Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 10 and 12 years. A suitable diet, regular activity, maintaining a stable weight and preventive veterinary follow-up help preserve its quality of life.
Build
A robust breed?
Its strong and sturdy build gives it good overall resistance. This sturdiness does not exempt it from veterinary follow-up, notably for the joints, the eyes and the long drooping ears.
Watch points
What to watch for
The main points of vigilance concern the hips, the eyelids and the ears. Appropriate screening and regular check-ups make it possible to detect abnormalities and inflammations early.
Hip dysplasia : An abnormal development of the coxofemoral joint that can cause pain, lameness, and osteoarthritis.
Ectropion : An eversion of the eyelid that exposes the conjunctiva and promotes irritation or inflammation.
Entropion : A rolling of the eyelid inward that may irritate the cornea.
Otitis : Long, drooping ears can promote inflammation of the ear canal and require regular monitoring.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its tolerance to cold as well as to heat is average. Its short coat offers limited protection in cold weather, while activities must be adapted during high heat, with breaks and permanent access to shade and water.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its tendency to gain weight is moderate. The ration must be adjusted to its level of activity, increased judiciously during hunting periods and then brought back to its usual level when the effort decreases.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Have the hips checked according to veterinary recommendations.
- Examine and regularly clean the long drooping ears.
- Monitor the eyes and eyelids.
- Inspect the coat, paw pads, and skin after each outing in a natural environment.
- Brush the teeth frequently and check the length of the nails.
Vaccination
Spanish Hound vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Spanish Hound? Like all cats, the Spanish Hound receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Spanish 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 Spanish 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 Spanish Hound?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Spanish Hound
A hip examination is recommended. Veterinary follow-up should also include checking the eyelids and ear canals, particularly exposed due to the very long drooping ears.
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.
