Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 12 and 14 years, which is satisfactory for a scenthound of this size. This longevity depends greatly on the quality of care, daily activity, weight control, and the prevention of minor problems related to outdoor living.
Build
A robust breed?
The Chien d'Artois is considered a rather robust breed, with a rustic build and good endurance. Its natural sturdiness does not exempt it from regular monitoring of the condition of the ears, paw pads, teeth and body condition, especially in a dog used for hunting.
Watch points
What to watch for
Vigilance focuses mainly on routine care and prevention: checking the ears after outings, monitoring weight outside periods of intense activity, examining the paw pads and standard veterinary follow-up. Good lifestyle hygiene limits most of the issues encountered in this type of dog.
External otitis : Its long, drooping ears can retain moisture and debris, which justifies regular monitoring, especially after outings outdoors.
Overweight : The breed may tend to gain weight if activity decreases without adjusting rations, particularly outside the hunting season.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Chien d'Artois lives well outdoors, but its tolerance is not unlimited in the face of high heat as well as marked cold. It must have a proper shelter, fresh water at all times and an activity adapted to weather conditions, avoiding intense efforts during the hottest hours.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
This breed can gain weight if its energy expenditure decreases while rations remain unchanged. It is therefore useful to adjust the diet according to the season, the level of exercise and age, then to regularly monitor the silhouette and weight to prevent overweight.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Check the ears after outings and clean them if needed.
- Examine the paw pads, coat and skin after walks in natural terrain.
- Maintain an annual veterinary follow-up and regular weight monitoring.
Vaccination
Artois Hound vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Artois Hound? Like all cats, the Artois Hound receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Artois 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 Artois 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 Artois Hound?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Artois Hound
An annual veterinary examination, supplemented by monitoring of the teeth, ears and locomotor condition, constitutes an appropriate basis. In a very active subject or one used for hunting, a more attentive check of physical condition and minor field injuries is relevant.
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.
