fact, fanciers of the breed are working towards getting them more well known as they fear the breed will go extinct without careful intervention. This breed is known for being very alert and agile while working, and they are talented at their herding jobs – being able to work in any weather condition but especially the harsh cold. Like most herding breeds they are very active and intelligent. Not only do they possess natural herding abilities, but are quick to learn the more intricate details that are taught to them in training sessions. Traditionally they work with Spanish Mastiffs out in the field – the larger breed taking care of protection duty while the Leonese manages the movement of the flock.

The Leonese Sheepdog is a brave and courageous dog. Although their original task was that of a herding breed rather than a guard, they still needed enough courage and tenacity to take on an unruly flock. Able to work sheep, goats, horses or cattle, sometimes the flocks could be difficult to manage and so it was important that they had a “spitfire” temperament that would bite back if needed! It is this temperament that allowed them to do their job, but also means that they don’t always get along with other dogs. Neither are they the best choice in a home with children as they were built to be working dogs and not family dogs.

The Leonese isn’t a big fan of strangers and would much rather be with his owner, whom he tends to form a deep attachment to. Although he isn’t known for being overly demonstrative with his affection, he is eager to please his owner and is a quick-study. He loves to learn as long as it means spending time with his favorite person! He is not known to be overly bossy or stubborn to his owner although can be territorial towards strangers who encroach upon his turf. It is important to socialize this breed early, for he can become somewhat aggressive towards those he doesn’t know without this important early socialization. Even with socialization he is aloof at best – shy and nervous at worst.

The Leonese Sheepdog is a breed that needs lots of daily exercise and room to run, and as such has been traditionally used as a working dog rather than a pet. The breed does best living in the countryside or in a home with a large fenced yard. He would be a bad match for someone living in the city and an even worse match for someone living in an apartment! He also needs plenty of mental stimulation as well, in the form of training, puzzles and other stimulating activities. The average dog owner would not be a good match for active breed as it takes someone with enough energy and the right location to keep up! Ideally, an owner would have a flock for the dog to work but if not, dog sports can be a substitute. This breed can compete successfully in sports such as obedience, flyball, herding, agility, conformation, and tracking. He is recommended only for experienced owners.

The Leonese is a medium sized dog with a pointed muzzle and ears that are either hanging or rose (and can be semi-erect when alert). The tail is long and carried low in a sabre fashion. The double coat can be either short or medium in length, can be slightly curly, and can come in either black or harlequin. Either of these colors can include tan points, but don’t need to. The breed as a whole is incredibly healthy, with no major health issues associated with it. Overall the average lifespan is 12-13 years.

The Leonese does require some grooming, particularly the medium coated variety. He needs to be brushed a couple times a week (especially during shedding season) and given a bath every 6 weeks. Working dogs that are frequently outside need regular checks of their skin and coat to be sure brambles and other spiky plant life isn’t embedding itself in the skin. Otherwise, making sure that the dog is being fed a good food, getting regular exercise and routine vet care will all help to ensure a healthy dog inside and out!

Photo By Jose Miguel Pintor Ortego

The White Swiss Shepherd Dog’s history begins the same way as the German Shepherd Dog, as the two were once the same breed. Although the color white has been in the GSD breed since the beginning, it eventually became a disqualifying fault – one which not everyone agreed upon. Fanciers of the white variety wanted to keep the color alive and subsequently certain breeders focused on that particular color, which began to spawn a divergent bloodline. Several countries were focused on this project, but it was in Switzerland that the White Swiss was finally recognized by its kennel club in 1991 (under the name Berger Blanc Suisse) and eventually the FCI in 2011. Aside from color, fanciers focused on a specific type. Compared to the GSD, the White Swiss standard features a higher held head, a non-sloping topline, a difference in the front and rear assemblies, and a different gait. A long coat is also fully accepted in the standard.

Aside from his elegant appearance, the White Swiss Shepherd Dog is a large and powerful breed which is better suited to experienced owners. He can be somewhat protective of his owners and requires an person that understands how to manage this. He also may or may not be super excited about meeting strange dogs. Furthermore, he requires a house with a fenced yard and a medium amount of grooming – particularly the long coated variety, as he does shed. These are all aspects which novice owners may not be prepared to deal with.

The White Swiss is a versatile breed able to compete in a number of different sports and activities including herding (its original purpose), tracking, conformation, obedience, agility, dock diving, coursing, weight pull, drag racing, barn hunt and flyball. Some work as search and rescue dogs, others as therapy dogs, and a select few as service dogs. They are a breed that has a strong drive to work and enough energy to do that work all day! Athletic and capable, this talented breed also boasts high intelligence and easiness to train. It’s important to note that they are fairly sensitive and don’t learn well when trained overly harshly. They also can take a bit longer to mature psychologically than some other breeds of dog. Make sure that early and frequent socialization is part of the training plan.

One might wonder if the Berger Blanc Suisse/White Swiss Shepherd (BBS/WSSD) is the same thing as a white colored German Shepherd Dog (GSD) or a UKC White Shepherd (WS). Here’s where things get confusing… yes and no. If one were to import a BBS/WSSD puppy and register it in AKC – they would be able to, except that the AKC would register it as a GSD. One could also import a BBS/WSSD puppy and register with the UKC, and the UKC would register it as a WS. But any potential offspring would not be able to be registered as a BBS/WSSD. It helps to think of each as a separate breed OR a separate bloodline, depending upon which organization is doing the classification. Most of the world does consider the BBS/WSSD to be a separate breed entirely but it is left to be seen whether or not the AKC eventually follows suit. It could be said that the breeds are genetically the same although the BBS/WSSD has a distinctly different standard. Clear as mud? Good.

The Swiss Shepherd is known for his kind and gentle temperament. He is excellent with children and makes a fantastic companion for both singles and families alike, although his large size and energy level may make him unsuitable for those with small toddlers. He is attentive, loyal and develops a strong bond – so much so that he will not thrive if not able to spend time with his owner/s. He should not be an outdoor-only dog, nor should live in a home where nobody is home for most of the day. He deeply needs his people and wants to be near them as much as possible.

White Swiss Shepherds need a lot of daily exercise – in some cases up to two hours – so that they don’t get bored. Otherwise they can become destructive and loud. The breed thrives when given tasks to do and truly need a job (or three) to occupy their time! This canine athlete is generally healthy and up for anything, although a few health issues do run in the lines. Prospective owners should make sure that breeders do their due diligence when it comes to hip and elbow dysplasia and joint issues, and owners should also make sure not to over-exercise young puppies in ways which can stress growing joints.  When healthy, members of the breed tend to live for 11-13 years and will stay active and capable of greatness for a long time.