Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 11 and 12 years.
Build
A robust breed?
Rustic and fairly sturdy, it has an average to good level of robustness.
Watch points
What to watch for
No predisposition to any particular disease has been reported for this breed.
Hip dysplasia : Like many dogs, the Finnish Hound can 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 rated at an average level.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its tendency to gain weight is low, provided that its diet remains balanced and suited to its activity.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Maintain a stable weight and monitor gait.
- Keep up with vaccinations, dewormers and identification.
- Consult promptly in case of lameness, vomiting or lethargy.
Vaccination
Finnish Hound vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Finnish Hound? Like all cats, the Finnish Hound receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Finnish 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 Finnish 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 Finnish Hound?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Finnish Hound
Before breeding, request the relevant evaluations (hips, elbows, eyes, heart depending on the line) and a recent clinical examination. For a Finnish Hound kept as a companion, an annual check-up with monitoring of weight, teeth and locomotion remains essential.
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.
