Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy of around 12 to 14 years, this breed is in a good average for a medium-sized scenthound. Longevity depends mainly on the quality of the breeding, weight control, joint care, and the regularity of veterinary follow-up.
Build
A robust breed?
The Bosnian Hound shows good overall hardiness and tolerates outdoor living well when it has suitable shelter. As with many working dogs, its sturdiness does not eliminate the need to monitor the joints, the eyes and recovery after exertion.
Watch points
What to watch for
Even though it is generally robust, this dog deserves particular attention from a locomotor and ophthalmological standpoint. Regular observation of its gait, its vision and its physical condition helps to detect early problems that may hinder its activity.
Cataract : An opacification of the lens can progressively impair vision and warrants prompt veterinary follow-up if the eyes become cloudy.
Hip dysplasia : This joint condition can cause locomotor discomfort, pain, and osteoarthritis, especially if the dog gains weight or makes poorly adapted efforts.
Elbow dysplasia : It can cause lameness and discomfort in an otherwise active dog, hence the value of serious selection of breeding dogs.
Progressive retinal atrophy : This slowly progressing eye disease can reduce vision up to functional blindness, with early signs that are sometimes subtle.
Patellar luxation : Intermittent or permanent displacement of the kneecap can hinder weight-bearing and requires a veterinary assessment depending on severity.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Thanks to its double, harsh and abundant coat, the Bosnian Hound tolerates cold and bad weather well. It also copes fairly well with heat if the effort is adapted, but intense outings must remain limited during high temperatures and always be accompanied by access to water and shade.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
This active breed more easily maintains a good body condition if its physical exertion remains regular. It is advisable to adjust rations according to age, activity level and season, while monitoring body condition to avoid weight gain that would strain the joints.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Check the ears after outings in nature to remove debris and parasites.
- Monitor gait and recovery after exertion to spot joint discomfort.
- Maintain a stable weight in order to limit the load on the hips and elbows.
- Have any change in vision or in the appearance of the eyes examined promptly.
Vaccination
Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound? Like all cats, the Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound 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 Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound 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 Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound
It is relevant to favor breeding dogs monitored for hips, elbows and certain eye conditions. On a daily basis, regular veterinary check-ups, combined with examination of the ears, eyes, pads and coat after outings, helps to keep the dog in good condition.
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.
