Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual lifespan is between 12 and 15 years. Regular physical activity but adapted to its age, maintaining a healthy weight, preventive care and a quality diet help preserve its vitality over the years.
Build
A robust breed?
Rustic and hardy, this French shepherd tolerates exertion well and has a solid constitution. Its double coat protects it effectively from bad weather, but its robustness does not exempt it from vaccinations, antiparasitic treatments, dental check-ups and a prompt consultation in the event of any unusual change.
Watch points
What to watch for
The breed does not show a marked general fragility, but responsible selection and regular monitoring help to limit hereditary disorders or those related to activity. The veterinarian will adapt the examinations to the dog's age, family history, and lifestyle.
Hip dysplasia : An abnormality of the joint can promote pain and osteoarthritis; screening breeding dogs and controlled growth reduce the risks.
Hereditary eye conditions : Regular ophthalmological examinations and screening breeding dogs make it possible to identify certain abnormalities early.
Activity-related injuries : Its energy can expose it to sprains or trauma; warm-up, gradual increases in effort, and recovery are important.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its harsh coat combined with a dense undercoat gives it good resistance to cold and bad weather. It tolerates heat moderately: in summer, exercise must be moved to cooler hours, with permanent access to shade and water. It must never be left in a closed vehicle.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Very active, the Berger de Picardie does not easily gain weight when it gets enough exercise. Its ration must nevertheless be adjusted to its age, its activity, its sterilization and its body condition. The ribs must remain palpable without being visible, and any lasting variation in weight deserves veterinary advice.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Keep vaccinations and antiparasitic treatments up to date.
- Have the hips and eyes of breeding dogs checked.
- Inspect paw pads, ears and coat after outings in nature.
- Schedule an annual veterinary check-up, then more frequent for seniors.
Vaccination
Picardy Shepherd vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Picardy Shepherd? Like all cats, the Picardy Shepherd receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Picardy Shepherd 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 Picardy Shepherd 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 Picardy Shepherd?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Picardy Shepherd
Before breeding, it is advisable to have the hips assessed and to request an ophthalmological examination of the breeding dogs. An annual veterinary check-up, then more frequent in the senior, makes it possible to monitor weight, locomotion, eyes, dentition and vaccination status.
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.
