Sorry to bump an old thread. I agree with Jack and worknapbt here. These dogs excel at a lot more than just the box. Even if you only own them as a pet, you can always compete recreationally in weight pulling, wall climbing, spring pole, treadmill race competitions and so on. Also depending on the line and individual dog, they can be great as housedogs too if you raise em in a house since puppyhood. The only problem I have is if people who don't understand this breed (calling them pibbles) tried to make them golden retrievers.