Perennial. Zone 4-5. $2800.00. About two gallons during the day on hot days and liberal dousing with the hose for approximately an hour at a time and as often as you can tolerate as the caregiver. Ponds, lakes, and rivers are essential for its survival. They also prefer Kong frisbees and the rubber Chuck-it balls, marrow bones, antlers, sticks lots of sticks, and dehydrated chicken strips by the handful. They react well to children and can stare down strangers at a distance with a how fast can you run smirk. Loves other dogs big or little all are welcome to play like dogs. I recommend a quality breeder if you are going to acquire one to avoid certain genetic issues. They can be needy and clingy but yours until the end. Brushing is tri-daily must do maintenance or suffer the dust buffalo invasions of your home.