🐶 Basic Characteristics

Height:
Males: 25 inches (63 cm)
Females: 23 inches (58 cm)
Weight:
Males: 85–100 lbs (38–45 kg)
Females: 75–85 lbs (34–39 kg)

Coat: Thick double coat: dense, woolly undercoat (1–2 inches thick) + coarse outer guard hairs.

Color:Shades of gray, black, sable, seal, red, or agouti with white markings.

Life Span:Average: 10–14 years

Temperament

• Affectionate & Loyal: Bonds strongly with family, loves companionship.
• Friendly: Not a natural guard dog; usually warm with strangers.
• Playful & Energetic: Needs a lot of exercise and stimulation.
• Independent & Stubborn: Intelligent but not always eager to obey; can be challenging for first-time owners.
• Pack-Oriented: Gets along with other dogs when socialized, but may show dominance (especially males).
• Good with Kids: Gentle and tolerant, but supervision needed due to size and strength.
• Strong Prey Drive: May chase cats, rabbits, or smaller animals.

Health

• Hip Dysplasia (joint malformation, common in large breeds).
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Cataracts & Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) → eye disorders leading to vision loss.
• Hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone deficiency → weight gain, lethargy, skin issues).
• Inherited Polyneuropathy (neurological condition affecting mobility).
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) → risk in deep-chested dogs.
• Chondrodysplasia (dwarfism, genetic condition in some lines).

Care Tips

• Regular vet checkups (hips, eyes, thyroid).
• Weight management (they gain easily if under-exercised).
• High-quality diet rich in protein.
• Avoid hot climates → prone to overheating due to thick coat.