Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual life expectancy is between 12 and 14 years, subject to an appropriate diet, regular activity and preventive veterinary monitoring.
Build
A robust breed?
This breed is generally robust and resilient. Its endurance and double coat allow it to work in harsh Nordic conditions, without dispensing with regular veterinary follow-up.
Watch points
What to watch for
The main points of vigilance concern the joints and the eyes. Choosing a breeder that carries out the recommended screenings helps to limit hereditary risks.
Hip dysplasia : Orthopedic condition to screen for in breeding dogs and to monitor during growth.
Elbow dysplasia : Joint abnormality that can cause pain and lameness, warranting screening of breeding dogs.
Progressive retinal atrophy : Progressive eye condition mentioned among the breed’s minor concerns.
Allergies : Occasional concern that may require a veterinary evaluation in case of skin or digestive signs.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its double, thick coat gives it excellent tolerance to cold and bad weather. It tolerates heat less well; exertion must then be shifted to cooler hours and permanent access to shade and water must be ensured.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its tendency to gain weight is moderate. The ration must be adjusted to its age, its size and above all its activity level, with regular monitoring of body condition.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Have the hips and elbows of breeding dogs screened.
- Plan regular ophthalmological follow-up.
- Check the coat, ears, eyes and paw pads after outings in nature.
- Brush the teeth regularly and monitor the length of the claws.
Vaccination
Swedish Elkhound vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Swedish Elkhound? Like all cats, the Swedish Elkhound receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Swedish Elkhound 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 Swedish Elkhound 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 Swedish Elkhound?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Swedish Elkhound
Breeding dogs should be evaluated for hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Ophthalmological monitoring is also relevant due to the risk of progressive retinal atrophy.
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.
