Temperament: Gentle, peaceful, dignified, easy-going and playful.

Behaviour with children: Behaves well with children.

Behaviour with other pets:Never looks for trouble - if brought up with felines will behave well, if not brought up with cats, do not trust.

Activity Level: Requires a reasonable amount of daily exercise.

Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 years plus or minus.

Living Environment:Can withstand apartment living provded sufficient daily exercise. Pretty active indoors. Backyard should be available. Can suffer discomfort in really hot weather.

Health Problems:Prone to Hip Dysplasia and sometimes diabetes. Sometimes prone to skin problems and eye problems (PRA) particularly in males.

GROOMING

This breed requires extensive grooming.

A good daily brushing and/or comb is required.

Check through heavy fluffy double coat for matts or tangles.

Bathe only when really necessary.

Coat colour retains its extreme colour white without repeated bathings.

Check inside of ears and keep clean.

Check eyes for tearing or foreign objects.

Depending on individual, clip nails approx every 4 - 6 weeks.

Seasonally heavy shedders.