Longevity
Life expectancy
It generally lives between 12 and 14 years.
Build
A robust breed?
Of robust and lean build, the Italian Hound shows good overall sturdiness and an endurance suited to its activity as a hunting dog.
Watch points
What to watch for
Even if the breed does not show any clearly established major predisposition, regular veterinary follow-up remains necessary in order to monitor the musculoskeletal system, the drooping ears and any possible injuries related to outdoor activities.
Hip dysplasia : Like many dogs, the Italian Scenthound 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 tearing or vision remain useful.
Otitis and skin allergies : Itching, redness, or dirty ears must be checked, especially if the dog works in dense cover.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its tolerance to cold as well as to heat is average.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its tendency to gain weight is moderate.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Examine the coat, ears, eyes and paw pads after each outing in a natural environment.
- Brush the short-haired variety once a week.
- Brush the rough-haired variety two to three times a week.
- Brush the teeth regularly to limit tartar and bacteria.
- Trim the claws when they do not wear down naturally.
Vaccination
Italian Hound vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Italian Hound? Like all cats, the Italian Hound receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Italian 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 Italian 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 Italian Hound?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Italian Hound
Before breeding, a general veterinary examination and a check of the locomotor system are recommended. Routine monitoring includes in particular vaccinations, parasite prevention, ear examination and checking body 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.
