Longevity
Life expectancy
With a balanced diet, regular activity and preventive veterinary monitoring, it generally lives between 10 and 12 years.
Build
A robust breed?
It is a solid and hardy dog, selected to work on varied terrain. Its low and elongated morphology nevertheless calls for protecting its back and joints by avoiding overweight, repeated jumps and excessive effort during growth.
Watch points
What to watch for
Particular attention must be paid to drooping ears, body condition and locomotion. Any pain, lameness, difficulty jumping or persistent head shaking warrants veterinary advice.
External otitis : The large, drooping ears promote moisture and the buildup of debris, which requires appropriate inspection and cleaning.
Back and joint strain : The low, elongated morphology can be put under greater strain in cases of overweight, repeated jumping, or unsuitable exertion.
Overweight : Excess weight increases the load on the back and short limbs and must be prevented through measured portions and regular activity.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its tight coat provides it with adequate protection in temperate climates, but its tolerance to cold as well as heat remains average. In summer, exertion should be scheduled during the cooler hours with water and shade. In cold or damp weather, it should be dried carefully after outings, especially around the ears.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its silhouette must remain lean and muscular so as not to overload its back and short limbs. The ration must be adapted to its actual activity, treats deducted from the daily intake and the weight checked regularly.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Inspect and dry the ears after each outing in a humid or vegetated environment.
- Regularly monitor weight and body condition.
- Limit repeated jumping and stairs, especially during growth.
- Check the paw pads, eyes and coat after hunting activities.
Vaccination
Westphalian Dachsbracke vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Westphalian Dachsbracke? Like all cats, the Westphalian Dachsbracke receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Westphalian Dachsbracke is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Westphalian Dachsbracke vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Westphalian Dachsbracke?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Westphalian Dachsbracke
Before adoption, it is useful to find out about the health and longevity of the parents. A regular veterinary examination must include the ears, dentition, body condition, back and joints. In a hunting dog, checking the paw pads, eyes and coat after each outing usefully completes this monitoring.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
