Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual lifespan is between 9 and 11 years.
Build
A robust breed?
Its powerful build gives it good overall robustness, but its joint health and its dermatological, bone and neurological predispositions must be monitored.
Watch points
What to watch for
Particular attention must be paid to the conditions to which the breed is predisposed, with appropriate veterinary monitoring from the growth stage.
Hip dysplasia : This joint condition is among the predispositions reported in the breed.
Demodicosis : Also called demodectic mange, this skin disease is among the conditions to which the breed is predisposed.
Osteoporosis : This bone fragility is mentioned among the breed's health risks.
Epilepsy : This neurological condition is among the predispositions reported in the Dogo Canario.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its single coat, almost devoid of undercoat, does not protect the Dogo Canario well from cold and bad weather. It must therefore be sheltered when weather conditions become difficult.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The reference sheet indicates a low tendency to gain weight, but the intake must remain adapted to its large size and its level of activity.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Protect the dog from cold, bad weather and harsh climatic conditions.
- Have its joints and health predispositions monitored by a veterinarian.
- Avoid overly intensive activities in order to preserve its joints.
- Brush the coat once a week and limit baths to once or twice a year.
Vaccination
Dogo Canario vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Dogo Canario? Like all cats, the Dogo Canario receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Dogo Canario 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 Dogo Canario 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 Dogo Canario?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Dogo Canario
Request hips, elbows, heart and a temperament examination. A molosser must remain functional in walking and breathing.
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.
