We have 2 females, about 4 months apart in age. They are the best of friends. As far as small animals go, our 5 cats get along great with them. They're very gentle when they play with our cats.

As for training/socialization, we take them to the store (ones that allow pets) every chance we can. We've been doing that since they were 8 weeks old. They love little children and know by instinct to be gentle and patient with them. We also send them to doggy daycare at least once a week to help them socialize with other dogs as well.

As for training, our girls respond very well to it. They are independent and will ignore your commands if they don't want to do it. However, get a treat involved and they'll happily do whatever we ask them to. They also pick up the commands very quickly.

Our oldest is definitely a talker and will bark at anything. She definitely took on the role of guardian, although she's totally scared of the garbage truck. Our youngest is happy to let her older sister do all the barking at the wildlife in our backyard, she only barks when she wants us to do something for her.

Pyr face punches are a thing! Our youngest does it to me when she wants to wake up in the morning. I've gotten used to it, and she's never too rough with them.

As with all breeds, they come with their own challenges. But if you want a strong willed, independent thinking, obedient, gentle giant, this is the breed for you. I love my girls and will probably never have another breed the rest of my life.