Yep, it sure is! I sometimes worry about what I'm "in for" with Bella, but I do my best to watch her exercise and keep her from bounding on stairs and such. I supplement, etc. in hopes that I will somehow be able to stave off some of the health issues I know Bella's predisposition ed to. I have never owned a pure breed before her, and I can already see a huge difference in health. Food can easily bother her and make her itchy, treats can alter her BM's, etc. My other dogs ran, ate (including things I would recommend NEVER giving a dog- I have my little boys to thank for that!), never had an allergy syptom, dry skin, strange BM's, etc. Health wise my mutts were a breeze, but temperment was a different story! And therein lies the trade off...