Welcome to YT!
What do you feed them? I feed Jackson Fromm Surf and Turf (grainfree). He also likes Acana and Nature's Variety.
What kinds of toys do they like to play with? Jackson's not HUGE on toys but the ones he likes are squeaky (balls, plush, anything that squeaks). He also likes plastic and rubber frisbees.
Are they cuddly? I wouldn't really call Jackson "cuddly." He's definitely a Mama's boy, and will cuddle up on the couch with me while watching TV but it's usually just for 20 minutes or so before he hops off and gets cozy in his dog bed. He sleeps on my bed every night by my feet.
Do they enjoy swimming? Jackson LOVES to swim! My dad has a pool and he jumped in multiple times (while we were in it). I'm gonna be investing in a lifejacket for next summer though so he can go longer.
How often do they need to be walked? Jackson's got a lot of energy (he's not
hyper) but we try to go for a walk every day, minimum of 30 minutes (not in this winter weather though!) We also go to the dog park 1-3x per week (for visits of 2 hours usually). And definitely use a harness! Even Jackson is 12lbs so he's larger but his neck is so fragile. Weekends during the summer we walk 4-5 miles.
Is it okay to leave them outside in the yard? (on a leash or fenced-in) My dad has a fenced in yard and we just let the dogs outside by opening the door and letting them go out to potty. We don't let them stay out long without checking on them though, and in the summer time we're often outside alot anyways so they just stay out with us. My house we live in most of the time does not have a fence but 3 acres of farmland and I attach a 50 foot training leash to him and let him have lots of room.
Are they difficult to train? Jackson has been the EASIEST dog to train out of all the dogs I've been around and tried to trick train. Jackson knows over 20 tricks now and continues to learn every day. He's sooo fast at learning new tricks (fun things: play dead, get me a tissue, limp, etc) but he also excels in obedience (stay, come, etc). He's a blast to work with and the most willing to learn (I've tried training tricks to Boxers, Jack Russell mix, Doxy-mix, and cockapoo).