English Shepherd Information & Dog Breed Facts
Collection of all the general dog breed info about English Shepherd so you can get to know the breed more.
Group | Working Dogs |
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Popularity Rank | 298 |
Reviews | 1 |
User Ratings | |
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Common Names & Aliases
What other names is an English Shepherd known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed. | Farm Collie |
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Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is an English Shepherd? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category. | Purebred |
Size Classification
What size category is an English Shepherd? Learn how big the English Shepherd breed typically grows. | Medium |
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Weight Statistics
How much does an English Shepherd weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the English Shepherd breed. | Male: 45-60 pounds (21-28 kg), Female: 40-50 pounds (18-23 kg) |
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an English Shepherd? | Male: 52.5 pounds (24.5 kg), Female: 45 pounds (20.5 kg) |
Height
How tall is the English Shepherd? English Shepherd height: | 18-23 inches (46-58 cm) |
Average Height
What is the average height of an English Shepherd? | 20.5 inches (52 cm) |
Price Range
How much does an English Shepherd puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting English Shepherd costs. | $800-$1000 If you choose to purchase the English Shepherd, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a English Shepherd for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the English Shepherd gets to a happy place. |
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Availability
How easy is it to get a English Shepherd? How many English Shepherd are there in the world? | Average: The English Shepherd is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs. Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful. |
Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is an English Shepherd? Discover the English Shepherd's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.
The English Shepherd ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs. |
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Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train an English Shepherd? Learn about the English Shepherd's trainability and response to training methods. | English Shepherd dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly. |
Watchdog Rating
How good is an English Shepherd as a watchdog? Learn about the English Shepherd's alertness and guarding instincts. | English Shepherd dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the English Shepherd dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
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Territorial Protection
Is an English Shepherd protective of its territory? Learn about the English Shepherd's guarding instincts and behavior. | English Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the English Shepherd can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the English Shepherd will take care of unwanted people or animals. |
Personality Traits
What personality does an English Shepherd have? Learn about characteristic English Shepherd temperament and behavior traits. | PlayfulIndependentEnergeticAlertCourageousIntelligentFriendlyResponsiveAdaptable |
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Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? English Shepherd sensitivity: | Sensitive: English Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well. |
Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an English Shepherd a good family dog? | High: English Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness. |
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Farm Collie need? English Shepherd social needs: | English Shepherd dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the English Shepherd to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does English Shepherd roam? | English Shepherd dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command. |
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does English Shepherd have high prey drive? | English Shepherd dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. |
Barking Frequency
Does an English Shepherd bark a lot? Learn about typical English Shepherd vocalization patterns and triggers. | Low to Average: The English Shepherd rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.
Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking. |
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Playful Nature
How playful is an English Shepherd? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the English Shepherd breed. | Average: English Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed. |
Apartment Adaptability
Can an English Shepherd live in an apartment? Learn about the English Shepherd's suitability for apartment living. | It is not recommended to keep the English Shepherd breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the English Shepherd indoors by introducing daily routines. |
Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is an English Shepherd to lifestyle changes? Learn about the English Shepherd's flexibility to new situations. | English Shepherd dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner. |
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Alone Time Tolerance
Can an English Shepherd be left alone? Learn about the English Shepherd's tolerance to solitude. | English Shepherd dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. |
Bite Risk Assessment
What is an English Shepherd biting potential? Learn about the English Shepherd's bite risk factors. | Low 🔽 The English Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.) |
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Mouthing Tendency
Is an English Shepherd mouthy? Learn about the English Shepherd's tendency to use mouth during play. | English Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but English Shepherd dogs need to be taught a good attitude. |
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is an English Shepherd bite? Learn about the English Shepherd's bite force measured in PSI. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ English Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. Bite force English Shepherd measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of an English Shepherd is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This English Shepherd bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. English Shepherd bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train an English Shepherd puppy not to bite from an early age.
The English Shepherd, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained. However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for. In conclusion, while the English Shepherd bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, an English Shepherd can be a loyal and protective companion for your family. |
Average Lifespan
How long does an English Shepherd live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the English Shepherd breed. | 11-15 years The average lifespan of English Shepherd: 13 years |
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Climate Tolerance
How well does an English Shepherd handle different weather? Learn about the English Shepherd's climate adaptability. | Prefers average to cold weather conditions The English Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. |
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in an English Shepherd? Discover typical conditions affecting the English Shepherd breed. | English Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
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Vet Care Frequency
How often does an English Shepherd need vet visits? Learn about the English Shepherd's veterinary care requirements. | Frequent The English Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian. |
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the English Shepherd breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the English Shepherd breed? Most common health risks of English Shepherd: | Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Drug SensitivityCollie Eye Anomaly |
Energy Rating
How energetic is an English Shepherd? Understand daily activity needs of the English Shepherd breed. | English Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an English Shepherd need? How much exercise do English Shepherd dogs require per day?
Do English Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises? | English Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. |
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the English Shepherd breed need? | English Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you. |
Obesity Tendency
Is an English Shepherd prone to weight gain? Learn about the English Shepherd's obesity risks. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the English Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.
If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the English Shepherd weight regularly. |
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Food Consumption
How much food does an English Shepherd need daily? Learn about the English Shepherd's feeding requirements. | 3 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
Allergy Friendliness
Is an English Shepherd hypoallergenic? Learn about the English Shepherd's suitability for allergy sufferers. | No English Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair. |
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Coat Colors
What colors does an English Shepherd come in? Discover all possible English Shepherd color variations. | BlackTan White BrownSableYellow Brindle Tricolor |
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does an English Shepherd need? Learn about English Shepherd coat maintenance requirements. | Easy to groom: The English Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. English Shepherd is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog. Recommended for beginners. |
Drooling Tendency
Does an English Shepherd drool a lot? Learn about the English Shepherd's drooling habits. | The English Shepherd drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool more than others, just like the English Shepherd.
If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible. |
Stinkiness Rating
Does an English Shepherd smell bad? Learn about the English Shepherd's natural odor levels. | Medium ⏺ The English Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks. |
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does an English Shepherd have? Learn about the English Shepherd's fur characteristics. | FluffySilky |
Bathing Needs
How often does an English Shepherd need baths? Learn about the English Shepherd's bathing requirements. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.
Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean. |
Shedding Level
How much do English Shepherd dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Farm Collie? Do English Shepherd dogs shed a lot? | English Shepherd dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type. |
Child Compatibility
Is an English Shepherd good with children? Learn about the English Shepherd's behavior around kids of different ages. | English Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children. |
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Pet Compatibility
How well does an English Shepherd get along with other pets? Discover the English Shepherd's compatibility with other animals. | English Shepherd dogs are usually friendly towards other pets. |
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? English Shepherd temperament with other people: | English Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
How well do English Shepherd dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the English Shepherd breed live with a cat? | English Shepherd dogs are cat-friendly dogs. |
Dog Friendly
Is English Shepherd good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do English Shepherd dogs get along with other dogs? | English Shepherd dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the English Shepherd can be a great choice. |
Good For First Time Owners
Is English Shepherd breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is English Shepherd breed suitable for first-time owners? | Yes English Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Office Friendly
Are English Shepherd dogs good office canines? Do English Shepherd dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs? | No English Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do English Shepherd dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Farm Collie temperament with senior people? Are English Shepherd dogs good for elderly owners? | English Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people. |
Service Dog Capability
Can an English Shepherd be a service dog? Learn about the English Shepherd's service work potential. | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
English Shepherd breed is a good choice for service purposes. |
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Therapy Work Suitability
Is an English Shepherd good as a therapy dog? Learn about the English Shepherd's therapy work aptitude. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.
English Shepherd is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes. |
Scent Detection Ability
Is an English Shepherd good at detection work? Learn about the English Shepherd's scenting abilities. | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.
English Shepherd is not the best breed for detection purposes. |
Search & Rescue Potential
Can an English Shepherd do search and rescue? Learn about the English Shepherd's SAR capabilities. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.
The English Shepherd is not the best breed for SAR purposes. |
Maritime Work Ability
Is an English Shepherd good on boats? Learn about the English Shepherd's maritime capabilities. | Not really English Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo. Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats. |
Draft Work Capability
Can an English Shepherd pull carts? Learn about the English Shepherd's drafting abilities. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.
English Shepherd is not the best breed for drafting purposes. |
Military Service Background
Was an English Shepherd used in military service? Learn about the English Shepherd's military history. | Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does an English Shepherd usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes. | 5-8 puppies, average 6 |
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Pregnancy Duration
How long is an English Shepherd pregnant? Learn about the English Shepherd's gestation period. | 60-64 days Reproductive cycle of the female English Shepherd: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.
During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge. The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days. The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color. The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months. |
Breeding Frequency
How often can an English Shepherd have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year. |
AKC Classification
What AKC group is an English Shepherd in? Learn about the English Shepherd's AKC classification. | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. |
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FCI Classification
What FCI group is an English Shepherd in? Learn about the English Shepherd's international classification. | Not recognized by FCI. |
Kennel Club Recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize an English Shepherd? Learn about the English Shepherd's official recognition. | American Canine RegistryAmerica's Pet RegistryDog Registry of America Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Continental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubUnited Kennel ClubAnimal Research Foundation |
English Shepherd Pros and Cons
- Training Difficulty: English Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
- Grooming Requirements: Easy to groom: The English Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming.
- Watchdog Rating: English Shepherd dogs are good watchdogs.
- Lifestyle Adaptability: English Shepherd dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
- Child Compatibility: English Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
- Cat Friendly: English Shepherd dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
- Dog Friendly: English Shepherd dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
- Senior Citizens Friendly: English Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people.
- Good For First Time Owners: English Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
- Service Dog Capability: This breed makes good as a service dog.
- Health Concerns: English Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
- Allergy Friendliness: English Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
- Apartment Adaptability: It is not recommended to keep the English Shepherd breed in the home.
- Drooling Tendency: The English Shepherd drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
- Obesity Tendency: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the English Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
- Mouthing Tendency: English Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
- Alone Time Tolerance: English Shepherd dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
- Office Friendly: English Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
English Shepherd History
Introduction
The English Shepherds, sometimes called “shadow shepherds” because of their love for being around their humans, are medium-sized dogs with a strong and agile build.
They have a history of working on farms but also make companion pets.
Origins
Despite its name, the English Shepherd is actually an American breed, known as the original all-purpose farm dog.
Early settlers from Britain and Ireland carried collies of various types to the New World, and the English Shepherd shares a heritage with the current Border Collie, Scotch Collie, and Australian Shepherd.
The English Shepherd’s predecessors were widely utilized on farms throughout the eastern states, mostly as sheep or cattle herders, but it also served as a watchdog, ratter, and companion.
America’s finest contribution to the dog world is the English Shepherd. The breed developed into the wonderful app-purpose dog it is today in America.
The English Shepherds were one of the few canines chosen to travel aboard the Mayflower. Moreover, the breed has also accompanied America’s westward expansion as it was in charge of guarding their prized livestock and assisted them in the search for the game that was so important to their existence.
The English Shepherd was a dog who also gave warning of the attack and fought and died alongside the early Americans who helped build the United States.
No other dog played such an important role in the formation of the United States of America. No dog, like no person, could be a specialist in those early days.
To survive in those days, you needed a lot of knowledge about a lot of subjects. This was the reason for the breed's early breeding as it was bred to do anything its master demanded.
Although originally a herding dog, the English Shepherd of today is a utility dog rarely equaled. In some dogs the herding instinct is stronger than in others, generally, smaller types of dogs are not as rough workers as the larger ones.
As a result of their size and speed, the smaller ones are utilized for geese, sheep, and goats, on the other hand, the large ones are used for hogs and cattle. Regardless of size, the English Shepherd is a fearless dog who will complete the task at hand.
Decline inbreeding
The English Shepherd is considered a rare breed and there are several reasons behind this. One is the decline of family farms.
As time went by, more and more people moved to the city and there was not as much need for these types of dogs as they were firmly associated with farming.
Eventually, fewer and fewer people knew about them and the variety of uses they could be put to. In fact, during the Second World War, the English Shepherd was one of the armed service's top choices for dog training.
However, in the end, the German Shepherd was chosen for the top spot. Today, as their usefulness has started to be recognized once more, they are still hard to dins and their gene pool is limited.
Recognition
The United Kennel Club has been registering English Shepherds since 1927, originally the UKC called the breed the American Farm Shepherd but in 2003 renamed it the English Shepherd.
The breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
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English Shepherd Comments, Reviews and Questions
- Michael
May 19, 2023, 1:07:16 AM:
We love our English shepherd. Very friendly, loves having company over, and gets along with other dogs. He was very easy to train. He does need LOTS of attention and exercise. Likes to run and make sure he is the center of attention.