Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual life expectancy is between 12 and 14 years.
Build
A robust breed?
Its solid build, endurance and historical adaptation to the mountainous environment make it an overall robust dog. This hardiness does not exempt it from regular veterinary monitoring or from appropriate protection when conditions become extreme.
Watch points
What to watch for
No particular pathological predisposition is noted. Regular monitoring of the general condition, ears, eyes, skin, coat and paw pads remains recommended in order to quickly detect debris, parasites or signs of infection.
Hip dysplasia : Like many dogs, the Berger de Savoie may have a joint malformation that promotes pain and osteoarthritis, especially in cases of overweight.
Eye conditions : An ophthalmological examination of breeding dogs and monitoring of tearing or vision remain useful.
Otitis and skin allergies : Itching, redness, or dirty ears must be checked, especially if the dog works in cover.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Thanks to its undercoat and dense coat, the Berger de Savoie tolerates cold and ordinary bad weather well. It must nevertheless have an effective shelter and remain protected from extreme conditions. Its tolerance to heat is average and its activity must be adapted when temperatures rise.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its ration must be balanced and adapted to its age, its weight, its size and its activity level. Its sustained daily activity helps maintain its physical condition, while the quantities must be reassessed if its exercise decreases.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Regularly examine the ears, eyes, skin, coat and paw pads.
- Brush the dog once or twice a week and more often during shedding periods.
- Brush the teeth to limit tartar and bacterial proliferation.
- Trim the claws when they do not wear down naturally.
- Provide suitable shelter against bad weather and extreme conditions.
Vaccination
Berger de Savoie vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Berger de Savoie? Like all cats, the Berger de Savoie receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Berger de Savoie 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 Berger de Savoie 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 Berger de Savoie?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Berger de Savoie
In the absence of any particular predisposition reported, regular veterinary follow-up and routine examinations adapted to age are recommended. At home, it is advisable to frequently check the ears, eyes, skin, coat, paw pads, teeth and the length of the claws.
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.
