Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual lifespan is between 12 and 14 years. A suitable diet, regular activity, maintaining a healthy weight and preventive veterinary monitoring help preserve its quality of life.
Build
A robust breed?
Its strong build, its origin as a working dog and its dense coat give it good overall resistance. This robustness does not, however, exempt it from the recommended vaccinations, antiparasitic treatments and veterinary check-ups.
Watch points
What to watch for
No specific hereditary condition is reported as characteristic of the breed in the main source. Nevertheless, it is advisable to regularly monitor the ears, eyes, skin, paw pads, teeth, joints and changes in weight.
Hip dysplasia : Like many dogs, the Frisian Water Dog 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
Its dense, curly coat allows it to withstand the cold well. Its tolerance to heat is more moderate: during hot periods, outings must be scheduled during cool hours, with shade and water available.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its tendency to gain weight is moderate. The ration must be adjusted to its age, its weight and its activity level, then reassessed if its silhouette changes. Treats must remain measured and included in the daily intake.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Examine the coat, ears, eyes and paw pads after outings in natural environments.
- Brush the teeth regularly to limit tartar.
- Increase brushing during the seasonal molt.
- Have the weight and mobility checked during veterinary visits.
Vaccination
Frisian Water Dog vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Frisian Water Dog? Like all cats, the Frisian Water Dog receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Frisian Water Dog 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 Frisian Water Dog 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 Frisian Water Dog?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Frisian Water Dog
Before breeding, a complete veterinary examination of the breeding dogs is recommended, with attention paid to the locomotor system, the eyes and the general condition. Routine monitoring includes in particular checking the ears, teeth, weight and mobility.
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.
